CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 1/13

Water Treatment Water Treatment

] Basis water treatment ] Coagulation

consists of four processes: ] This process helps removes
] Coagulation
g dirt and other particles
suspended in water.
] Sedimentation
] Chemicals are added to
] Filtration
water to form tiny sticky
] Disinfection particles called "floc" which
attract the dirt particles.

Water Treatment Water Treatment

] Coagulation ] Sedimentation
] The combined weight of the ] The heavy particles (floc)
dirt and the floc particles settle to the bottom and the
become heavy enough to sink clear water moves to
to the bottom during filtration.
sedimentation.

Water Treatment Water Treatment

] Filtration ] Disinfection
] The water passes through ] A small amount of chlorine is
filters, some made of layers added or some other
of sand, gravel, and charcoal disinfection method is used
that help remove even to kill any bacteria or
smaller particles. microorganisms that may be
in the water.
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 2/13

Water Treatment Water Treatment

1. Coagulation 1. Coagulation - Aluminum or iron salts plus chemicals
2. Flocculation called polymers are mixed with the water to make
3. Sedimentation the particles in the water stick together.
4. Filtration 2. Flocculation - The coagulated particles are slowly
mixed
i d so ththatt th
they can collide
llid and
d form
f llarger
5. Disinfection particles, known as "floc."
6. Fluoridation 3. Sedimentation - Water flows through a large tank
7. Stabilization which allows the "floc" to settle to the bottom of
8. Collect and test water the tank and be removed.
samples 4. Filtration - Water is passed through filters made of
sand and anthracite coal to filter out remaining
particles.

Water Treatment Water Filtration

5. Disinfection - Chlorine is added to reduce risks from ] Filtration is used to separate

remaining bacteria and other disease-causing nonsettleable solids from water and
organisms and to maintain water quality through the
distribution pipe system.
system
wastewater by y passing
p g it through
g a
6. Fluoridation - Fluoride is added to provide dental
porous medium
benefits.
7. Stabilization - Small amounts of lime (calcium ] The most common system is filtration
hydroxide) or sodium hydroxide are added to make through a layered bed of granular
the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
media, usually a coarse anthracite coal
8. Collect and test water samples
underlain by a finer sand.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

] Filters may be classified according to the
types of media used as follows:
] Single–media filters: These have one type
yp of
media, usually sand or crushed anthracite coal.
] Dual–media filters: These have two types of
media, usually crushed anthracite coal and sand.
] In water treatment all three types are used; however,
the dual– and multimedia filters are becoming
increasingly popular.
] Filtration was actually developed prior to the discovery
of the germ theory by Louis Pasteur in France.
] The first sand filter beds were constructed in the
early 1800s in Great Britain.

] Multi–media filters: These have three types of ] Particle removal is accomplished only when the
media, usually crushed anthracite coal, sand, and particles make physical contact with the surface of
garnet. the filter medium.
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 3/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Floc Particles
] Larger particles may be removed by straining
Interception
Straining
] Particles may also be removed by
Flocculation
sedimentation
] Others may be intercepted by and adhere to
the surface of the medium due to inertia
] Filtration efficiency is greatly increased by
destabilization or coagulation of the particles
prior to filtration
Sedimentation
Filter Media

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Gravity Granular–Media Filtration
] Gravity filtration through beds of granular
media is the most common method removing
colloidal impurities in water processing
] Initially, surface straining and interstitial
removal results in accumulation of deposits in
the upper portion of the filter media
Gravity Granular–Media Filtration
Because of the reduction in pore area, the
velocity of water through the remaining voids
increases shearing off pieces of capture floc
increases,
and carrying impurities deeper into the filter
bed
The effective zone of removal passes deeper
and deeper into the filter

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Gravity Granular–Media Filtration Turbidity

Eventually, clean bed depth is no longer available
and breakthroughg occurs,, carrying
y g solids out in
the underflow and causing termination of the
filter run
Turbidity is a measurement of the clarity of
water
Clouded water is caused by suspended particles
scattering or absorbing the light
Turbidity is an indirect measurement of the
amount of suspended matter in the water
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 4/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Turbidity Slow Sand Filtration

However, since solids of different sizes, shapes,
and surfaces reflect light differently, turbidity
and suspended solids do not correlate well
Turbidity is normally gauged with an instrument
that measures the amount of light scattered at
an angle of 90° from a source beam
The early filtration units developed in Great Britain
used a process in which the hydraulic loading rate is
relatively low
Typical slow sand filtration velocities are only about
0.4m/hr.
At these low rates, the filtered contaminants do not
penetrate to an appreciable depth within the filtration
medium

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Slow Sand Filtration Slow Sand Filtration

The filter builds up a layer of filtered contaminants on

the surface, which becomes the active filtering medium

Slow sand filters are cleaned by taking them off line

and draining them. The organic or contaminant layer is
then scraped off.

The filter can then be restarted. After water quality

reaches an acceptable level, the filter can then be put
back on line.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Rapid Sand Filtration Rapid Sand Filtration

In rapid sand filtration much higher application In the United States, filter application rates are often
velocities are used expressed as volumetric flowrate per area, or gal/min–
ft2, which is actually a velocity with atypical units.
units
Filtration occurs through the depth of the filter
A comparison of rapid and slow sand filtration is shown
in the table below
Filtration Type Application Rate Filtration Type Application Rate
m/hr gal/ft2–day m/hr gal/ft2–day
Slow Sand 0.04 to 0.4 340 to 3400 Slow Sand 0.04 to 0.4 340 to 3400
Rapid Sand 0.4 to 3.1 3400 to 26,000 Rapid Sand 0.4 to 3.1 3400 to 26,000
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 5/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Rapid Sand Filtration Rapid Sand Filtration

The water above the filter provides the hydraulic
pressure (head) for the process. The filter medium is
above a lar
larger
er gravel,
ravel rock,
rock or other media for support
support.

Below the rock is usually an underdrain support of some

type

The water flows through the filter and support media,

exiting from a pipe below.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Rapid Sand Filtration Rapid Sand Filtration

Most modern filters employ two separate filter media in
layers

The lower layer is composed of a dense, fine media, often sand

The upper layer is composed of a less dense, coarse media,

often anthracite coal

The coarse upper layer removes larger particles before

they reach the fine layer, allowing the filter to operate
for a longer period before clogging.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Rapid Sand Filtration Rapid Sand Filtration

As the filter begins to clog from accumulated solids, less Water supply Backflush water out

water will pass through it. At some point cleaning is

required.
required
Backflush Backflush
Usual filter operation before cleaning is from a few supply supply

hours to 2 days. Fluidized filter

Filter media media
Cleaning is accomplished by reversing the flow of water
to the filter, or backwashing
Filtered water
Underdrain support Underdrain support

Operation during filtration Operation during cleaning

 CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 6/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Rapid Sand Filtration Rapid Sand Filtration

The backwash velocity is sufficient to fluidize the bed –
that is, to suspend the bed with the reverse flow

After backwashing, the filter is again placed in operation

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Traditional Filtration Traditional Filtration

A typical scheme for water filtration consists of Under the force of gravity water passes downward
flocculation with a chemical coagulant and sedimentation through the media that collect the floc and particles
prior to filtration

Alum or other Alum or other

coagulant Polymer coagulant coagulant Polymer coagulant

Influent Effluent Influent Effluent

Flocculation Sedimentation Filtration Flocculation Sedimentation Filtration
t = 15-30 minutes t = 1-4 hours t = 1-10 gpm/ft2 t = 15-30 minutes t = 1-4 hours t = 1-10 gpm/ft2

Rapid mixing Rapid mixing

t = 30 minutes t = 30 minutes

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Traditional Filtration Traditional Filtration

When the media become filled or solids break through, Filtration rates following flocculation and sedimentation
a filter bed is cleaned by backwashing are in the range of 2–10 gpm/ft2 with 5 gpm/ft2
normally the maximum desi
designn rate
rate.

Alum or other Alum or other

coagulant Polymer coagulant coagulant Polymer coagulant

Influent Effluent Influent Effluent

Flocculation Sedimentation Filtration Flocculation Sedimentation Filtration
t = 15-30 minutes t = 1-4 hours t = 1-10 gpm/ft2 t = 15-30 minutes t = 1-4 hours t = 1-10 gpm/ft2

Rapid mixing Rapid mixing

t = 30 minutes t = 30 minutes
 CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 7/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Direct Filtration Direct Filtration

The process of direct filtration does not include The impurities removed from the water are collected
sedimentation prior to filtration and stored in the filter

Alum or other Alum or other

coagulant Polymer coagulant coagulant Polymer coagulant

Influent Effluent Influent Effluent

Optional mixing Filtration Optional mixing Filtration
T > 30 minutes R = 1 – 10 gpm/ft2 T > 30 minutes R = 1 – 10 gpm/ft2
Rapid mixing Rapid mixing
t = 30 minutes t = 30 minutes

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Direct Filtration Direct Filtration

Contact flocculation of the chemically coagulated Successful advances in direct filtration are
particles in the water takes place in the granular media attributed to:
Development of coarse–to–fine multimedia filters
Alum or other Improved backwashing systems, and
coagulant Polymer coagulant
Availability of better polymer coagulants

Influent Effluent
Optional mixing Filtration Filtration rates in direct filtration are usually
R = 1 – 10 gpm/ft2
T > 30 minutes 1–6 gpm/ft2
Rapid mixing
t = 30 minutes

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Hydraulic Loading Rate Hydraulic Loading Rate
Let’s compute the hydraulic loading rate on our A hydraulic loading rate of 3.954 gpm/ft2 could be
filters in lab: classified as:
Flowrate: 1,000 ml/min 1. A high-end direct filtration (1–6 gpm/ft2)
Area of filter: 3.5 inch diameter filter 2. A mid-range rapid filter (range of 2–10
Flowrate gpm/ft2 with 5 gpm/ft2 normally the maximum
Loading Rate = design rate)
Area
ml
1, 000 min 1 gallon 144in 2 gpm
= × × = 3.954
2
π (3.5in )
4
3,785 ml ft 2 ft 2
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 8/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Hydraulic Loading Rate Hydraulic Loading Rate
To convert the hydraulic loading rate to the U.S. A hydraulic loading rate of 5,694 gpd/ft2 could be
standard of gpd/ft2, convert minutes to days qualifies as a rapid sand filter
Flowrate
Fl t
Loading Rate =
Area Filtration Type Application Rate
gpm
= 3.954 × 60 min × 24 hr m/hr gal/ft2–day
ft 2 hr day Slow Sand 0.04 to 0.4 340 to 3400
gpd Rapid Sand 0.4 to 3.1 3400 to 26,000
= 5,694
ft 2

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Hydraulic Loading Rate Hydraulic Loading Rate
Let’s compute the hydraulic loading rate for Let’s compute the hydraulic loading rate for
flowrates in class: flowrates in class:

Flowrate: 750 and 1,250 ml/min Flowrate: 750 and 1,250 ml/min

Area of filter: 3.5 inch diameter filter Area of filter: 3.5 inch diameter filter

Flowrate
Loading Rate = Flowrate of 750 ml/min Î 2.966 gpm/ft2
Area

=
(
Flowrate ml min ) × 1 gallon ×
144in 2
Flowrate of 1,250 ml/min Î 4.943 gpm/ft2

3,785 ml ft 2
2
π (3.5in )
4

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Hydraulic Loading Rate Description of a Typical Gravity Filter System
Let’s compute the hydraulic loading rate for
flowrates in class: During filtration, the water enters above the filter
media through an inlet flume.
Flowrate: 750 and 1,250 ml/min
After passing downward through the granular media and
Area of filter: 3.5 inch diameter filter the supporting gravel bed, it is collected in the
underdrain system
Flowrate of 750 ml/min Î 4,270 gpd/ft2

Flowrate of 1,250 ml/min Î 7,117 gpd/ft2

CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 9/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Operating Table
Filter Bed

Concrete
Floor Wall

Floor
Hydraulic
Lines
for Values
Drain
Influent Line
Waste

Effluent Line
Wash Line to Clearwell

Wash Trough Concrete Wall

Filter Sand

Graded Gravel

Perforated Laterals
Manifold

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Description of a Typical Gravity Filter System
During backwashing, wash water passing upward through
the filter carries out the impurities that accumulated in
the media

The flow is directed upward, hydraulically expanding the

filter media

The water is collected in the wash–water troughs that

discharge to the outlet flume

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Filter Media – Ideal Filter Filter Media – Single Medium Filter

Bed Depth

Bed Depth

Increasing Increasing
Grain Size Grain Size

Pore Size Pore Size

CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 10/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Filter Media – Dual-Medium Filter Description of a Typical Gravity Filter System

The filters are placed on both sides of a pipe gallery

Increasing
that contains inlet and outlet piping, wash–water inlet
Grain Size
Bed Depth

lines, and wash–water drains.

A clear well for storage of filtered water is located

Increasing
Grain Size under a portion of the filter bed area

Pore Size

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Filter Media
Broadly speaking, filter media should possess the
following qualities:

1. Coarse enough to retain large quantities of floc,

2. Sufficiently fine particles to prevent passage of
suspended solids,
3. Deep enough to allow relatively long filter runs, and

4. Graded to permit backwash cleaning.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Filter Media Filter Media

These attributes are not compatible. For example: A filter medium is defined by effective size and
uniformity coefficient.

1. Fine sand retains floc and tends to shorten the filter run Effective size is the 10–percentile diameter; that is, 10%
by weight of the filter material is less than this diameter,
2. For a course sand the opposite would be true D10

Uniformity coefficient is the ratio of the 60–percentile

size to the 10–percentile size (D60 /D10)
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 11/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Filter Media Multimedia Filters

Conventional sand medium has an effective size of 0.45– Dual–media filter beds usually employ anthracite and sand
0.55 mm, a uniformity coefficient less than 1.65
However, other materials have been used,
However used such as
activated carbon and sand
A sand filter bed with a relatively uniform grain size can
provide effective filtration throughout its depth Multimedia filter beds generally use anthracite, sand, and
garnet.

However, other materials have been used, such as

activated carbon, sand, and garnet.

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Multimedia Filters Multimedia Filters

The main advantages of multimedia filters compared to The advantages of the multimedia filters are due to:
single–medium filters are:
1 The
1. Th media
di particle
ti l size,
i
1. Longer filtration runs, 2. The different specific gravities of the media, and
2. Higher filtration rates, and 3. The media gradation.
3. The ability to filter a water with higher turbidity

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Backwash Velocity Backwash Velocity

The backwash velocity may be estimated using the Once the backwash velocity has been estimated, the depth
following equation of the expanded filter bed may be computed

L(1 − α )
v = v s αe4.5 Le =
( )
0.22

where v is the backwash velocity (ft/s)

1 − vv
s

vs is the settling velocity of the filter media (ft/s) where L is depth of the filter media (ft)

αe is the porosity of the expanded filter Le is depth of the expanded filter media (ft)

α is the porosity of the filter media

CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 12/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Backwash Velocity Example Backwash Velocity Example

Determine the required backwash velocity to expand the The backwash velocity may be estimated using the
sand filters in lab to a porosity of 0.70. following equation
Also, determine the depth of the expanded filter bed.
v = v s αe4.5
Assume the following data about our lab filters:
1. Depth of sand bed 0.5 ft (
= 0.27 ft s ) ( 0.70 ) 4.5

2. Sand with a particle diameter of 0.5 mm or 0.02 inches with a

0.054 ft s
settling velocity of 0.27 ft/s
=
3. Sand porosity is 0.35

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Backwash Velocity Example Backwash Velocity Example

Determine the hydraulic loading rate of the backwash Once the backwash velocity has been estimated, the depth
of the expanded filter bed may be computed
0 054ft
3
Velocity 0 054ft s = 0.054
V l it = 0.054 L(1
( − α)
ft 2s
Le =
( )
0.22

= 0.054ft
3
×
7.48 gallons
×
86, 400s 1 − vv
ft 2s ft 3 day s

0.5ft (1 − 0.35)
= 34, 900
gpd The backwash loading rate = 0.22 = 1.26 ft
ft 2 is about 7 times larger than ⎛ 0.054 ft ⎞
1−⎜ s ⎟
the filter loading rate ⎜ 0.27 ft ⎟
⎝ s ⎠

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Backwash Velocity Group Problem Backwash Velocity Example

Determine the required backwash velocity to expand the The backwash velocity may be estimated using the
sand filters in lab to a porosity of 0.75. following equation
Also, determine the depth of the expanded filter bed.
v = v s αe4.5
Assume the following data about our lab filters:
1. Depth of sand bed 0.5 ft (
= 0.27 ft s ) ( 0.75) 4.5

2. Sand with a particle diameter of 0.5 mm or 0.02 inches with a

0.074 ft s
settling velocity of 0.27 ft/s
=
3. Sand porosity is 0.30
CIVL 1101 Introduction to Filtration 13/13

Water Filtration Water Filtration

Backwash Velocity Example Backwash Velocity Example

Determine the hydraulic loading rate of the backwash Once the backwash velocity has been estimated, the depth
of the expanded filter bed may be computed
0 074ft
3
Velocity 0 074ft s = 0.074
V l it = 0.074 L(1
( − α)
ft 2s
Le =
( )
0.22

= 0.074ft
3
×
7.48 gallons
×
86, 400s 1 − vv
ft s
2
ft 3
day s

0.5 ft (1 − 0.3)
= 47,800
gpd = 0.22 = 1.41 ft
ft 2 ⎛ 0.074 ft ⎞
1−⎜ s ⎟
⎜ 0.27 ft ⎟
⎝ s ⎠

Water Filtration

Any Questions?