Prof. dr. Darko Lovrec, univ. dipl. inž., Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za strojništvo

Abstract:
Filtering or removing unwanted solid particles from the medium we want to clean, be it different gases or liquids, is a very complex process. This is already evident in the basic terms related to the type, material and shape of the filter and the filtering process. This is especially evident in the in-depth knowledge of the physical background of the liquid passing through the filter, the mechanisms of the elimination of unwanted particles, and in the modelling and simulation of this process. Despite the complexity, this knowledge is essential when designing suitable filter materials and entire filter. The latter is usually the domain of manufacturers of filter materials and filters and those engaged in research related to the field of filtration.

The contribution gives in more detail the background of the process of hydraulic fluid passing through the filter. In the introduction, general information related to filtering methods and types of filters, especially those suitable for filtering hydraulic fluids and known to every operator of hydraulic or lubrication systems, is given. In the following, the physical background of the passage of liquid through the filter, various mechanisms of the elimination of unwanted particles, and the approach to mathematical modelling and numerical simulation as an effective tool for studies related to the issue of filtering are presented in more detail. The cited sources of research and studies and insights enable users to better understand these processes, and provide filter developers with a basis for designing an effective filter.

Key words:
hydraulic filters, fluid passing, particle elimination methods, physical equations, numerical simulation