Automatic Water Filter

Anonymous Poster · Dec 21, 2001

Greetings from the Island of Luzon, Philippines. Here at the Wycliffe Bible Translation Center it is a holiday, but I get to work. The local "carolers" are singing in any of 5 local languages hoping to get some pesos.

Anyway, as I sit here, waiting for the water filter to finish back flushing, I began to think about this web site. There is a lot of great info passed around here that goes with a lot of experience.

I handle the maintenance and repairs for 38 buildings, along with the water system, electric, vehicles, grounds and telephone. The water system has a sand/rock type filter that is quickly failing. The tank is rusting and the contents of the tank are getting into the water lines. I have tried to get information from companies in Manila about a filter but most of them get side tracked and want to talk about adding chemicals to the water. We have a 3000 gallon water tank that is 25' above ground. After the water goes through the filter we get about 12 psi at the base of the tank. I would like to add a low pressure pump with an automatic water filter. I am thinking of a pump with a capacity of 200 gpm at around 30psi. I was wondering if any of the readers have any experience with this kind of project and might have some recommendations for a pump and filter.

Thanks for you help, naibag a pascual (Merry Christmas)

TWINKLE_TOES · Dec 21, 2001

naibag,
Merry Christmas to you also, sorry you have to work. What is the hoiday celebrating? The filter you would like to add, is it just to remove the solid particulate from the water? The pump you would like to add, is it a demand pump (runs only when pressure drops) ? What is the power distribution in the Phillipines?
Geee's you were looking for answers and all you get is questions /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Al

Egon · Dec 21, 2001

Water filter:
Is the filter and pump you are asking about to act as a post filter for the sand filter?
Are you getting sand in outlet water ?
What is the flow rate through the sand filter and what is it rated for?
Is the rust inside or outside?
Do you intend to keep the present filter?
When backwashing do you get sand in the effluent?
When was the present filter inspected or lanced?
Egon

Anonymous Poster · Dec 22, 2001

Twinkle toes,
This was a special holiday for employees, set by national law, they get a full 13th month pay and other bonuses. Sounds like a lot, but the average worker here makes about $3 US a day.

Back to your questions, Yes, I would like the filter to remove solid particulate. Because I am unfamiliar with filters, if we can do more without adding chemicals that would be great also. I am told that if I want to test for true water quality that the samples will have to go to Australia. I have friends coming over in January, I think I will have them take samples back to the US for analysis.

The pump needs to be a demand type, and possibly with a timer to so that it would be off from about 11pm to 5 am. This would be to protect our very weak water system.

Power here is 220 v.

Thanks for your help.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 22, 2001

Egon
I would like to replace the sand filter with a new filter and a pump to raise the overall pressure. Our filter has a carbon-lke particle in it also, it is showing up in the water lines. The carbon-like product has plugged several 3/4" lines. I do not have any idea on the rated flow of the filter, to the best of my knowledge it is a home made type of unit. I do not have any history on it. I would guess that with an open 1.5" line that the filter will flow 50-70 gpm. Because of the particulate coming out of my faucet I am "guessing" that the tank is well rusted on the inside. I understand that the tank was checked about 2 years ago, but no report in the files. I am reluctant to open the inspection hole to look on the inside. Working here I have learned to very cautious about taking things apart, replacement parts can take 2 hours or 2 months. I am not familiar with the term "lanced" in relation to water filters, can you help me out with that?

Thanks for your questions and help.

Egon · Dec 22, 2001

Bombero:
My ability to help is very limited as it would sound like you should have the complete system evaluated by a properly certified Engineer. This would include water treatment and testing as well as the piping systems.It sounds like this water is considered as potable so testing should be a requirement.
Now as to the filter here are some assumptions I'll make. Note: they are only assumptions.
The carbon like product is likely part of the filter medium. Its presence in the effluent indicates the filter flow rate is being exceeded and you have carry over. This means that the filter may require a recharge of sand/charcoal and the future flow rate reduced. It may also mean the filter has solidified portions and channeled. When this happens it should be lanced. That is; you have to open it up and loosen up the filter medium useing a long pipe inserted to the bottom and blowing air or water through it till the filter material is loose. You may also apply air when backwashing to loosen up the filter material. If you do this watch the outflow so that you are not blowing sand out. At this time this is the limit of my limited knowledge.
Let me say again: If the water is potable testing should be done on a daily basis. A small test center would not be hard to set up and the procedures are not difficult. The chemical companies would help you out on this as part of thier service.
Please note: Engineering help should be obtained.
Egon