Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Water Flow through Porous Ceramic Clay Composite Water Filter

Abstract

Water flow through point-of-use porous ceramic water treatment filters have been theoretically analyzed in this technical paper. Filters tested were manufactured by combining low cost materials namely, clay and sawdust. Three filters with distinct volume fractions of clay to sawdust (75:25, 65:35 and 50:50) were tested. Sintered clay filters casted in frustum shapes were structurally characterized using mercury intrusion porosimetry. A linear increase in porosity with volume fraction of sawdust was observed. Flow experiments were carried out at constant room temperature and pressure. Potable tap water was used in these studies. Flows through filters occurring with drop in the head of water under gravity were statistically analyzed. Discharges through the filters were predicted with respect to independent variables of time for cumulative discharge and volume fraction of sawdust used for manufacturing the filters. The experimental data analysis predicts a multiplicative influence of time and volume fraction of sawdust respectively, on discharge from the filters. The results demonstrate a new theoretical approach for prediction of flow in similar types of heterogeneous porous media as discussed in this technical paper.