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Everfilt® FAQ's

Find Answers to Common Questions in Our Comprehensive FAQ Section.

1. Should I use stainless steel or carbon steel for my filter system?

Like anything, carbon steel and stainless steel materials both have their strengths and weaknesses. The best advice we can give to customers is to perform a water quality test before purchasing filtration equipment.

 

Doing so, will give the manufacturer and customer peace of mind, and take into account possible corrosive elements that could hinder the performance and shorten the life expectancy of your new filtration system. Taking the additional steps prior allows our professionals to recommend the best option available.

2. Can I use any type of sand or gravel in my tanks?

The simple answer is NO, each series or product line of media filtration equipment is designed specifically with pre-determined results and capabilities in mind. These capabilities and results are calculated and field-tested, utilizing the specific media and volumes at hand. Using incorrect media sizes or specialty media in equipment not designed for specific use can cause premature system failure or damage to the unit in question. For example, specialty media typically requires a set contact time (source water in contact with media bed) per the manufacturer.

 

If the required time and (service filtration rate) are not adhered to, results may vary or be unsuccessful. On multi-media type filtration systems, multiple layers of different sized media are required to achieve a specific micron level of filtration, if the depth of each media layer is altered, filtration results may vary. The most common issue when not using correct media will be a spike in pressure or significant difference on inlet and outlet pressure, even after a backwash cycle. Using a finer media DOES NOT allow water to penetrate the media bed as designed, and will cause elevated operating pressures or constant backwash cycles.

3. What is the difference between a welded under drain & removable underdrain?

A welded underdrain is the most common found in the industry. At Everfilt® our standard wedge wire underdrain options are constructed from 304SS (316SS options available) and the overall design is a main hub (or center-mounted section) with laterals extended outward around the hub. The base of the hub and each lateral are all welded together nicely in place. A removable underdrain is also constructed from 304SS or optional 316SS wedge wire.

 

The main difference is the center hub is threaded to the bottom of the tank, along with each lateral being threaded to the main hub. This design is more labor intensive, and requires more individual components, so this option does increase cost. The huge benefit, is the option to rebuild or completely replace the underdrain assembly if a portion becomes damaged or broken. Everfilt® offers individual laterals or complete assembly as replacements, and can be done without having to cut or damage the tank. All parts can be removed from tanks exiting the side-access manway.

4. What is A pressure differential Switch (PD-SWITCH) ?

The Everfilt® Pressure Differential Switch allows two hydraulic connections. The first is the high-pressure line connected to the inlet manifold which is responsible for taking a reading of the incoming flow pressure. The second connection on the pressure differential is for the low-pressure reading. The “low” reading is connected to the discharge manifold located at the bottom of the tanks.

 

As the filters or media beds become dirty, water does not pass through the media bed as freely, therefore reducing the pressure reading on the discharge line.  When a pressure differential between 5-7 PSI is noticed on the PD-Switch, a backwash sequence will automatically be initiated to ensure the filter system has a clean media bed at all times. This feature is only available on automatic backwash-equipped units, and the PD-Switch on the front of the control panel is in the “ON” position.

5. Why are the backwash valves transitioning from filtration to backwash position, SLOWLY or not FULLY?

The most common issue with backwash valves transitioning from filtration mode slowly, or not fully from one position to another, can be a couple different issues. 

The most common is the “Y” strainer or screen inside the “Y” strainer plastic housing. The basic function of the “Y” stainer is to take a portion of the incoming source water from the inlet manifold, clean the water, and send a portion of the flow and pressure that is responsible for operating the hydraulic portion of the filter system.

 

Valve actuation, is competed by water from the hydraulic pick-up and Y strainer is sent down to the solenoid valves, and when energized water is sent into the backwash valve diaphragm causing it to move from one position to another. If the Y strainer screen is dirty or damaged, water flow is hindered and system operation is limited. The most common outcome is the backwash valve will be stuck in open or closed position or possibly not fully transitioning from one location to another 100% of the time.

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