High efficiency particulate removal with sintered metal filters

Because of their particle removal efficiencies and durability, sintered metal filters have been chosen for high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter protection in the off gas treatment system for a proposed transuranic waste treatment facility. Process evaluation of sintered metal filters indicated a lack of sufficient process design data to ensure trouble free operation. Subsequence pilot scale testing was performed with flyash as the test particulate. The test results showed that the sintered metal filters can have an efficiency greater than 0.9999999 for the specific test conditions used. Stable pressure drop characteristics were observed in pulsed and reversed flow blowback modes of operation. Over 4900 hours of operation were obtained with operating conditions ranging up to approximately 90 C and 24 vol % water vapor in the gas stream.