Installing the right water filtration in industrial applications comes with a long list of benefits. A good filtration system helps lengthen the equipment life, cuts down the maintenance costs, creates a shield against hazardous chemicals, and lowers the effluent costs. It is how meticulously the water filtration process is planned and executed that makes or Read more
water filtration
Installing the right water filtration in industrial applications comes with a long list of benefits. A good filtration system helps lengthen the equipment life, cuts down the maintenance costs, creates a shield against hazardous chemicals, and lowers the effluent costs.
It is how meticulously the water filtration process is planned and executed that makes or breaks the overall system. Anything could take a faulty turn when executing a filtration process. For instance, a wrong pump might cripple the filtration process, a seemingly harmless glitch during installation can cause irreversible filter damage, or an incorrect filter material can set the filter on a course towards pre-mature failure.
With a myriad of details and calculations involved, employing the right filtration solution for an application is no easy feat. However, becoming familiar with the most common (and frequently occurring) filtration mistakes can help ensure they’re avoided during the process.
This article discusses common pitfalls associated with selecting, installing, and using water filtration in industrial applications.
Getting the Sizing Wrong for Equipment and Filter Elements
As with everything, the planning stages are critical for installing and running a smooth filtration system. This is the stage that typically sees some of the costliest filtration mistakes – including the ones resulting from sizing issues
Faulty Filtration Equipment Sizing
When investing in filtration equipment, it’s paramount that the sizing aligns with what the application needs. The metric to consider when choosing the filter equipment is – the amount of liquid that the production would be running.
For instance, purchasing equipment that can push about 100 gallons a minute will not be of any use if a specific filtration step can only handle 10 gallons a minute. Not factoring in the flow rate during the process can negatively impact the production output.
Faulty Micron Rating
Filter specs can be customized as per the requirements of specific equipment. The customization options here typically include the core material, length, micron rating, diameter, filter media, and end cap configuration.
Among all the given options, micron rating is the trickiest to determine and has complete control over the filtration efficiency. If it’s too large, the contaminates can flow right through the filter. If it’s too small, the flow rate becomes obstructed.
A lot of research goes into finding the appropriate micron size. Most of it is associated with factors like the size and the consistency of the contaminants the equipment aims to filter.
Employing Incompatible Materials For Filter Elements
The core, the seals, and the filter media come together to form a fully-functional filter. For a filter to achieve an optimal outcome, each element needs to be compatible with the fluid’s temperature and chemistry.
The core can be seen as the backbone of a filter. When the core itself is incompatible with the fluid, it can give in to the water pressure and practically crush the filter. This unleashes the trapped contaminants into the downstream fluid.
The filter media is the shield that stands between the fluid and the contaminants. When the fluid temperature or chemicals react negatively with the media, it simply bloats and clogs – impeding the flow rate. The risk reaches its peak when the fluid chemicals are too aggressive for the media to handle, causing it to dissolve completely.
Sealing materials like an o-ring or a gasket practically guard the clean side of the filter from the contaminated side. When the seal itself is dysfunctional, the unfiltered fluid merges with the clean fluid resulting in a situation commonly known as “bypass”. When neglected long enough, these seals can either dissolve or erode – opening a passageway for the unclean fluids to flood in. A great approach to avoid filtration fiascos from filter elements would be to follow a chemical compatibility chart.
Performing A Flawed Installation
One of the common errors that can pop up during the installation process includes the reversal of the pipe housings (when the inlet and outlet housings get swapped).
Typically, filters can only handle fluid flow in a single direction (exceptions include filters that are made for backflushing). Unless the system requires liquid filter bags, the usual flow direction is always from the outside in.
Such an installation flaw can obstruct the flow rate and eventually knock down the filter. Most inlet and outlet pipes are labeled with the flow direction to help installation teams perform the task accurately. The filter equipment manual also comes with comprehensive instructions to maintain high accuracy during installation.
Selecting the Wrong Type of Pump
Pumps are what get the water flowing. In other words, they are the force behind driving the liquid through the filters. The outcome of a filter process depends on the type of pump employed in the system. It’s critical to ask the following questions when researching the right type of pump:
- What is the size of production runs?
- What is the viscosity of the liquid?
- What are the components within the process stream that may cause resistance to the flow rate?
- How far does the liquid travel?
Skipping the Air Venting Process
Once the filtration equipment is up and running, a critical step to remember would be to vent the air from the filter housings as the water seeps into them.
When ignored, the air trapped within the housing can form a bubble. This obstructs the liquid from filling up the housing completely. As a result, the overall flow rate declines.
Filter housings typically come with a built-in vent port or a vent valve that acts as the air’s escape route. To ensure the highest filter efficiency, the valve must be closed only when all the air leaves the housing.
Final Words
Even the smallest of “filtration glitches” can trigger irreversible damages down the line. As far as mistakes with water filtration are concerned, simply installing and running the process successfully is not the end of the task.
A filtration system demands regular maintenance to ensure the filter runs efficiently for a long time. A lack of maintenance can lead to clogged filters and loosened seals – degrading the quality of the final outcome.
Lastly, it’s critical to leave no doubt unaddressed when working with water filtration. In most cases, seeking the help of a professional is the best approach to getting everything “just right” and avoiding expensive losses down the line.
Author Bio: Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at Commercial Filtration Supply. He oversees the development of business strategies and marketing of filtration products, including bag filters, cartridge filters, and strainers. Ligon writes about various liquid filtration applications to educate process and facility managers on best practices, ensuring they properly understand and care for their filter systems.
Alkaline water is believed by many to help in neutralizing acids in the body. For this reason, many consumers buy alkaline bottled water. But constantly having to buy bottled water is something that takes a toll on one’s budget as well as contributes to plastic waste. In trying to avoid plastic there is the option Read more
Alkaline water is believed by many to help in neutralizing acids in the body. For this reason, many consumers buy alkaline bottled water. But constantly having to buy bottled water is something that takes a toll on one’s budget as well as contributes to plastic waste. In trying to avoid plastic there is the option to switch to alkaline water filters. Finding the best alkaline water pitcher also provides a highly convenient way to make your own alkaline water at home. There are many other options to choose from as well, some systems more complex than others.
Alkaline Water Pitcher
Water pitchers are famously very easy to use and maintain and some of them come with the added convenience of making alkaline water. The EHM Ultra Premium Alkaline Water Pitcher is one such model and it drastically improves the water’s taste. Easy to install and take apart when cleaning is required, the pitcher is a highly versatile tool and can help in balancing pH levels in the body.
These types of filtering systems use cartridge mediums through which water is passed to be purified. These cartridges are changed after some time of use and thus a new fresh filtration process can begin. The jug itself is made with plastic which adds to the convenient budget-friendly product. Other more premium pitchers are made from steel or glass, making them more durable and elegant.
Alkaline Water Machine
Another way to produce alkaline water is by making use of an alkaline water machine. This device is installed on the counter in connection with a standard tap faucet. This little machine is easy to install, takes only about 10 minutes, and stands on the counter close to the faucet. Its interface offers enough control to swiftly and easily adjust the level of alkalinity.
Such a device can go through almost 4000 liters of water which would amount to a year’s water usage. Not only will it help in ditching bottled water but it also looks quite stylish on the counter. With natural antioxidants and better hydration, this device is well worth the price tag.
Countertop Alkaline Water Dispenser
In the same vein as a water pitcher, a water dispenser works almost the same, with the benefit of a larger tank and dispenser valve. The Invigorated Water pH Recharge 1F Alkaline Water Filter is one example of this type of countertop dispenser and can filter somewhere close to 96 gallons of water with one cartridge.
Made with high-quality material, BPA free, and with all necessary safety tests in place. For such a large filtering capacity this countertop alkaline filter can easily fit both on the counter and in the fridge. This can be highly convenient if connecting to the faucet is not desired or if chill water from the fridge is a must.
Alkaline Water Sticks
An alloy steel tube filled with maifan stones acts as the purified medium to clean and remineralize the water. Perfect for people wishing to ditch bulky water filters in favor of small portable water filtering methods. EHM Alkaline Water Ionizer Stick is one such device that can filter 90 liters per stick.
This kind of tool is usually popular with outdoor enthusiasts that wish to have a convenient and portable filtering system on the go. The alkaline method by which this tool functions is another reason why it is often sought out.
Reverse Osmosis with Alkaline Integration
Reverse osmosis systems are considered the goliath of water filtration and with alkaline integration, it is even more attractive. Not only is it capable of removing chlorine, heavy metals, lead, and many other harmful materials but it also has a remineralization stage that balances water alkalinity.
A more complex system that requires far more extensive installation than a simple countertop, an RO system can be highly efficient. With a pressure tank and not requiring electricity to work, an RO system brings good quality filtered water that only gets better once it passes through the alkaline stage.
Concluding Thoughts
Water filtration has become an increasing commodity in many modern households. With the advent of technologies many consumers also implement alkalinity devices into their water filtration. Buying bottled alkaline water is not always the best solution and the advantage comes from the many available home devices that do the same job.
Most easy to use are water filter pitchers. More costly are alkaline water machines which usually come in form of countertop water filters. Reverse osmosis systems integrating alkalinization or mineralization remove the most contaminants.
Trusted industry innovator introduces new line of commercial-grade water filters, softeners, conditioners and accessories for plumbing contractors Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation announced the introduction of its first A. O. Smith line of residential water treatment products available exclusively to the wholesale channel. Designed for plumbing contractors, the new A. O. Smith PRO Read more
Trusted industry innovator introduces new line of commercial-grade water filters, softeners, conditioners and accessories for plumbing contractors
Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation announced the introduction of its first A. O. Smith line of residential water treatment products available exclusively to the wholesale channel. Designed for plumbing contractors, the new A. O. Smith PRO water treatment line will include high-performance, commercial-grade point-of-use water filtration systems; water softeners and salt-free water conditioners; and water neutralizing and descaling accessories to allow for a fully comprehensive solution for healthier water.
“As concerns about water quality continue to grow nationwide, providing distributors and contractors the ability to help solve these issues and improve overall water quality becomes more important,” said Sam Karge, president of the North American water treatment division at A. O. Smith. “The new line leverages cutting-edge technology to provide cleaner, healthier and better-tasting water throughout the home while also extending the life of appliances and plumbing.”
Water Filtration
The new A. O. Smith PRO water filters feature four under-counter drinking water systems, including a high-flow option that attaches directly to an existing faucet and three systems that use dedicated faucets. The PRO line systems range from carbon-based filters to a premium reverse osmosis option that reduces up to 99 percent of 90 contaminants, including lead, fluoride, asbestos, PFOA/PFOS, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, viruses, bacteria and more.
Water Softening
The A. O. Smith PRO water softeners reduce excessive calcium and magnesium to solve hard water problems throughout the home. Available in two sizes – 34,800 grain capacity and 49,800 grain capacity – the softener offering includes two slim, single-unit options that come with self-cleaning sediment filters, power-loss protection, touchscreen controllers and varying capacities.
Water Conditioning
The A. O. Smith PRO Water Conditioner utilizes innovative filtration and salt-free scale reduction technology to extend the life of the appliances and plumbing. Designed for use on city or well-water connections, the system reduces scale buildup and more than 97 percent of chlorine for up to six years or 600,000 gallons.
Water Treatment Accessories
The A. O. Smith PRO Acid Neutralizer neutralizes acidic condensation from high-efficiency tankless water heaters and helps prevent premature deterioration and damage to pipes and other materials. The A. O. Smith PRO Inline Descaler resists scale buildup, extends the life of water heaters without adding chemicals to the water and does not require electricity.
Available to A. O. Smith contractors nationwide, each product in the PRO series comes with a limited warranty, and select product purchases will qualify for Contractor Rewards points. For more information about the new A. O. Smith PRO residential water treatment line, visit www.aosmith.com/wholesale.