Name : Muhamad Farhan Randhie Hakim

NRP : 5008231191

Filtration and Microstraining in Water Treatment System

Filtration, along with coagulation and sedimentation, removes solids from surface
water and wastewater, preparing it for potable, boiler, or cooling purposes. It is necessary in
wastewater treatment to meet effluent discharge regulations. Filtration, which includes
adsorption, straining, sedimentation, and other processes, does not remove dissolved solids;
however, it can be combined with softening to achieve this.

Conventional gravity and pressure rapid filters operates a downflow system, using a
15-30 inch deep bed of sand or anthracite as the filter medium. Using a single or multiple
grades of sand or anthracite. A support bed of 1/8 to 1 inch gravel or anthracite, layered to a
depth of 12-16 inches, prevents fine media from entering the underdrain and helps distribute
backwash water.

Types of Filtration Media

Filtration media can be made with various materials, including quartz sand, silica
sand, anthracite, garnet, and magnetite, the most common being silica sand and anthracite.
Anthracite is preferred when silica is not suitable, such as in boiler feed applications. The
shape and size of the media influence solids removal efficiency, with rounded media typically
being more effective than angular media. To prevent rapid pressure increases, the filter media
must allow solids to penetrate the bed 2-4 inches. Media is rated based on effective particle
size and uniformity, with a lower uniformity coefficient indicating more uniform particle
sizes.

The terms “multilayer,” “in-depth,” and “mixed media” refer to filter beds organized
by particle size and density, with coarser, less dense particles at the top and finer, denser
particles at the bottom. This arrangement allows for deep penetration of particulate matter,
high filtration rates, and long service life. Even after backwashing, the denser particles
remain at the bottom, preventing the layers from separating. However, using too many
Name : Muhamad Farhan Randhie Hakim

NRP : 5008231191

different media layers can create backwashing issues, as the high wash rates required for
denser materials may displace lighter materials such as anthracite.

Media Effective size, mm (in.) Specific gravity

Anthracite 0.7-1.7 (0.03-0.07) 1.4
Sand 0.3-0.7 (0.01-0.03) 2.6
Garnet 0.4-0.6 (0.016-0.024) 3.8
Magnetite 0.3-0.5 (0.01-0.02) 4.9

Anthracite/sand filter beds typically offer all of the benefits of single-media filtration
while requiring less backwash water than sand or anthracite alone. Similar claims have been
made for mixed anthracite, sand, and garnet units. The primary benefits of dual-media
filtration are increased rates and longer runs. Anthracite/sand/garnet beds can operate at
normal rates of 5 gpm/ft2 and up to 8 gpm/ft2 without compromising effluent quality.

Filtration is an important water treatment process that, along with coagulation and
sedimentation, removes solids from water for drinking, boiler use, and wastewater discharge.
It works through a variety of mechanisms, including adsorption, straining, and sedimentation,
but does not remove dissolved solids unless combined with softening processes. Filters can
work with gravity or pressure systems. Mixed-media filters use graded layers of materials of
varying densities for deeper solid penetration, providing benefits such as longer service runs
and higher filtration rates. Backwashing is necessary on a regular basis to clean filters and
prevent clogging, and different techniques are available depending on the filter design.
Advanced methods, such as continuous cleaning filters and precoat filtration, are designed to
meet specific water quality requirements.

Filtration is a widely used method in water treatment that involves the passage of
water through a porous medium, such as sand, gravel, or synthetic materials, to remove
suspended solids and contaminants. The process can be categorized into different types,
including deep bed filtration, direct filtration, precoat filtration, cartridge filtration, and
reverse osmosis. Each type is tailored to specific applications and requirements, such as
wastewater treatment, drinking water production, and industrial processes. The effectiveness
of filtration depends on several key principles:
Name : Muhamad Farhan Randhie Hakim

NRP : 5008231191

 Particle Size: The size of particles that can be removed is critical. Smaller particles
require finer filters, while larger particles can be removed by coarser media.
 Flow Rate: The rate at which water flows through the filter affects its efficiency.
Higher flow rates may reduce the effectiveness of filtration.
 Pressure: Pressure applied to the filter can enhance the removal of particles by
increasing the force of water flow through the medium.

Applications of Filtration

1. Drinking Water Production, filtration is a primary step in producing clean drinking

water. It removes particulate matter, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that
could pose health risks.
2. Wastewater Treatment, in wastewater treatment plants, filtration is used to remove
suspended solids and organic matter before further treatment steps like biological
processes or chemical treatment.
3. Industrial Processes, filtration is essential in various industrial processes, such as in
the production of pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing,
where high purity water is required.

Microstraning

Microstraining is a technique used in various water treatment applications to remove

microorganisms and suspended solids. To capture microalgae and other microorganisms,
water is passed through a fine mesh or screen with small pores, usually ranging from 10 to
100 micrometers. Microstraining is a specialized form of filtration that uses very fine mesh or
membranes to remove microscopic particles and contaminants from water. This process is
particularly effective in removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause
waterborne diseases. Principles of Microstraining:

 Membrane Technology: Microstraining often employs membrane technology, where

water passes through semipermeable membranes with very small pores. These
Name : Muhamad Farhan Randhie Hakim

NRP : 5008231191

membranes can filter out particles as small as 0.1 microns, making them highly
effective against bacteria and viruses.
 Pressure-Driven Filtration: Like traditional filtration, microstraining often relies on
pressure to drive the water through the membrane. However, the pressure required is
typically higher due to the smaller pore size of the membranes.

Applications of Microstraining

1. Water Purification, microstraining is widely used in water purification systems to

produce ultra-pure water for various applications, including drinking water, medical
equipment, and laboratory use.
2. Wastewater Treatment, in advanced wastewater treatment plants, microstraining can
be used as a final step to remove any remaining contaminants before discharge into
the environment.
3. Industrial Processes, microstraining is crucial in industries requiring high-purity
water, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing.

Conclusion

Filtration and microstraining are fundamental processes in water treatment, each

contributing significantly to ensuring the quality and safety of water. Filtration, with its
various types and applications, is a broad category that encompasses traditional methods of
removing particulate matter. Microstraining, with its use of fine membranes, is particularly
effective against microscopic contaminants. Understanding these processes and their
applications is essential for maintaining public health and environmental sustainability.

By leveraging these techniques, we can effectively manage water resources, protect

public health, and support various industrial and economic activities. The continuous
advancement in filtration and microstraining technologies will remain crucial for addressing
the evolving challenges in water treatment and sustainability.
Name : Muhamad Farhan Randhie Hakim

NRP : 5008231191

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hydraulic modeling of a compact stormwater treatment device applying concepts of dynamic

similitude.

Water, Wastewater, and Sludge Filtration

Practical Considerations of Wastewater–Seawater Integrated Reverse Osmosis: Design

Constraint by Boron Removal

https://www.watertechnologies.com/handbook/chapter-06-filtration