Performance and technical valuation of candle-type ceramic filter for water purification

Abstract

The treated water reaches to consumers through water distribution networks. In some areas such a provision is not available and people depend on surface water storages either from small ponds or dug wells. The factors such as turbidity, smell, odour, chemical pollutants, hardness, total solids, etc. are influencing while treating water. The traditional methods of filter water such as natural coagulants, sand water filters, ceramic water filters and clay-based CWFs which were fabricated by sintering composites of red art clay and fine woodchips in same proportions. Investigate the hydraulic aspects of candle filter like flow rate for various samples of water having different turbidity level and chemical pollutants and evaluate the effectiveness of the candle filter in view of turbidity removal. Analysis in the pore structure and chemical composition of unused water filter candle by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), to determine the pore area and the specific pore volume of unused water filter through candle using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Determine the porosity of unused water filter candle by water saturation and water absorption methods. From the laboratory level experimental studies, it is inferred that the candle filter is efficient in removing turbidity at 100% and also for removing pathogens as its pore size was found to be less than 40 nm.