Suspension extraction through an opening before clogging

Fluids with particles in suspension can be extracted through an orifice until particles bridge across the opening and clog it. We derive and study a mathematical model to predict the volume of fluid that can be extracted before clogging. Numerical simulations and closed-form upper and lower bound solutions show the dependency of the expected extracted volume on the volume fraction of particles in suspension and the relative particle-to-orifice size. These results are the first step toward a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms leading to filter clogging with relevance to geomaterials, biomaterials, and industrial applications. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1818342]