Optimization of Operation and Backwashing Condition for an Upflow Stormwater Filtration System Utilizing Ceramic Media

Abstract

Stormwater filtration is widely used for the urban runoff treatment. However, intensive maintenance and lack of information about the performance have resulted in an increased need of proper evaluation. In this study, the performance of an upflow stormwater runoff filtration system, consisting of a supporting unit and a filtration unit filled with a ceramic media, was investigated. The maximum head loss increase was about 3 cm under the suspended solid (SS) load of 30 kg/m2 and the SS removal was more than 96%, when the filtration velocity was 20-40 m/h. The head loss and the porosity of the media can successfully be described by a power model. It was confirmed that the a significant amount of SS can effectively be removed at supporting unit, minimizing SS load to the filter media bed. Several backwashing strategies have been tested to establish the optimum condition. It was found that the stagnant water discharge is important to minimize the SS release immediately after backwashing. Also, the filter bed loaded with 400-450 kg/m2 SS can almost completely be washed to reduce the head loss to the that of empty bed. The results in this study indicate that the upflow ceramic media filter is an excellent alternative to stormwater treatment, with high SS removal and long lifespan. Key words: Non-Point Source Pollution, Stormwater Runoff, Upflow Filtration System, Backwash