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How Often Should We Backwash Our Filtration System?
Author(s) -
Kline Pat
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.2007.tb01945.x
Subject(s) - backwashing , filtration (mathematics) , filter (signal processing) , turbidity , effluent , hydraulic head , process engineering , environmental science , computer science , environmental engineering , engineering , mathematics , mechanical engineering , geotechnical engineering , geology , electrical engineering , statistics , inlet , oceanography
This month's question asks about the frequency of backwashing a filtration system. The article focuses on granular media filters, and recommends operating the filters until their design limit for head loss, operating time, or filter effluent turbidity is reached, whichever comes first. When one of these limits is reached, the filter should be removed from service and backwashed. When using an automated backwashing system, the article recommends observing the backwashing process to keep the filter working well, and lists things to look for. Recommendations for inspecting the filter surface are provided.