Optimums in Diatomite Filtration

Abstract

This article discusses the different factors of diatomite filtration which may be optimized before the proper body feed, filtration rate, and terminal head loss can be selected. The overall optimum body feed, optimum filtration rate, and optimum terminal head loss combine to produce potable water at the minimum cost per gallon. These optimums are influenced by four cost factors: labor, power, diatomite, and equipment.

A Theory of Diatomite Filtration

“…' Previous research has shown that two types of curves develop in constantrate diatomite filtration when plotting head loss against time of filtration or volume of filtrate. ': z, 7 A typical series of such head loss against time curves is shown in Fig. 1.…”

Design requirements of precoat filters for water filtration

“…All tests were made with University tap water to which ferrous sulfate was added. The results and conclusions drawn from these tests have been published in several articles (9,10,45).…”

“…The amount of precoat filter aid used in lb/month is equal to ; PFA = w(Area)N (45) where N is the number of filter runs per month and is equal to 24 hr/day x 30.4 days/month divided by the filter run length.…”