Methodology for Evaluating and Monitoring of Waterworks Performance Efficiency—Part 2: Test of Filterability

Abstract

The effectiveness of deep-bed filtration with respect to suspension formed during the preceding processes is evaluated by the test of filterability. The properties and concentration of the suspension being filtered are affected by the efficiency of the preceding aggregation and separation processes. The basic principles of the test of filterability are based on the mechanistic model of filtration. The equations in the mathematical model of the mechanistic conception of filtration are derived from the theory of filtration. The arrangement of the pilot filtration plant for the determination of filterability of flocculent suspension is presented in this paper. The test of filterability is carried out with a thin-layer filter element. The design of a filter element arrangement and its installation are also disclosed in this paper. The inter-dependence of the coefficient of filtration efficiency on the specific volume of intercepted suspensions, filter media grain sizes and different filtration velocities are graphically presented. In addition, the effect of the filter bed clogging resulting from the properties of different suspensions on the head loss generated, the length of filtration cycle and quality of filtrate produced are also shown in this paper.