OPTIMAL POROUS MESH GEOMETRY THAT MAXIMIZES THE BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE

A primary parameter for gauging performance of a particular porous mesh screen is the bubble point pressure, or differential pressure across a screen pore that overcomes the surface tension of the liquid at that pore. The general trend that has been assumed throughout the literature is that the finer the mesh, the higher the bubble point. This assumption is based on the view that higher mesh counts have smaller absolute micron ratings, which lead to higher capillary pressures. Recently collected experimental results in both storable and cryogenic liquids show clear evidence that negates this long-held assumption. Analysis shows that it is not just the fineness of the mesh, but also the shute to warp diameter ratio, that controls the bubble breakthrough pressure. Based on results, the 450 x 2750 Dutch Twill mesh has the optimal pore geometry which maximizes the bubble point pressure.