Pre-treatment Filters

Sand, Iron & Charcoal Filters

Operator’s and Service manual
1. GENERAL

Differing impurities within the raw water are removed in the filters through various
filter medium:

In the Sand filter (SEA) mechanical impurities suspended in the raw water are
removed in the filter through 0.7-1.0 gravel (also called silver sand). The impurities
retained can easily be removed by back-washing the filter bed.

In the Iron filter (FEA) suspended and dissolved iron compounds are removed in
the filter by a material consisting of Ferro B (manganese green-sand) and Akdolit
Gran-O (alkalite dolomite rock), provided that the ferrous salts are oxidised to
insoluble ferric hydroxide. Ferro B facilitates the oxidation of the ferrous salts. The
alkaline reaction on the surface of the grains of Akdolit Gran-O, enables the direct
removal of iron by trapping it in hydroxide form. The hydroxides retained can be
easily removed by back-washing the filter.

In the Carbon filter (AEA) activated charcoal in granular form is effective in the
removal of organic contaminants such as chloramines, the charcoal also absorbs
free chlorine. During the filtration process the chlorine is removed by both the
catalytic and absorptive action of the activated charcoal, the catalytic action
results in the conversion of the chlorine into hydrochloric acid which is neutralised
by the bicarbonates in the water. Unpleasant tastes and odours caused by organic
compounds present in the water will also be absorbed. Mechanical impurities are
removed by back-washing the filter bed.

All of the filters include a base bed of mixed grade gravel through which the water
is passed after exposure to the various filter mediums

The filters are connected to the piping system after the booster unit if such is
necessary. Manual by-pass systems should be installed to enable the filters to be
taken out of operation if required.

In the case where multiple filter systems are indicated the filters should be
installed in the following sequence; SEA, FEA and finally AEA.
1.1 Principles of operation
Drain
Inlet
BACK-WASHING
The water flows upwards
from the distributor at high
speed with virtually no
resistance and is expelled
with the mechanical
impurities and, in the case
of the FEA, the ferric
hydroxide, through the top
distributor.
Inlet
Drain
PURGING
The water passes through
the top distributor. The
initial filtrate is directed to
drain until the water runs
clear and, with the FEA,
free of iron.
Inlet
Outlet
FILTRATION
The water passes through
the top distributor, the
mechanical impurities are
deposited in the filter bed.
In the FEA the ferrous
salts are oxidised by the
filter material and the
ferric hydroxide impurities
are deposited also.
In the AEA the chlorine
and organic compounds
are absorbed into the filter
material.
2. PREPARING THE FILTERS FOR OPERATION

2.1 Filling Instructions SEA

See Fig. 1

When the filter has been connected to the piping system, unscrew the lid on the
top of the filter and remove the cover on the top distributor. Carefully open the
inlet valve and fill the filter with water to approximately 1/3 of its total length.

To avoid filter material getting in, replace the cover on the top distributor.

Fill the gravel into the filter, starting with the 5-8 mm gravel, then the 3-5 mm and
lastly the 1.2-2 mm gravel.

Silver sand is then poured into the filter.

Dearation nipple Lid

Cover
Top distributor

Central valve

SEA
32-K 60-K 120-K
Silver sand, 0.7-1 mm (kg) 38 76 153
(l) 25 50 100
Filter gravel 1.2-2 mm (kg) 5 15 20
Filter gravel 3-5 mm (kg) 5 10 10
Filter gravel 5-8 mm (kg) 10 15 30

Bottom distributor
Drainage valve

Fig 1.

When filling is completed the cover on the top distributor is removed. Slowly open
the inlet valve and fill the filter with water. Replace the lid on top of the filter and
remove the cover on the central valve.

The filter must now be flushed to remove dust from the filter material please see
instructions for flushing the filter (see section 2.5 Manual regeneration).

If necessary, adjust the timer as shown in section 4. “PROGRAMMING

INSTRUCTIONS”
2.2 Filling Instructions FEA

See Fig. 2

When the filter has been connected to the piping system, unscrew the lid on the
top of the filter and remove the cover on the top distributor. Carefully open the
inlet valve and fill the filter with water to approximately 1/3 of its total length.

To avoid filter material getting in, replace the cover on the top distributor.

Fill the gravel into the filter, starting with the 5-8 mm gravel, then the 3-5 mm and
lastly the 1.2-2 mm gravel.

The Ferro-B and Akdolit Gran-O materials are then filled into the filter. Mix them
slightly while filling (a through mixing will take place later during back-wash).

Dearation nipple Lid

Cover
Top distributor

Central valve

FEA
32-K 60-K 120-K
Ferro B (kg) 35 60 120
Akdolit Gran-O (kg) 5 10 25
Filter gravel 1.2-2 mm (kg) 5 15 20
Filter gravel 3-5 mm (kg) 5 10 10
Filter gravel 5-8 mm (kg) 10 15 30

Bottom distributor
Drainage valve

Fig 2.

When filling is completed the cover on the top distributor is removed. Slowly open
the inlet valve and fill the filter with water. Replace the lid on top of the filter and
remove the cover on the central valve.

The filter must now be flushed to remove dust from the filter material please see
instructions for flushing the filter (see section 2.5 Manual regeneration).

When regeneration is complete, continue with the treatment with potassium

permanganate as shown below;
2.3 Treatment with Potassium Permanganate Solution (KMnO4)

Before the filter is put into operation a treatment with Potassium Permanganate
(KMnO4) solution should be carried out to oxidise the filter material completely.
This treatment should also be carried out whenever the filter shows tendencies of
being exhausted, i.e. concentration of iron and manganese after the filter
increases.

− Dissolve 50 grams of KMnO4 in a couple of litres of hot water. Avoid contact with
skin, clothing or eyes. On accidental contact, wash immediately with water.

− Close the inlet and outlet valve on the filter. Open the drainage valve at the
bottom of the filter.

− Unscrew the lid on the top of the filter.

− Pour the KMnO4 solution into the filter.

− Replace the lid on the top of the filter and open the inlet valve very carefully.

− When the water coming out of the drainage valve turns red, close the valve and
de-aerate the filter through the aeration nipple on the top of the filter.

− Close the inlet valve, pull out all the pins on the skipper wheel (D) and let the
filter stand for at least 2 hours or, if possible, overnight.

− Thoroughly flush the filter by opening the inlet valve and carrying out at least
three manual regeneration’s in succession.

− When the water runs clear, open the outlet valve.

− If necessary, adjust the timer as shown in section 4. “PROGRAMMING

INSTRUCTIONS”
2.4 Filling Instructions AEA

See Fig. 3

When the filter has been connected to the piping system, unscrew the lid on the
top of the filter and turn the top distributor to the side (AEA 60 and AEA 120 only).
Carefully open the inlet valve and fill the filter with water to approximately 1/3 of its
total length.

Fill the gravel into the filter, starting with the 5-8 mm gravel, then the 3-5 mm and
lastly the 1.2-2 mm gravel.

The activated charcoal is then filled into the filter. When filling is complete replace
the top distributor. Open the inlet valve carefully and very slowly fill the filter with
water. If the water and the activated charcoal tend to overflow, open the drainage
valve.

Dearation nipple Lid

Cover
Top distributor

Central valve

AEA
32-K 60-K 120-K
Activated charcoal (kg) 6.3 12.5 25.0
(l) 25 50 100
Filter gravel 1.2-2 mm (kg) 5 15 20
Filter gravel 3-5 mm (kg) 5 10 10
Filter gravel 5-8 mm (kg) 10 15 30

Bottom distributor
Drainage valve

Fig 3.

When the filter is filled with water replace the top lid. The activated charcoal must
now absorb water for at least 24 hours.

Remove the cover on the central valve.

The filter must now be flushed to remove dust from the filter material please see
instructions for flushing the filter (see section 2.5 Manual regeneration).

If necessary, adjust the timer as shown in section 4. “PROGRAMMING

INSTRUCTIONS”
2.5 Manual regeneration

See Fig 4.

Manual regeneration is initiated by depressing all pins on the skipper wheel (D)
and then turning knob (A) counter-clockwise until the drain motor starts. Open the
inlet valve very carefully and ensure that no filter material is flushed to drain.

Regeneration which includes backwash and purge will then take place
automatically.

Fig 4.

3. PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS

Before making any program adjustments make sure that all skipper pins are
pulled outwards then proceed exactly as follows:

3.1 Set length of program

Turn camshaft knob (A) counter-clockwise to position as shown on Fig 4., loosen
screw (B) slightly at the same time as camshaft knob (A) is held firmly in position.

Set backwash cycle by aligning index mark on green cam with desired time on
blue cam. (Adjustment range 6 to 30 minutes).

Recommended time: 6 min.

 Set purge cycle by aligning index mark on black cam with desired time on green
cam. (Adjustment range 5 to 45 minutes).

Recommended time: 10 min.

Tighten cam screw (B) securely. (Fig 4. Shows and 18 minute backwash cycle
and a 15 minute purge cycle).

3.2 Set regeneration time

Turn top dial (J) until desired time of regeneration appears in window (L).Note
whether time in AM or PM.

Recommended time: when there is no consumption of clean water e.g. during the
night.

N.B. If the plant consists of more than one filter (SEA, FEA and AEA) make sure
that the regeneration’s take place a different periods of time.

3.3 Set present time of day

Turn knob (A) until mark (C) is lined up with the actual time of day as indicated on
dial (J).

3.4 Set regeneration frequency

With all the skipper pins retracted, rotate skipper wheel (D) until pin number 1 is in
line with day indicator marker (E). Then depress (push in) pins on the days
regeneration is desired. Regeneration will not take place on the days the pins are
retracted.

Recommended frequency: Once a night.

4. MAINTENANCE

4.1 Trouble shooting

PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION

1. Unit will not backwash 1.a) Timer is not activating valve 1.a) Check electrical connections. Or
motor. replace timer if needed.

1.b) Valve motor not opening drain. 1.b) Replace valve motor. Check
gear linkage.
1.c) Drain open, but control will not
transfer. 1.c) Increase water pressure or
replace diaphragm.
1.d) Restricted drain line.
1.d) Enlarge drain line. Check for
restrictions.

2. Low or inadequate capacity after 2.a) Increased water usage. 2.a) Change timer to increase
backwash. frequency of back-washing.
2.b) Restricted drain line or
distributors. 2.b) Enlarge drain line. Clean
distributors.

3. Water chatter at unit during back- 3.a) Restricted drain line or 3.a) Enlarge drain line. Clean
wash. distributors. distributors.

3.b) Water pressure too low. 3.b) Increase pressure.

4. Water flows to drain. 4.a) Binding in motor gear train. 4.a) Replace motor. Check for
binding stem. Replace head
4.b) Solenoid holding open. assembly.

4.b) Clean solenoid seat.

5. REFILLING THE FILTER MATERIAL

5.1 SEA

It is normally not necessary to refill filter material. Check that the level of silver
sand in the filter regularly.

If necessary, refill silver sand into the filter up to the normal level. Check the flow
rate during back-wash, if it is too high, the filter material will be flushed to drain.

5.2 FEA & AEA

It is not possible to say exactly when to refill the filter as it depends upon the raw
water quality, water consumption etc. As a guideline we recommend that the FEA
filter is refilled with new material after approximately 18 months of operation and
the AEA filter material is replaced after approximately 6 months of operation. Filter
performance can be checked by testing the quality of the water after the filters.
6. TECHNICAL DATA

Type designations: Sand removal filter SEA 32, SEA 60, SEA 120
Iron removal filter FEA 32, FEA 60, FEA 120
Charcoal absorption filter AEA 32, AEA 60, AEA 120

Size 32 Size 60 Size 120

SEA FEA AEA SEA FEA AEA SEA FEA AEA

Water Supply
min pressure 2 bar 2 bar 2 bar
max pressure 8 bar 8 bar 8 bar

Flow capacity 15 l/min 25 l/min 35 l/min

Control voltage 24 VAC 24 VAC 24 VAC

Transformer Included Included Included

Power 4.5 W 4.5 W 4.5 W

Connections
inlet ¾" BSP ¾" BSP ¾" BSP
outlet ¾" BSP ¾" BSP ¾" BSP
drain ½" BSP ½" BSP ½" BSP

Dimensions
height 1250 mm 1430 mm 1650 mm
diameter 260 mm 335 mm 400 mm

Weight
Filter material
Silver sand 38 kg 76 kg 153kg
gravel 20 kg 40 kg 60 kg

iron removal medium 40 kg 60 kg 120 kg

gravel 20 kg 40 kg 60 kg

activated charcoal 6.3 kg 12.5 kg 25 kg

gravel 20 kg 40 kg 60 kg

Total transport weight 70 kg 72 kg 38.3 kg 136 kg 120 kg 72.5 kg 253 kg 220 kg 125 kg
Spare parts list for Central Filter Valve
Used with AEA, FEA, SEA Filters
Plate No Order No Denomination Remarks

1 113 500 545 Cover, primed 516N232-16-10

2 N/A Screw, ground wire 15A41-B
3A N/A Timer, 12 day, model E6, E15 525A47-F 10
3B 113 500 330 Timer, 12 day, model E8, E14 525A40-F-10
4 N/A Screw, timer mounting 15A29

5 N/A Screw, drain motor 15A53-12

6 113 500 211 Drain Motor (specify voltage) 34A12-10
7 N/A Bearing plate 409A18-1
8 N/A Screw, head mounting 15A70
9A N/A R.P. head assy, E6 519A210-2

9B N/A R.P. head assy, E15 w/flow adj 519A242

9C 113 500 602 R.P. head assy, E8 519A225-30
9D N/A R.P. head assy, E14 w/flow adj 519A224-45
10 113 500 603 Screw cover 15A47
12 113 500 625 Diaphram spring 516A221

13 113 500 210 Retaining ring 19A3-1

14A N/A Diagphram assembly, E6 467A213-1-10
14B 113 500 430 Diaphragm assembly, E8 467A279-10
15 113 500 621 Seat 279A152-10
15A 113 500 622 Gasket

16 113 500 601 Stem assembly 519A208-10

17A N/A Body casting, E6 519A203-1-40
17B 113 500 552 Body casting, E8 519C223-1-55
18 113 500 326 Solenoid diaphragm 413A59
19 113 500 327 Solenoid plunger 413A61

20 113 500 328 Plunger spring 413A62

21 113 500 623 Solenoid guide 413A58
22 113 500 559 Solenoid spacer 413A60-1
23 N/A Cap and cord assembly 413A135-14-10
24 113 500 329 Solenoid coil (specify voltage) 413A134-15

25 N/A Screw spacer 15A33

Relay kit 14763
113 500 544 Control valve c/w timer
113 500 613 Control valve compl.(w/o timer)
113 500 215 Flap valve

113 500 228 Timer motor

113 500 381 Drainage valve
113 500 382 O-Ring for drainage valve
113 500 591 O-Ring for top cover
Top cover
Spare parts list, continued
Plate No Order No Denomination Remarks

113 500 242 Refilling media AEA 32

113 500 243 Refilling media AEA 60
113 500 244 Refilling media AEA 120
113 500 428 Refilling media FEA 32
113 500 245 Refilling media FEA 60

113 500 246 Refilling media FEA 120

113 500 345 Refilling media SEA 120