MAGFIS · Development of Advanced Magnetic Filtration System for Industrial Lubricants

Scope of proposed research include the sustainable design and development of advanced magnetic filtration systems and modelling of their behaviour that will assist to achieve a step change in fluid management technology used in industrial lubricant filtration systems, for example metalworking and washing process. The emphasis of the research lies in the development and validation of industrial prototype of media-free magnetic system that can capture and recycle fine particulates and contaminations from fluids. The designed system will provide a range of benefits including a) improved cost and efficiency of filtration process, b) savings of expensive lubricants and processed materials and c) reducing environmental impact from industrial fluids and materials. Fundamental study and modelling of turbulent flows within a filtration process will be closely combined with an experimental work conducted at TU Delft laboratories and in collaboration with industrial partners. The main contributions and novelty of the proposed research include (1) development of commercial prototype and an integrated design of advanced magnetic filter for industrial application, (2) development of computational methods and tools to predict performance of filtration system in various operational regimes subjected to intense heat-mass transfer and magnetic fields (up to 12,500 Gauss), (3) computational modelling of multi-phase flows and supporting measurements using invasive and non-invasive 2D/3D fluid mechanics techniques. Integration and product trial of a system prototype with commercial metalworking machines is expected to be completed during this project. Results of this research can stimulate the application of advanced environmentally friendly technology in broad industries and will provide a platform for Industry-Academic Knowledge Transfer Partnership and integration of the fellow into local community.