What does the term "residence time" refer to?

The term "residence time" specifically refers to the time it takes for air to cross a distance equal to the thickness of the filter. This measurement is significant because it directly impacts the efficiency of the air filtration process. The longer the air takes to pass through the filter, the more opportunity it has to interact with the filter media and, consequently, capture contaminants effectively.

In the context of air filtration, residence time can influence the overall performance of the filter system. A greater residence time usually allows for better contaminant capture, as the air is forced to stay in contact with the filtration material longer, thereby increasing the chances of particles being trapped.

Understanding this concept is crucial for optimizing filter design and operational parameters to ensure maximum efficiency in air filtration systems.