Water Filtration Methods Explained

Have you ever wondered about the procedure which water undergoes to meet the required pH for drinking or industrial use? The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in South Africa suggest maintaining a pH level of 6.0 to 9.0 for municipal water supplies, and this is achieved through water treatment process aiming to remove contaminants from water, one of the most effective technique is filtration which makes it clean and usable across various applications. Though sometimes confused with water purification, which eliminates minerals along with pollutants, filtration retains beneficial minerals while discarding harmful particles. This article provides a comprehensive guide to water filtration methods, highlighting one of our unique filtration processes and its contribution to the overall water treatment process.

Types Of Water Filtration Methods

Membrane Filtration

Membrane filtration is an advanced method of water treatment that completely eliminates small particles not visible to the naked eye: bacteria, and viruses from water. NuWater specialises in ultra-filtration (UF) membranes that are custom-made to remove suspended solids. These systems are perfect for industrial and municipal uses that require high water clarity and purity. The UF process is advantageous for industries such as beverage production, as it guarantees contaminant-free water to safeguard delicate downstream machinery and uphold product excellence.

Water Treatment Process

• UF Membranes: These membranes operate through mechanical filtration, using extremely fine filters to remove particles as small as 0.01 microns. The filtration process captures solids, bacteria, and certain viruses, but allows dissolved minerals to pass through.
• Pressure-driven process: Water is forced through the membrane under pressure, separating it into two streams—one containing the filtered water and the other carrying the trapped contaminants.

Our systems provide consistent and reliable filtration, to insure process certainty in applications that demand high water quality. With these state-of-the-art ultra-filtration membranes, NuWater delivers efficient and reliable solutions for industries that require crystal-clear water, with an emphasis on operational certainty.

Rapid Sand Filtration

This is one of the water filtration techniques used in municipal water treatment plants to handle enormous volumes of water. Water flows through layers of sand and activated carbon, with the carbon serving as a filter, removing organic molecules that impact taste and odour.

This approach is very effective for eliminating suspended particles and enhancing water clarity. However, filtration process water treatment employing quick sand filters may necessitate frequent backwashing, which may alter the chemical balance of the water, demanding additional treatments.

Slow Sand Filtration

Slow sand filtration is another reliable option when space and resources are limited. Slow sand systems use biological processes rather than rapid physical filtering, allowing water to soak through thin layers of sand.

This method has been shown to be effective in eliminating dirt, debris, and germs; nevertheless, it requires ongoing maintenance. However, there are certain downsides, such as clogging, which may be avoided by scraping the filter’s top layer. Professionals employ it in certain water plants despite its low cost and simplicity of construction.

Bank Filtration

Bank filtration is a natural and economical way to treat water. Wells are drilled near rivers or lakes, allowing water to pass through natural sediments, filtering out many contaminants. While this method may not yield drinking water quality on its own, it can serve as the first stage of treatment, followed by more intensive filtration methods such as oxidation or adsorption.

Disinfection and Chlorination

In industrial and municipal applications, disinfection often complements water filtration techniques. Chlorine is a common disinfectant added to water after filtration to kill any remaining pathogens. This method is simple and widely used, but the taste and odour of chlorine can be off-putting for drinking water.

Chlorine dioxide and ozone are also used in disinfection. Chlorine dioxide is faster-acting but less common due to regulatory concerns. Ozone, while highly effective and leaving no taste or odour, is energy-intensive and requires careful handling.

Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection

UV disinfection is another effective post-filtration treatment. UV light is used to inactivate bacteria and viruses without adding any chemicals to the water. It works best with low-turbidity water, as suspended solids can reduce its effectiveness. After UV treatment, a secondary disinfectant like chloramine is often added to maintain water safety during distribution.

Industrial Wastewater Treatment Methods

Sectors that deal with oil, gas, and mine handle large volumes of wastewater, advanced industrial wastewater treatment methods are essential. Membrane filtration, rapid sand filters, and additional disinfection techniques like UV are commonly employed to meet stringent discharge standards.

Conclusion

Water filtration methods are required to meet the required pH levels and adhering to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry regulations for water quality. NuWater implements ultra-filtration membranes and other water treatment methods, which outstandingly remove contaminants while retaining essential minerals, while in compliance with DWAF standards. Ideal for industries requiring high water clarity and regulatory adherence, NuWater’s UF systems provide reliable and efficient solutions. Trust us for innovative water treatment solutions for industrial applications.