Oil filters contain various layers of glas fiber papers and non-woven materials. The properties of the used materials are important for the efficiency of the filters. Aim is the development of a filter with minimal pressure decrease and minimal rest oil at the end of the filter.

We simulate the flow of two phases (e.g. air and oil) in a geometry model of fiber materials. For this purpose the Lattice Boltzmann mothod is especially suitable because this method can handle boundary conditions in any geometric structure without additional efforts.

We calculate

• the oil distribution.
• the relative Permeability with the Darcy law for two phases from the average velocity.
• the pressure distribution and the capillary pressure.

The results depend on:

• The oil saturation.
• The properties of the geometry model (e.g. porosity, radii distribution).
• Material properties of the two phases (oil-air,water-air).
• Wetting properties

Saturation 0.22 Saturation 0.33

Oil non wetting Oil non wetting