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The
filter is charged with a measured amount of diatomaceous earth filter-aid.
Flow is then established through the filter and the precoat bypass in a
closed loop fashion. As the liquid passes through the Flex-Tube™
elements, the diatomite is deposited on the outer surface of the elements
creating a "filter cake". The filter is now ready for service. |
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The
liquid path during filtration is upflow. Solids are trapped on the surface
of the filter cake, and the filtered water exits the filter via the top
connection. Clarity can be monitored at the sight glass. Filtrex active
regeneration consistently removes particles to 1 micron.
READY
FOR REGENERATION... as
solids accumulate during the filter cycle, there is a gradual diminishing
of the filter flow. At this point, conventional filters need backwashing
and a change of precoat. Not Filtrex. Instead, in less than 5 minutes,
active regeneration restores normal full flow filtration while using the
original precoat. |
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The
bump DOWNSTROKE is the first step in the Filtrex active regeneration
process. Flow through the filter is stopped and the bump mechanism is
activated... lowering the entire element bundle. |
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The
upstroke quickly raises the element bundle to its up or sealed position,
creating a hydraulic "PUSH" inside the elements. The unique Flex
Tube construction responds to this inner "PUSH", actively
propelling the solids-laden diatomite from the surface of the elements to
the bottom of the tank. The bump is repeated through two additional
DOWN-UP cycles to completely clean the elements. Elapsed time:
under 20 seconds, and without using a single drop of backwash fluid. |
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Flow
is now re-established through the filter and precoat bypass, mixing the
filter aid and solids and randomly re-depositing the mixture on the
Flex-Tubes.
Note: Continuous
slurry feed is unnecessary for extended filter cycles. Compared to static
cake filters, active regeneration reduces diatomite consumption by 90%.
|
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Filtration
now continues at full flow. Remember, each regeneration exposes billions
of unused filtration passageways. This keeps the filter efficiently
functional and free-flowing. Repetitive active reorganization of the
filter cake is the key to Filtrex economy of operation.
READY FOR
CLEANING... while not recommended, some Filtrex filters have operated for
one year without precoat change. However, all filter cycles eventually
reach a point where further regeneration is impractical. This is signaled
by a premature pressure-rise during the filter cycle, confirming the need
for a fresh precoat. |
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This
phase begins the same as a regeneration. Flow is stopped and the bump
mechanism activated as in illustration 3 and 4. Once the solids laden
precoat has been removed from the Flex-Tube filter elements, it is simply
drained from the tank and a fresh precoat applied and a new filter cycle
is underway. |