ENHANCED FILTRATION PROGRAM AT LLL - A PROGRESS REPORT.

As part of Lawrence Livermore Laboratory's Enhanced Filtration Program, the authors are investigating the use of an externally applied electric field to improve the performance of fibrous filters. Their objective in this program is to develop filtration systems for the nuclear industry that will reduce the cost and volume of nuclear waste associated with present systems. They have developed a new theory of the electrostatic filter that is consistent with experimental tests made during transient and steady-state conditions. They have also developed a theoretical model that explains the increase in filter efficiency and pressure drop when particles load on the filter. Two systems developed for use in the nuclear industry use electric fields to increase the performance of fibrous filters. One is designed for use inside glove boxes to control radioactive particles at their source; the other is designed for use in ventilation systems. This paper reports the results of laboratory and field evaluations for the glove box system.