Sec 9 Irrigation Filtration Systems

Irrigation Filtration Systems Filtration is used to keep systems free of contaminants. They can help extend the life of an irrigation system and lower maintenance. There are basically 2 types of contaminants: Inorganics like sand, sediment Organics like algae, small fish and freshwater shrimp. There are different types of filters. MESH SCREEN FILTERS Mesh screen filters are composed of a cylinder of mesh or screening material. The screens can be listed in a mesh size (eg 100 mesh) or micron size (150 microns) .Mesh sizes can vary but micron sizes are fairly uniform Mesh screen filters are the least expensive. They are often installed inline. Mesh screen filters are good for inorganics but some organics like algae will often plug the holes in the mesh. More expensive mesh filters will be self or back flushing DISK FILTERS Series of rough surfaced disks in a stack – water forced between the discs particulates snagged or caught between the discs. Good for organics and inorganics The clean discs are separated from each other which frees the particulates. Self cleaning or hand cleaning – depending on how much you want to pay. http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/dripControl/LCRBY-Filter.htm SAND MEDIA FILTERS Sand Media Filters will require the use of a sharp sand. Organic material will get caught between the sand particles or the edges of the sand will snag the organic material. The filter can then be back flushed to remove the organics out of the sand. Sand media filters are not good for inorganics. The sand or sediment tends to build up in the filter and then it has to be physically removed. Sand Media filters are often used to clean water from lakes, dugouts and rivers. They come in large rounded tanks in groups of 2 to 4 and are fairly expensive. It is important, for efficient operation, to get the right size of filter. http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/products/filtration/SandMediaFilter.htm CENTRIFUGAL FILTERS OR SAND SEPARATORS Good for particulates – force causes particles to move to the outside of the cylinder and slide down the side to a holding tank. Often used where wells are the source of water Can be attached to the bottom of a submersible pump Can combine with other filters like media or screen filter Fairly inexpensive Choose depending on budget, water quality, type of sprinkler system (drip systems need more filtration) Order of Operations: 1. Sandy Water In: Water, sand, silt, and grit flow from the pump into the sandmaster 2. Centrifugal Action Separation: Particles are thrown to the perimeter, fall and collect in the lower chamber 3. Clean Water Out: Free of sand, and grit water exits the separator and flows to the pressure tank 4. Sand Purge: Open the valve periodically to flush away separated particle https://www.plumbingsupply.com/lakossandmasterfilters.html Water SourceSuggested Filter Types Municipal Water SystemScreen Filter, Centrifugal Filter, or Disk Filter. WellScreen Filter, Centrifugal Filter, or Disk Filter. River or CreekDisk Filter, Media Filter and Screen Filter, Centrifugal and Media Filter. Pond or LakeDisk Filter, Media Filter and Screen Filter, Centrifugal and Media Filter. Spring or Artesian WellScreen Filter, Centrifugal Filter, or Disk Filter. Organic material in waterDisk Filter, Media Filter and Screen Filter, Centrifugal and Media Filter. Sand in waterScreen Filter, Centrifugal Filter, or Disk Filter. http://www.irrigationtutorials.com/filters.htm UV FILTERS UV Filters are used for bacterial organisms and other pathogens. How does UV light work for water purification? “UV-C rays (photons) penetrate microorganisms and become absorbed by the DNA of the pathogen in the water being treated. The DNA is altered in such a way that the pathogen cannot reproduce and is essentially killed and cannot cause infection. This process of DNA modification is called inactivation “ https://www.watertiger.net/how-uv-works/ Mar 2019 https://www.lowes.ca/whole-house-filtration-systems/rainfresh-r519-whole-house-ultraviolet-water-disinfection-system