Infiltrationsprocesser

Infiltrationsprocesser, or infiltration processes, describe the movement of a liquid into and through a porous medium, and the related steps in filtration where liquids are separated from solids as they pass through filter media. In hydrology and soil science, infiltration is the process by which surface water enters soil and begins to percolate downward, contributing to groundwater recharge or to runoff. In engineering, filtration involves fluid flow through media such as sand, activated carbon, or membranes to remove particulates and dissolved substances.

Mechanisms: gravity and pressure drive flow; porous media filter by physical sieving and straining, chemical adsorption, dissolution, and ion exchange; biological processes can alter media properties. In soils, infiltration rate depends on porosity, hydraulic conductivity, soil texture, structure, surface crusting, moisture, and antecedent conditions.

Models and measurements: common infiltration models include Horton, Green-Ampt, and Philip; rate data obtained with infiltrometers or rainfall simulators inform design and hydrological analysis.

Applications: groundwater recharge, drainage design, stormwater management, and wastewater treatment where infiltration basins and beds remove particulates; in industry, filtration systems use infiltration principles in media packs and membranes.

Limitations: clogging, fouling, compaction, and variability in media properties reduce performance; maintenance and pretreatment are often needed; environmental factors and climate influence infiltration rates and water quality.