Application of Self - Cleaning Filters in the Removal of Turbidity from River Water: Pilot Study

Abstract

Enhanced treatment of river water was investigated by the modified coagulation-flocculation process for the application of self-cleaning filters (SCF’s) in the removal of turbidity using a combination of Alum and Sudfloc 3880. This study is aimed to improve the removal of iron and turbidity concentrations from river water and reduce water loss. This is achieved by piloting innovative water treatment technologies such as the SCF’s Plant. The new technology further assessed the effectiveness, efficiency, and operability of the SCF’s Plant by varying certain operational parameters such as water flow, differential pressures, coagulant, and flocculent dosages. The results established in this study critically analyze the feasibility of deploying water treatment technologies such as the SCF Plant in areas with similar environmental conditions and/or facing similar water treatment challenges. The removal efficiencies of turbidity were about 40 % and further optimization will be continued until 90 % to 100 % is achieved. The average removal efficiency of turbidity was 40 % and achieved at a 250 m3/h flow rate. The average removal across all flow rates was over 20 %. Further optimization of the RF14 will be carried out using other chemical combinations and formulations at various process settings while bypassing the PLF filters. The PLF elements will be brought into service to further reduce the turbidity after the optimization of the RF14. Keywords: Water, Treatment, Coagulation, Flocculation, Processes, Technologies, Filters *