Filtration is one of the most effective methods to remove suspended fine particles from air. In filtration processes

pressure drop of compact dust cake causes problems in efficiency and economy

which has received increasing attention and still remains challenging. In this study

we developed a novel technique to intensify the filtration of fine particles with efficient humidification. Two strategies for humidification

including ultrasonic atomization and steam humidification (controlling of ambient humidity)

were employed and proved to be both effective. The regeneration frequency of the filter could be reduced by 55%with ultrasonic atomization

while steamhumidification could lead to a 78% reduction in regeneration frequency. The effect of operating conditions on pressure drop and the mass loading during filtration were investigated. The dust cake showed a loose and porous structure with an optimized droplet-to-particle ratio.With the ratio of 1.53 and 0.0282

themaximum mass loadingwas 552 g·m

-2

upon the ultrasonic atomization and 720 g·m

-2

upon the steam humidification. The results show that humidification could slow down the increase of pressure drop during filtration and improve the efficiency of process.