Equipment that performs mechanical water purification and does not need periodic replacement is called a washing filter. Due to this feature, such a device is a more economical option, unlike models with replaceable cartridges. There are models of washing filters that perform washing on their own, that is, in automatic mode.
Peculiarities
Such a system consists of several elements.
Namely these:
- it has a flask, which is equipped with an inlet and outlet pipe;
- the filter includes a mesh and a rotary valve, which is installed in the lower outlet from the flasks;
- pressure gauge, flush drive and other automatic system, but not every model has components.
According to the principle of cleaning, such a system is quite easy. In this case, the mesh is installed in the lower and upper parts of the flask, water enters the flask through the inlet pipe and flows through the cleaning cells, on which dirt and harmful impurities remain, and then, under pressure, water is supplied to the faucet.
The peculiarity of such a filter lies in the density of the filtering surface: the denser the cleaning element, the better the cleaning is.
In this system, there is another hole, which is located at the bottom of the cleaning flask. This hole is closed when the filter is in operation.
After some time has passed, the cleaning cells may become dirty, and the purified water will flow under low pressure.
In this case, it is necessary to open the bottom valve, and the water under its gravity will begin to flow down. Thus, the mesh is washed. After you have made sure that clean water begins to flow from the hole, the valve must be returned to its original position.
Modern models of such filters are equipped with the ability to connect the lower drainage to the sewerage system through a hose. If this is not possible, then you will have to constantly substitute the container for drainage and monitor its fullness.
But also the fact that such filters are designed to purify cold water can also be attributed to the feature, but they cannot cope with hot water.
But there are filter models that are universal. Such options can be installed both for cold water and for hot. The body of such filters is made of brass or bronze. The main disadvantage of such systems is their high cost. If we compare the cost of universal filters with the cost of cold water filters, then plastic devices are much cheaper. In addition, if the plastic is transparent, then the owner has the opportunity to determine the level of contamination of the cells.
Principle of operation
Mostly self-cleaning water treatment systems have meshes. In such cases, the water is purified by passing through their cells. Mesh with small cells stop all pollution. Thus, dirt accumulates on them. Such an accumulated layer of dirt interferes with the normal passage of water, so the water pressure is reduced.
The easiest way to remove accumulated dirt from the grid- this is to remove the grid from the flask and rinse it under running water, and then install it in its seat. This work is not difficult, but it takes some time.
Modern systems of self-cleaning filters carry out cleaning in automatic mode.
But for this you need to open the bottom valve and wait for the result. After opening the faucet, water under its own weight begins to flow into the lower hole and thus washes and removes contamination from the mesh. If you did not take care of the design of the outlet when installing the system, then during the cleaning period you will have to periodically change the container into which dirt and water will merge.
Kinds
Standard models of mesh filters are those models in which it is necessary to manually wash the contaminated mesh. But there are many such models. Some of them need to be disassembled to get and rinse the mesh, and some can be washed without disassembly.
These filters are divided into two types.
- Filters with automatic washing of a grid. Such systems do not require human intervention, as the mechanism automatically starts the cleaning process after a signal from the contamination sensor. Instead of a sensor, a timer and a filling indicator can be installed.
Models with semi-automatic flushing. In this case, the person acts as the start of the washing process. Cleaning in this case depends entirely on the constituent elements of the filter and on the design of the device itself.
These two kinds of systems can be used for heavily loaded systems. For example, with water supply complexes, for the maintenance system of facilities with a large amount of water consumption.
Still, such filters are divided into types according to the materials that were used to make the housing. The body can be made of polypropylene, plastic or metal. If the products are made of metal, then brass, bronze or steel are used for manufacturing.
As for the elements themselves that carry out cleaning, they are of three types.
- Small mesh mesh can be made of polypropylene or metal. Basically, such components are used for domestic use, but these nets clog much faster than other types of cleaners.
- Porous discs are made under the influence of a press, which is under high pressure.
- Bulk cleaner that creates a porous structure after compaction.
These cleaning systems can be additionally equipped with pressure gauges, a pressure reducing element and a water hammer protection system.
Advantages
A filter that is self-cleaning has many advantages. With the help of such advantages, you can save your time, since there is no need to regularly replace filters, and the system itself has a long service life. That is, the owner saves not only his time, but also finances.
The main advantages of such systems:
- if flushing is performed, then it is not necessary to shut off the water supply;
- this filter is able to perform its function without interruption;
- the possibility of replacing the elements of the system with newer ones, for example, you can install a mesh with smaller cells.
These are not all the advantages of a self-washing water treatment system. If we take into account even the above advantages, it becomes clear that such a cleaning principle is convenient to use and very profitable.
Mounting
Each system comes with a passport, which indicates the order of the installation process. Self-cleaning water filter with a large flask is designed for water purification from the mud share. On sale there is a self-cleaning filter with backwash and direct flush with a counter. Thanks to this design, the user has the ability to control fluid waste.
During the installation of such filters, it is necessary to follow all instructions and safety rules for connecting systems to the water supply. It is also necessary to adhere to the technical, sanitary and hygienic requirements for the cleaning system.
The installation of such a device must be carried out in a room that is heated, since water may freeze in the system during cold weather. The installation itself is carried out with a cleaning flask down. In this case, the pipeline can be both vertical and horizontal.
When performing the installation, it is important not to confuse the sides of the water flow direction. An arrow that indicates the direction is located on the lid of the flask. If the cleaning system has an automatic flushing system, then in this case it must be connected to electricity.
In the event that you purchase a filter for cleaning hot or cold water from the central line, which may have the ability to coarse or fine cleaning, then a system with a backwash function will be the best option for proper use. Such a system can be used to purify water in a summer cottage.
Although such a system is washed automatically, experts still recommend washing the mesh manually. But it is necessary to carry out such work much less frequently than changing the filter in another model of cleaning systems.
If we compare filters for water purification with a mesh cleaner and a disc cleaner, then in this case the disc cleaner is considered the best, as it has greater performance due to a larger filtration area.
This performance indicator often depends on the size of the filter unit. But the disc filter is demanding on the water pressure in the system, unlike the mesh one, and the cost of such a filter is much higher.
According to the advice of experts, before choosing a cleaning system, you must first determine the parameters you need.
Namely:
- whether the installed filter will be a separate system for one tap, or will it be installed in a system before the water supply, which only enters the house;
- it is necessary to determine the type of filter, whether it is compatible with the plumbing system;
- choose the manufacturer of filters and its cost.
The most reliable systems are filters from the Danish company Honeywell. Such filters are equipped with a backwash system and additional elements. Products of this company have high wear resistance and resistance to pressure drops in the water supply system. The main disadvantage of such systems is their high cost.
Water purification filter with the ability to easily remove contaminants.
Washing filter is a device for mechanical water purification that does not require periodic replacement of the main element. simply rinse the filter mesh.
In tap water, even city water, there is enough sand, sediment flakes and rust fragments, which affect cheap faucet boxes, ceramic faucet spools, as well as shut-off and drain valves of drain tanks. In a sense, they begin to leak or dig. In addition, well water may have algae.
There will be no photo of crumpled cardboard packaging.
The flush water filter consists of the following components:
- flask with inlet and outlet nozzles;
- internal cylindrical grid;
- swivel drain cock on the lower outlet of the flask;
- some models have a manometer.
The principle of operation is quite simple. The grid is fixed in the flask from below and from above in such a way that there is an empty space between it and the walls. Tap water enters through the inlet, seeps through the cells, leaving all the dirt on them, and rises under pressure to the outlet. The denser the filter surface, the better the cleaning. In addition to the inlet and outlet, there is also a third one located at the bottom of the flask. During normal operation of the filter, it is blocked by a tap.
When the mesh becomes dirty and begins to pass liquid worse, it is opened. Under the influence of pressure, water is directed into the lower hole in a powerful stream, washing away dirt from the cells and walls of the flask along the way. It is necessary to make it a rule to periodically wash the filter.
Instructions in Chinese.
Dimensions 90 x 210 mm, diameter 59 mm.
Connection 1/2"".
Weight 444g.
The water temperature is 5-40 degrees Celsius. All-metal filters are produced for hot water.
Water pressure 0.1-0.4 mPa (~ 1-4 atm)
The cell size of the metal mesh of the filter is 40-60 microns.
The drain pipe is connected by a flexible hose to the sewer.
I have had two filters in my boiler room since 2011. One for the city water supply, the second for the pumping station from the well. No maintenance is required other than draining the sludge once a week or month.
Why do I need a third filter, you might think - to filter water from the second well into the Ariston heater in the summer kitchen.
Whether to install at all, and where to buy, decide for yourself, there are no options in the stores of my city.
The process of draining the sludge can be viewed on the video.
As a result, in the summer kitchen, well water is filtered only to the heater + mixer, it goes directly past the filter for irrigation ... In the background, the inlet hose from the pump, blackened from earthen sediment, is in the background.
And that is not all.
To close the topic, I will show an option for applying a local filter. Due to the fine sediment, the constant leaks of the shut-off valves forced us to find such a filter.
In the field of water treatment and purification, there is one very serious problem - any filter material periodically becomes clogged, which means that it needs to be replaced or cleaned (regenerated).
In order to minimize cartridge or bulk material costs, self-cleaning water filters have been developed.
Such systems are still able to purify the liquid only from mechanical particles. Some industrial models can regenerate the properties of bulk filter materials to a greater extent by washing them under pressure.
This approach significantly increases the service life of the filling material and the operation of the filter as a whole.
Types of self-cleaning filters
At the moment, the assortment of most companies offering products for water treatment includes self-cleaning filters of the following types:
- With manual washing. Here, manufacturers assume under the “manual flushing method” both the physical removal of the filter element with its washing outside the housing, and the cleaning procedure without disassembling the housing, and sometimes even without stopping the water supply in the line (if the pressure for washing is sufficient to ensure that the surface of the filter element cleared).
- With semi-automatic flushing system. "Semi-automatic" here is to manually start the automatic cleaning process. The cleaning itself can proceed in different ways, depending on the type of filter element and the technical solutions used by the manufacturer.
- With automatic flush. The most advanced and as a result expensive solutions. Here, the cleaning process can be initiated without human intervention, for example, if a pollution sensor is triggered or a timer is simply triggered according to a predetermined schedule (schedule).
The last two types (semi-automatic and automatic) self-cleaning filters are used most often in the main high-loaded water supply.
These are productive water treatment and purification complexes, for example, for servicing large swimming pools, equipping a manufacturing enterprise, connecting entire cottage settlements to water supply, etc.
Self-cleaning filters may differ in the material of the housing.
They are made:
- Made of plastic (polypropylenes of high or low pressure);
- From metal (brass, bronze, steel, etc.).
As a self-flushing element can be:
- Disc elements that form a monolithic porous structure under pressure;
- Mesh surface made of plastic or metal with a given cell size;
- Backfill material, which is compacted under pressure in the same way as the disk version, forming a homogeneous material with pores for water.
If we talk about household self-cleaning filters, then most often discs and grids are used as a filter element, they are easier to maintain and more durable.
Self-cleaning filters can be equipped with additional equipment.
So you can meet:
- self-cleaning filter with pressure gauge(it is convenient to monitor the pressure in the system, for example, if it increases relative to the pressure while maintaining water consumption, this may mean clogging, which means it is time to flush it);
- filter with pressure reducer (additionally protects the water supply system from pressure surges at the inlet).
Working principle and advantages
Let us dwell in more detail on self-cleaning filters used in everyday life (mesh filters). In order to properly use such water supply units, you need to know their principle of operation.
Let's analyze the operation of the mesh self-cleaning filter in order.
During normal operation, water enters the inlet and, passing through a fine mesh in the filter bowl, leaves small mechanical particles on its surface.
After a period of time, the accumulated dirt will have to be washed off. To do this, it would be necessary to stop the water supply, unwind the filter housing, remove the mesh and rinse it under water pressure, then assemble the system in the reverse order and resume the water supply.
But in the case of a self-cleaning filter, all these procedures are not needed. It is enough to open a special drain ball valve and the mechanical particle deposits will be washed away by pressure from the mesh surface.
It should be noted that it is first necessary to substitute a container for drained water or organize a special channel for the outflow of liquid from the drain tap into the sewerage system (this can be provided for at the stage of installing the plumbing system).
The benefits can be summarized as follows:
- Significant savings on plumbing work on periodic cleaning of the sump.
- Saving service time.
- Budget savings due to the lack of replaceable cartridges, which quickly become unusable and require mandatory replacement.
- The possibility of continuous operation of the system even during flushing (depending on the model).
- Some manufacturers allow you to change the filter element and achieve the required quality of incoming water purification, for example, you can put a mesh for finer cleaning.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
Should I buy a Honeywell self-cleaning filter or pay attention to analogues
The most popular among those involved in the installation of plumbing systems are products under the Honeywell brand. It has earned its popularity due to the high quality of all components, the ability to replace individual parts, as well as excellent reliability and service life of products.
Particular attention should be paid to models with a transparent body, which allows you to visually assess the degree of contamination. As well as devices with additional functionality - Honeywell filters equipped with pressure reducers and pressure gauges.
The only drawback of this product is the high cost.
And here it is necessary to try to find an analogue that satisfies all the same quality and functionality requirements as Honeywell self-cleaning filters.
HONEYWELL WORK VIDEO
The following products from the group of self-cleaning household filters are presented on the market:
- Self-cleaning filter Valtec(equipped with two filter meshes, one inside the other, mesh cartridges, as well as from Honeywell, can be purchased separately. The disadvantages include the lack of models with pressure reducers and a transparent body).
- Production of the company TIEMME (Italy). The range includes filters even with a transparent housing, but not with pressure reducers.
- Itap filters are equipped with two pressure gauges - at the inlet and outlet, which is very convenient. With a large pressure difference, it is immediately clear that the filter mesh is clogged.
- The German manufacturer SYR also offers semi-automatic household options. There are models for both cold and hot water.
And this is not a complete list of Honeywell's competitors in the market.
Of course, each product has its own advantages and disadvantages. But the consumer always votes in rubles.
The use of water for domestic and food purposes is almost impossible without preliminary water treatment. It is carried out in several stages, the first of which is mechanical filtration.
Mechanical water purification is required to eliminate a number of different substances. With its help, large inclusions are removed, consisting of sand, clay, rust and other components, relatively small components that color the water, as well as impurities that change taste and smell. With the help of mechanical cleaning, up to sixty percent of all contaminants are eliminated. This is not enough for any use, so it is supplemented with other types of filtration.
Rice. 1 Water filters
Mechanical cleaning is carried out in several stages by different methods. Among them are coarse filtration, which removes large inclusions, settling, centrifugation and fine filtration.
All devices by which water is purified from mechanical impurities can be divided into industrial and domestic.
Industrial filters are used to purify water in large volumes. They are distinguished by significant performance and consist of several parts.
The first cleaning element is a coarse filter, with which inclusions of large sizes are caught.
After removing a large suspension from the water, the liquid is settled. In settling tanks, particles are separated that differ in density from water. Some sink to the bottom, while others rise to the surface. In this way, they get rid of solid inclusions that were not delayed by a coarse filter, as well as from petroleum products and oils.
Further, hydrocyclones and centrifuges are used, which create centrifugal acceleration. With their help, a fine suspension, which does not precipitate under other conditions, is separated from the water and collected in special devices.
The next step is to use fine filters. They use coal, woven materials, sand and some others that effectively separate mechanical impurities.
After mechanical filtration, cleaning is carried out in other ways. Only after that the water is supplied to the water supply and sent to the consumer. But cleaning is not always perfect, and old water pipes add pollution, so devices for mechanical filtration and deeper cleaning are also installed in the apartment.
Mechanical cleaning filters for an apartment
Mechanical water filtration is required both in an apartment with a centralized water supply system and in a house with an autonomous system. Water can be taken in with impurities or receive them in the process of passing through pipes. In any case, it is required to get rid of the inclusions, because they are harmful to plumbing, household appliances and fine filters. There are three main types of household mechanical filters. These are mesh without autowash and self-wash, as well as cartridge.
Mesh filters without auto-flushing
Mesh filters of this type are called mud collectors. They have a very simple design. Inside there is a metal mesh that traps large inclusions. The size of the retained contaminants depends on the size of the grid cells. Putting the option with small cells right away does not make sense, because. he will get killed quickly. If it is required to purify water from mechanical impurities as much as possible with the help of mud collectors, then several devices with different grid cell sizes are sequentially placed.
Rice. 2 What mechanical water filters look like All devices of this type require regular cleaning. When the mesh becomes clogged, the water pressure in the pipes decreases. The filters are equipped with special plugs that need to be unscrewed to get the mesh element.
Mud bags come in a variety of sizes and configurations. They are installed in pipes at their entrance to the house. Connections with pipes are flanged or coupling.
Mesh filters with auto-flushing
Washable mesh filters are much more convenient to use and maintain. The devices consist of a body, which is designed to be inserted into the pipe, and a glass with a strainer inside. The body is made of metal. The glass can be either transparent plastic or metal. The filter element is usually made of food grade stainless steel. At the bottom of the glass there is a tap and a drain pipe, which is designed to drain dirty water after washing the mesh.
Backwash is more efficient. In this case, a reverse flow of water passes through the filter element. This option is implemented in some models of mesh devices.
Rice. 4 Automatic flush water filter To control the water pressure, a number of models have pressure gauges. Two devices, at the inlet and outlet, allow you to control the contamination of the filter by pressure difference. In some cases, the device is combined with a water pressure reducer, which allows you to adjust its level.
Cartridge mechanical filters
The third type of household appliances for mechanical water treatment are cartridge filters. They are easy to use and low cost.
Such filters consist of several functional parts. The first part is the housing, which is connected to the water pipe. Typically, models are equipped with a suspension system for attaching to the wall so as not to create an additional load on the pipes. Also on the body is a button to reduce internal pressure.
A glass is attached to the bottom of the body. It can be transparent or opaque plastic and metal. The glass is fastened with a threaded connection or with the use of additional seals.
Inside the glass there is a filter material in the form of a replaceable cartridge. The cartridge is usually a hollow cylinder, the walls of which are made of a porous material. Water entering the glass along the outer walls passes through the filter material into the central cavity and is directed to the outlet of the filter.
Rice. 5 Cartridge device for mechanical purification of cold water The filter walls of the cartridge are usually made of polypropylene. It is spongy, corrugated or in the form of wound threads. The choice of polypropylene for this role is not accidental. The material does not enter into chemical reactions, does not emit harmful substances, and can be used in the medical and food industries.
Rice. 6 Mechanical cleaning cartridge Depending on the nature of the filler, the size of the filter cells varies widely. In some cases, it ranges from one to five micrometers. It is already difficult to call such a filter a coarse cleaning device. In some cases, they can replace fine filters.
The only disadvantage of cartridge filters is the need to replace cartridges. They are not washed or restored, so you need to periodically purchase consumables.
When choosing a mechanical cleaning device for the home, it is necessary to assess the degree of water contamination with insoluble inclusions. In some cases a cartridge filter will suffice, while in others a coarse precleaner will be required.
WITH PRODUCTS IN THIS CATEGORY YOU ALSO BUY:filters with pressure gauge in Moscow
A filter with a pressure gauge is a complex device that allows you to simultaneously purify water and control the pressure inside the pipeline. Devices of this class are installed on a straight section pipes, do not require the creation of additional branches - pipe fragments and the filter are connected in series.
Filters of this type belong to washing filters, that is, their principle of operation is based on the fact that water passes through a cleaning cartridge and then enters the pipeline already cleaned, that is, it bypasses the filter element directly along the route.
These filters are already included. manometer or have a special connector for its connection. Using a manometer allows you to monitor the pressure of the working medium inside the pipes in real time, in addition, it allows you to indirectly control the degree of filter clogging. By the way, the flask of most filters of this type is self-cleaning: when you open a special valve at the bottom of the filter, all particles of contaminants are washed out of it - and filter again ready for efficient water treatment.
Depending on the characteristics of the materials from which they are made, filters with pressure gauges are divided into universal and those that can only be used in cold water networks. Universal, as the name implies, can be used in networks of both cold and hot water supply, as well as in heating systems.
We will help you choose the filter with pressure gauge that best suits your application. If you purchase a separate filter with a connection for a pressure gauge, we will help you choose a pressure gauge for it, we are also ready to advise you on the choice
