Coarse water filters for apartments are designed to trap impurities whose size exceeds 100 microns. There are filtering devices on the market that can contain contaminants larger than 50 microns, and their experts are categorized as coarse cleaning, although the standard degree of purification is exactly 100 microns.
Where to use coarse filters
The scope of devices of this type is extensive. Manufacturers mainly offer filter elements that are installed in water supply systems for various purposes. These are not only centralized networks, but also autonomous ones - with the organization of water intake from wells, wells or open water bodies.
In centralized water supply systems, water quality is close to drinking water; in autonomous systems, filtration is necessary even if water is taken from a deep well. Small particles of sand, pebbles, exfoliation of rocks and more - this is a small list of what can penetrate the water supply network, spoiling not only household appliances, but also a pipeline with valves.
In urban apartments, water pre-filters are also installed. Plastic pipes are installed almost everywhere inside apartment buildings. This is a guarantee of the cleanliness of the fluid flowing through them. However, in some buildings steel pipes are made or are being made, which corrode during intensive use, so exfoliated metal oxides in the form of solid particles will penetrate into the water.
Types of coarse filters
The simplest filter in this category is a stainless steel mesh. It is installed at the end of the pipe, which is lowered into the well or well. Manufacturers also include it in the design of submersible and borehole pumps.
The main task is to block the path of large solid inclusions in the water into the pump. The grid practically does not increase the cost of the plumbing system, but plays an important role in it. The stainless steel will last a long time, large cells practically do not become clogged, which makes it possible to often clean it.
On the market you can buy filtering devices, which are presented by models similar to fittings or valves of the pipeline system. Such filters are inserted into the pipe using detachable couplings, which are popularly called Americans. By its design, it is a tube element, in the middle of which a hollow cylinder is installed (vertically or at an angle). It houses a stainless steel mesh twisted into a pipe. The filter element blocks the flow of moving water. In order to be able to periodically clean the net, a removable cover is installed on top, which is connected to the device by means of a thread.
Coarse water strainer is easy to cut into a pipe even inside an apartment or a private house. Usually it is installed in front of the meter accounting and control fluid intake.
Mud collectors
This kind of coarse filter differs from all the others in the way of pollution control. This is a main filter that connects to the pipe using threads or flanges. In its design there is a large volume cavity located perpendicular to the movement of the fluid flow.
The technology of water purification is that when it enters the cavity, it quickly loses its speed. Heavy particles immediately begin to settle to the bottom under the influence of their own weight.The mud collectors got their name because a large amount of dirt accumulates inside them, which must be removed periodically. The dirtier the water passes through these devices, the more intensively they fill up.
Mud drains (sumps) are usually mounted first in the water supply network. Therefore, they take on the greatest load. In apartment buildings, they are installed in basements, embedded in a common water pipeline.
All sumps in their construction have plugs through which the appliances are cleaned. The plugs are attached to the housing with a thread or in the form of a blind flange.
Filtering devices of this type can be mounted in hot water and heating systems.
Strainers
This variety belongs to the category of flow main water filters. They are often called flushing. Crashed into pipelines using an American thread.
Purely structurally, it is a steel or plastic (transparent) flask, inside of which a mesh of stainless steel (food) twisted into a cylinder is inserted. In the lower part of the body there is a drain cock. Its purpose is to clean the filter element by rinsing. The faucet opens, the water drains, dragging out impurities that adhere to the mesh. Such cleaning cannot be called one hundred percent, therefore it is recommended to periodically open the filter, pull out the mesh and rinse it under the pressure of water or with a brush.
Some models incorporate a reverse cleaning function. The water pressure is directed in the opposite direction of its course during normal operation of the device.
Some manufacturers complete the mesh models with pressure gauges. They show the pressure inside the device. There are modifications with two pressure gauges. One is installed at the input, the other at the output. The difference in readings makes it possible to determine whether the filter is clogged or not. The larger this parameter, the more pollution on the grid.
Another variety is equipped with pressure reducers. With the help of the latter, you can adjust the pressure in the water supply. This is important if household appliances are used in the house or apartment that react negatively to high water pressure.
Cartridge Type Filters
Cartridge devices are leaders in the category of coarse filters. They have a simple design, low price, good technical and operational characteristics. They belong to the group of main filters, cut into the pipeline with the help of American women.
The design consists of a bulb (usually plastic, but there are also metal ones), which is connected to the flow part by a thread. The tightness of the connection is supported by a rubber cuff. Unscrew or tighten the rough water filter by hand. But more often manufacturers include a special key in the package.
A cartridge is placed inside the flask. This is a cylindrical shaped filter element. The principle of operation of the cartridge model is that water enters the flask, passes through the filter material and enters its cavity. From there already goes further.
Cartridge type filters are divided by type of filter material. The choice in this regard is small. All elements basically have the same polymer - polypropylene. It is selected for these purposes, since it is a chemically inert material.
Manufacturers offer three materials:
- threads or polypropylene fibers wound in a chaotic manner;
- corrugation;
- foam sponge.
Filter elements must not be cleaned or washed. Manufacturers indicate the time during which the materials can be operated, after which they must be replaced with new ones. This is the only drawback.
Criterias of choice
On the market, coarse filters are represented by a wide range. They differ in shape, size and materials from which they are made, as well as in the degree of purification.The performance of the device depends on the size - the amount of water that the filter element must pass through taking into account the unit of time (l / min or l / hour).
For strainers, the degree of cleaning depends on the size of the mesh on the mesh. The smaller they are, the cleaner the liquid at the outlet. For cartridges - the distance between the fibers, the parts of the corrugation - the denser the polypropylene material, the higher the degree of purification.
In sumps, the larger the sedimentation chamber, the longer the service life with maximum time periods between cleanings.
Installation Nuances
The filter is installed in front of the counter. The main task of the manufacturer is to achieve a tight connection between the device and the water pipe. This is easier to do with the help of American women, which include rubber cuffs (gaskets).
If the connecting element is reverse flanges, a rubber gasket must be installed between the filter and the pipe. If the device is mounted in a hot water supply or heating system, instead of rubber, paranit must be installed.
Coarse Filter Cost
The price of the device depends on several factors. This is mainly the material from which it is made, the dimensions of the structure and the type of filter element:
- oblique sump made of brass with 1 ”thread (one inch) costs 650 rubles .;
- the same with ½ ”thread - costs 200 rubles .;
- the same from propylene with ¾ ”thread - 100 rubles;
- straight brass sump with ½ ”thread - 300 rubles.
In cold water systems it is better to use plastic appliances. They are reliable and inexpensive. In hot water networks and heating, it is better to install metal products. They easily withstand high temperatures.
