For productive and non-stop operation of the pumping station, the installation of filtering devices is required. They will not allow contaminants to penetrate into the apparatus, which causes wear of mechanical elements. In addition, filtration will make water that is supplied from a well or well source suitable for drinking.
Types, arrangement and purpose of filters for pumping stations
The content of silt and sand in the water negatively affects the pump itself and the hydraulic accumulator. The former has a shorter life, the latter simply clogs and needs frequent cleaning. If a filter device is installed, these problems can be avoided. The main thing is to choose the right cleaning equipment.
Mechanical filtering devices
Filters of this type, used in conjunction with pumping units, can be coarse or fine cleaning. The first are of three types:
- Mesh input filters. Their cells are different in size - from 50 to 500 microns. The lower the indicator, the more the device will retain mud impurities. Filtration elements can be washed and non-washed. The latter require systematic cleaning. The cleansing of the former occurs automatically. Sometimes equipped with a non-return valve, which prevents the outflow of fluid entering the pressure system. A variety of designs are also suction-type nets used for tank trucks, hand pumps and motor pumps.
- Cartridge devices. The device, which is replaced as it gets clogged, is in a plastic case. It retains harmful impurities from 0.5 microns in size, including viscous elements like mud and clay suspension. It is used for pre-treatment of water.
- Pressure devices with air compressors. They operate at high speed and retain contaminant microparticles from 30 microns. Filled with filtration material, equipped with a regulator and a drainage compartment. Devices are large in size. Their installation is allowed only in warm rooms. If the site is large, it is better to choose such a water pre-filter for the pump station, since it will not slow down the operation of the equipment.
Coarse central filters with mesh or filter discs inside are specially designed for watering. Their installation is performed by tapping into the water supply pipeline. The design makes it easy to remove the filter element as it gets dirty and put it back after cleaning.
Fine filtration devices are able to hold microparticles from 5 microns. They are membrane, wire or created on the basis of synthetic fibers. The former are able to remove even the smallest contaminants; the incoming water can be drunk raw.
Specialized Cleaning Equipment
In addition to mechanical devices, other types of filtration elements are also used:
- Ion exchange. The case of a device made of metal or polymer is filled with ion-exchange resins necessary for softening water and retaining salts of heavy metals.
- Biological. Blocks with cleaning bacteria are installed inside the flasks, which destroy organic impurities.
- Electric. Ozone in the filtration element under the influence of electricity cleans the liquid from hydrogen sulfide, chlorides, iron ions, manganese, and even from oily products.
- Physicochemical.Water stream cleaning is carried out as a result of the process of absorption of pollutants by an absorber - activated carbon. Such must be installed where there are many chloride compounds in the water.
Filters with reverse osmosis are gaining popularity. Eco-friendly technology allows you to get rid of all pollution in the water. Devices are cylinders with a membrane cartridge. Passing through it under pressure, the liquid is separated into pure drinking water and a solution with a high content of impurities. Reversible models are equipped with built-in automatic membrane cleaning systems.
For additional purification of water from ferrous impurities, special iron-retaining filters are used that improve the taste, color and smell of water. They are mounted directly in front of the kitchen, bathroom or shower.
Criterias of choice
To install suitable filters, it is necessary to know the power of the pumping station and the degree of water pollution: the size of impurities, the concentration of polluting chemical elements, microorganisms and bacteria. This can be determined after laboratory tests.
The first indicator is especially important if you decide to put a reverse osmosis filter. The device requires a working pressure of 2.8 bar. If the pump installation is low-power, you will have to buy up-pressure equipment.
It is better if the coarse cleaner is made of stainless steel. Galvanized parts have a much shorter service life, while plastic products have even lower.
When selecting a mesh filtering device, the method of cleaning it is taken into account. A product with flow-through flushing requires a ball valve with a handle. When it is opened, part of the water stream will pass through the flask and wash it away from all impurities.
The backwash device is cleaned independently after a certain period of time - from four minutes to three months. It is also possible to start the drive not by a timer, but remotely, or from a relay that responds to pressure drops. For such filters, it is necessary to install a stationary tank under them or connect to a sewer line.
If you do not want to buy individual filtering elements, you can purchase a modular installation, the package of which includes: a pump, several filters for preliminary cleaning and additional cleaning using post-filtering and mineralizing cartridges.
Hardware Installation Rules
A coarse water filter is required for any pumping station. The element is installed on the supply pipe or hose to the pressure switch, pressure gauge and accumulator. So he filters out all the major contaminants, and they will not cause the failure of automation.
There is a danger that the filter element will clog during operation, causing an increase in hydraulic resistance, which will increase the load on the pump, and the automation behind the filter will not feel this. To prevent damage to the equipment, the filter part must be checked and cleaned regularly. Or install an additional pressure switch that would turn off the pump in an emergency. An option would be to buy a backwash device.
The correct connection of the water supply system is carried out according to the following arrangement of constituent elements:
- Install a filter for rough cleaning.
- Connect the pump unit.
- Set fine filtering equipment;
- Test the assembled system for leaks.
The installation of a filter element for rough cleaning must be performed on a horizontal section of the water supply. In this case, you need to choose a place where the filter can always be conveniently and quickly reached for inspection and maintenance.
When arranging pumping equipment, one should not save on buying a filtering device.The absence of a filter leads to the ingress of dirt into the accumulator and breakdown, which will require the replacement of an expensive part.
