The in-depth evaluation of three filtration facilities

Abstract

The filtration plants of three well-run water treatment facilities were recently scrutinised to measure their operational efficiency. When the results from these investigations were compared, it was found that certain problems were common to the three plants and that similar problems were likely to be encountered elsewhere. The investigation methodology, which included a detailed evaluation of the filter media, backwashing procedures and backwashing efficiency, was first refined and applied to the Balkfontein plant where it showed promise. Sedibeng Water and the Water Research Group (WRG) from RAU undertook this as a combined project. Shortly after the Balkfontein study commenced, similar studies were initiated at the Midvaal and Rietvlei Water Treatment plants by GFJ (Pty) Ltd, the Midvaal Water Company and the WRG. The results were compared and it was found that the three plants had the following problems in common: excessive media loss, inconsistent media gradings, modified backwash velocities; inefficient backwash water utilisation and the presence of mudballs.

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