Multi-stage industrial filtration systems use pre-filters to improve the performance of the usually more expensive primary filter performance which when properly done can significantly reduce costs.
Multi-stage filtration, also known as series filtration, can extend the service life of the main filter which is usually more expensive than the prefilters used to protect the main filter.
Properly designed series filtration can also reduce maintenance hours in servicing the filtration systems and equipment which can also reduce costs.
The Advanced Filtration personnel are such believers in series filtration that we’ve incorporated it into our logo.
Look for foulants
The first step in developing a multi-stage filtration system is to look at the what is fouling your filters.
Foulants can range from sand and grit to fibrous materials to biological organisms, scale and precipitates to oxidants such as chlorine to gases.
Foulants can vary depending on time of year and other changes. For example, summer algae blooms can greatly increase the number of biological organisms in water intakes.
To properly design a multi-stage industrial filtration understand the source of filter fouling and to carefully analyze the foulants contents.
Because one technology is rarely ideal for every situation in a complex system, several pre-filters may need to be arranged in series to achieve the desired filtration results.
Multi-stage industrial filtration savings
Properly designed, the value of a multi-stage filtration system can be greater than the sum of its parts. Protecting membranes and the main filters is important. But reducing operating costs substantially is quite possible. So is improving the environmental cost– reductions in chemical use, filter cartridges, back-flush water, and energy have ecological significance and environmental benefits as well as economic benefits.
Due to the complex nature of foulants and the many possible solutions a filtration expert who can recommend and implement a wide number of solutions from a variety of companies is much better positioned to supply the best possible solution.
At Advanced Filtration we’d be glad to discuss your filtration issues and how series filtration might be the right choice for you.