Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) is used by filter makers to speed up manufacturing of filters and filter elements (cartridges). On the other hand, modelling pleats with multilayered materials and varying pleat counts is such a tedious design process that very few designs are manufactured and tested. CAD data may also be used as input for simulations that predict pressure drop, filter efficiency, and filter lifetime of filters.

In this workshop, we present a digital simulation framework that starts with the CAD data but then allows automatic parameter studies on the pleats. Compared to other methodologies, our 3d image-based approach works completely automatic and requires no manual meshing steps before running the simulations.

As an example, we will work on importing a given CAD structure of a filter with housing. Then, we will explain the new feature of generating a variety of cylindrical pleated structures using the PleatGeo module. These cylindrical pleated structures will be then systematically substituted to produce various filter element geometries, which we will test digitally regarding their pressure or filtration performance. These systematic simulations may also be carried out in the cloud to enhance and improve their efficiency and speed. This has the great benefit that simulations are run simultaneously rather than sequentially and all results are obtained at the same time.