The golden rule for Ultraviolet (UV) filtration is you must hit 5 microns or less. Meaning, you must filter out any particles measuring greater than 5 microns in diameter before the water receives the lethal dose of UV light. Harmful microorganisms can hide behind particles greater than 5 microns and escape the lethal dose.
The two common types of filters that we sell at RC Worst are sediment and carbon. Sediment filters are available in a pleated, blown poly, or string wound version.
A pleated filter has media pleated around a core. Pleated filters have a very large surface area, providing high flow rates and dirt-holding capacity. They have greater surface area and will account for less pressure loss than string filters.
String wound filters are made as their name describes. They look like a big ball of tightly wound yarn. They remove sediment like sand, dirt or other debris and are fairly inexpensive.
Blown poly filters are an inexpensive type of filter that look similar to foam. They are very economical but do not provide the best performance.
Carbon filters are known more as a polishing type filter. They filter out fine particles and will reduce unwanted tastes and odors. For example, a carbon filter can reduce the taste and odor of chlorine or sulfur in your drinking water.
Generally, one or two pre-filters are used in a UV water treatment system. Having a second filter adds some versatility compared to a single pre-filter. For example, two filter housings will allow for use of a sediment filter followed by a carbon filter or a two sediment filters in series. The first filter will collect the larger particles and the second the smaller particles, thus extending the life of the finer filter.
Housings come in different sizes which allow for choosing the right size filter for the application. Larger filters have more surface area, allowing for greater flow rates and increasing the time between filter changers. In other words, given the same flow rate, a smaller filter will need to be changed more frequently.
Ultimately, the right treatment method will depend on the quality of your water and what you want to filter out. Pleated or string filters are great for removing sand, dirt, and debris from your water. They are needed to reduce the particle size to less than 5 microns in diameter so that the bacteria cannot hide behind particles to avoid the UV light. Carbon filters are used for the purpose of improving the taste and smell of the water.
Not sure what type of filter you need for your system? Call us today at RC Worst & Company to discuss the right filter to meet your needs.