Another Project - Sediment Filter

[crokett]

After pulling the downstairs toilet, tearing it down and looking at the fill valve, the problem is it was clogged. After I put it back with the new valve I could see the silt in the bowl on the refills. So next weekend I will be installing a sediment filter or sediment screen.

Looking at something like this -the first one on the list. I like that it can be flushed, rather than having to change and replace a filter.

http://www.waterfiltersonline.com/vu...er-filters.asp

[Uncle Cracker]

Depending on the amount of sediment you get, and therefore the frequency at which you flush the filter, you may wish to hard-pipe the flush outlet to the discharge location, and install a small solenoid valve with a timer to automate the process.

Also, make sure you install the filter in a freeze-protected location... Those plastic VuFlo's really hate to be frozen.

The 104-mesh filter that comes with it is a good size for general purpose use, but you can opt for a mesh as small as 200, and really do a number on the finer particles.

[crokett]

I will install it in the basement, no worries about freezing. Does it need to go before or after the pressure tank? After is easy, before is tougher to do but possible. I can run the flush valve to my drywell connection - 2" pipe. If I need a solenoid on a timer I will look into it. I have no idea how fast this thing will fill up.

[Uncle Cracker]

You can go before or after the pressure tank. If you go after, there may be some sediment accumulation in the tank, but that may not be a concern for you. Make sure you put ball valves upstream and downstream of your filter, as you may not want the whole house or the tank draining to the filter if you have to service it.

[crokett]

Yeah I will do the ball valves. Now I just need to figure out the flow rate. Thanks for the help.

[Mr__Bill]

Depending on the amount of sediment you get, and therefore the frequency at which you flush the filter, you may wish to hard-pipe the flush outlet to the discharge location, and install a small solenoid valve with a timer to automate the process.

Also, make sure you install the filter in a freeze-protected location... Those plastic VuFlo's really hate to be frozen.

The 104-mesh filter that comes with it is a good size for general purpose use, but you can opt for a mesh as small as 200, and really do a number on the finer particles.

If you pipe it outside, you may wish to put the outlet in the garden so you can use the flush water to water the garden. It will also be exciting when your weeding the garden and the timer cycles.....


Bill

[crokett]

One more thing, with the flush water under pressure, I was planning to run it to an exsisting 2" drain that runs to daylight to a drywell. Are there any problems with this? Any idea how much water it takes to flush?

[Uncle Cracker]

Are there any problems with this? Any idea how much water it takes to flush?

No way to know for sure... It will depend on the type and amount of debris, how fine it is, and how packed in it is against the filter. This is not a backwash unit, the flush simply blows water by the filter surface to an alternate discharge. If it's really packed on, you may still need to take out the filter and brush it off under a faucet to completely clean it. More frequent flushings means less frequent teardowns, usually...

[gjat]

Just a thought...
I have contractors that drill large foundations using water with bentonite. As part of the process, they use a de-sander. It is exactly the same principle as the cyclone in a dust collector. It removes a lot of sand and silt quite easily. I would think that something like that would easily remove most of your silt without having to rely on a filter that would be clogged easily and having to have a static sediment tank.

[phi1l]

Just a thought...
I have contractors that drill large foundations using water with bentonite. As part of the process, they use a de-sander. It is exactly the same principle as the cyclone in a dust collector. It removes a lot of sand and silt quite easily. I would think that something like that would easily remove most of your silt without having to rely on a filter that would be clogged easily and having to have a static sediment tank.

ummmmmm ... that might be a possibility if you had a constant velocity, but in a residential application water flow rate is going to be variable to the extent that efficiency would not be reliable. Cyclones are used mostly where you have a very high solids load (several % by wt.) where a filter would be impractical.

I do have a question, First I am assuming you are on a well. Usually when developing a well, you get a lot of fines early in the development process. Are you sure you are still getting sediment in your water? The problem may have resolved itself. If not you may have some other problems as well. Your pressure tank may be filling with sediment, & you well pump may be destined for a short life.

I would take a large container & fill it up with water & let it sit for several hrs. to see if anything settles to the bottom.

[gjat]

One more thing, with the flush water under pressure, I was planning to run it to an exsisting 2" drain that runs to daylight to a drywell. Are there any problems with this? Any idea how much water it takes to flush?

Big problem. Since it is heavy in sediment, it will clog/fill your dry well. When you flush, you don't only want to clear the sediment out of your capture container, but you have to flush it out of your drain pipe as well.

[crokett]

I think I am going to go with the filter type system rather than one that needs to be flushed. The filters are much less expensive than I thought and only need to be changed once a quarter or so depending. Most of the folks who said get the back flush type either have them in inconvenient locations (like a craw space) and/or the installation was not done with things like shut-offs. Since I am installing it, I will plan on making disconnecting for service easy. Plus this will hang on the wall in my basement so access is not an issue.

Gjat, another reason is indeed the silting up of my drywell drain. I thought about that after I posted and don't really want all that crap clogging the drain.

[Uncle Cracker]

I think I am going to go with the filter type system rather than one that needs to be flushed.

Don't forget the ball valves upstream and downstream of the filter... There are also washable media available for those filters, but they don't work as well as the disposables, IMHO.