What Is The Difference Between Slow And Rapid Sand Filtration?

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Turbidity and algae are removed from raw waters by screens, gravel filters and slow sand or rapid gravity filters. The difference between slow and rapid sand filtration is not the speed of filtration, but in the underlying concept of the treatment process. Slow sand filtration is essentially a biological process whereas rapid sand filtration is a physical treatment process.
Screens
Screens are effective for the removal of particulate material and debris from raw waters and are used on many surface water intakes. Coarse screens will remove weeds and debris while band screens or micro strainers will remove smaller particles including fish and may be effective in removing large algae. Micro strainers are used as a pre-treatment to reduce solids loading before slow sand filters or chemical …show more content…

They may also be used to remove turbidity, algae and iron and manganese from raw waters. Granular activated carbon medium is used to remove organic compounds and filters incorporating an alkaline medium are used to increase the pH value of acidic water. Rapid gravity sand filters usually consist of rectangular tanks containing silica sand (size range 0.5 to 1.0 mm) to a depth of between 0.6 and 1.0 m. The water flows downwards and solids become concentrated in the upper layers of the bed. Treated water is collected via nozzles in the floor of the filter. The accumulated solids are removed periodically by backwashing with treated water, usually preceded by scouring of the sand with air. Frequency of backwashing depends on loading rate and raw water quality and is typically every 24 hours. Backwashing can be initiated automatically after a predetermined head loss has been reached or may be carried out manually. A dilute sludge that requires disposal is produced which may be discharged to sewer, soak-away or, after treatment, to a watercourse provided that any required discharge consent is

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