Model Development for the Design of Better Mist Filters;Final rept

摘要

More than one millon workers are exposed to metalworking fluid mists in the United States. Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to these mists is related to respiratory ailments such a chronic cough, bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis and skin disorders such as dermatitis. Some research has suggested that exposure to metalworking fluid mists may be related to certain types of cancer, particularly those in the gastrointestinal tract. In workplaces mist droplets are collected by local exhaust ventilation and the captured air is often passed through mist collectors containing filters before the cleaned air is recirculated to the workplace. Thus, the filters should be able to maintain flow through the system and collect as many droplets as possible. Prior research has shown that pressure drop increases and efficiency decreases for mist filters as they are used. The objective of this research was to determine if altering the kind of fibers used in a filter and the dimensions of a filter could be tools to make mist filters more effective than they are now.