5 Facts About Automatic Screen Filters

Screen filters are systems that use a screen to remove particles like dirt from the water. These systems can be used for agricultural irrigation, cooling systems, and water treatment, however screen filters cannot be used for all purposes. For example, algae can slip through the screen, so using a screen filter would render the process completely ineffective.

Automatic screen filters fully automate the filtration process, while offering a variety of features, some of which users can choose from based on their particular needs.

1. Automatic screen cleaning

One of the best features of an automatic screen filter is that the system automatically cleans the screen when it becomes dirty. Most commonly, automatic filter systems use a backwash system to clean its screen. In this method, the system sends water backwards for a short amount of time, unclogging all of the particles from the screen. Then, the water used to clean the screen is drained out through a separate area. The time required to run a self-cleaning cycle varies per system, and in some systems the time required to complete a cycle is customizable.

If the automatic screen cleaning does use the backwashing method described above, there are actually systems which use different volumes of water to complete the backwashing, which can be an important feature. Some companies will indicate in the product description how many gallons or litres of water are used in the cleaning process.

2. Strong materials

Although not an automated feature, automatic screen filters have strong materials which allow them to last longer and handle more heavy-duty work. For one, the screens used are metal and are permanent. The metal screens allow the system to handle virtually any kind of debris without becoming damaged. As well, the systems are made from corrosion-proof material which allows the system itself to last longer.

3. Filtration grade

Systems are available with different filtration grades. The fineness of a particle or dirt is measured in micron, which is equal to one millionth of a metre. Screens can filter anywhere from 20 micron to 500 micron, which would need to be chosen by the user depending on his or her needs. Two main factors that could affect this decision are:

• What the water is being used for. Does it need to be potable, or just clear of larger particles?
• What the quality of the water is to begin with. What is the water like to start with and what does it need to be like once it has been filtered?

4. Gallons per minute

Another important feature is how many gallons per minute (GPM) the system can handle. This can differ per system, and it is also important for the user to understand what the recommended GPM is because it can affect the quality of the water coming out the other end of the filter. If the water is not being filtered through quickly enough, the quality of the water goes down.

5. Virtually no maintenance

These systems require almost no maintenance or monitoring. They are fully automated, and although there may be a couple of settings that require customizing, the systems will otherwise manage themselves.

Of course, there is some light maintenance that needs to be done to keep the system running in top working order. From time to time the screen may need to be cleaned manually, which will release any particles that did not come loose during the backwashing or self-cleaning process. In addition, the system should be checked semi-annually to ensure that all moving parts are functioning as they should and that the screen is still in tact.