MECHANICAL FILTRATION OF DRINKING WATER

Mechanical filtration will remove almost all forms of turbidity. Of course, the smaller the turbid particles, the finer must be the filter openings in order to strain them out. Under some circumstances the openings have to be so small that they cause an excessive pressure drop as the water percolates through the filter, and the unit may be impractical. In many cases filters containing specially graded and sized gravel and sand are effective in screening out turbid particles. With such units a periodic backwashing to remove the filtered material is all the maintenance necessary.

Some filter manufacturers also provide a "filter-aid" which is added onto the top of the filter bed immediately after backwashing. The filter-aid traps fine dirt particles, producing a more sparkling clear water and keeps dirt from penetrating the filter bed, insuring better bed cleansing during backwashing. In some cases cartridge filters are effective. These will filter water used for cooking and drinking. Generally these cartridge filters are just installed on the drinking water lines.

There are several reasons for this: (1) they produce a significant pressure drop. This would be a handicap if these filters were installed on the main water line. (2) Their replacement cost may be too high to justify their use in filtering all the water.

Municipal and industrial systems frequently make use of the coagulation process to aid in the removal of turbidity. In this economical process a coagulating agent, such as aluminum sulfate, is fed into the water. After rapid mixing, the coagulating agent forms a "floc" generally in the form of a gelatinous precipitate. This floc gives the appearance of a soft, gentle snowfall.

A settling period is then needed to allow the floc to fall gently through the water. As the floc forms and settles, it tends to collect or entrap the turbid particles and form them into larger particles which sink to the bottom. On large installations settling basins provide the necessary time and space for the process. After the settling period, the water flows through a filter to remove the last traces of the coagulant and any remaining turbid particles.

Small coagulation-filtration systems are sometimes utilized for household purposes when turbidity is particularly offensive. The difficulties with the use of this process for home purposes are in determining what type of coagulant will give best results, and what equipment is required.

Experience in this area is essential because the chemical properties of the water must be consid­ered in relation to the coagulant or combination of coagulants employed. Further, adequate mixing and coagulation times are essential. Coagulation-filtration also requires considerably more attention to maintenance than do the simple filtration processes mentioned earlier.