Under normal circumstances, the 5.0 micron filter will clog over time due to the accumulation of particulates in the “tortuous path” of the interior of the filter membrane. The 5.0 micron filter is protected from larger particulates by the trash filter. However, turbidity and suspended solids larger than 5.0 microns and smaller than the trash filter micron rating (the current rating is 20 micron) are allowed to pass through the trash filter and into the 5.0 micron filter.
In field observations, the raw and clean water tanks have been found to have solids (calcium, magnesium, mud, etc.) settle to the bottom over time. This sediment is caused by normal precipitation of the dissolved and suspended solids in the raw water. This residue can be disturbed and become suspended solids when the water tanks are refilled after being drawn completely down. This sediment buildup can introduce turbid water into the system with very high levels of suspended solids that are not caught by the trash filter or that may enter the filters during the transition phase of operation on standard ozone systems. This situation results in the 5.0 micron filter being clogged rather quickly and prematurely by the accumulation of these solids on the surface of the filter. These particles are too large to be drawn immediately into the interior of the filter.
In one instance, due to the lack of a replacement filter, it was discovered that the surface of the 5.0 micron filter could be cleaned and placed back in service with little or no degradation of its efficacy. This will, of course, depend on the size and type of the suspended solids.
Living Waters and manufacturers’ documentation indicate that the 5.0 micron filter cannot be cleaned. This is true for clogging of the interior of the filter, but if the contamination is concentrated on the filter surface, cleaning may be possible.
The following protocol should be followed when cleaning the 5.0 micron filter due to suspended solids contamination on the surface of the filter:
1. Examine the trash filter and water tanks for suspended solids and turbidity. Flush the tanks and lines if necessary.
2. Clean the trash filter thoroughly including the canister using the existing protocol.
3. Clean all sediment from the water tanks and establish a regular schedule to check the tanks for sediment and flush as necessary.
4. Flush the lines from the tank to the trash filter and the return line from the clean water tank
5. Prepare a 5 gallon bucket half full of clean, chlorinated water.
6. Remove the 5.0 micron filter. Exercise caution in handling the filter as it could contain a concentrated level of contaminates. It should be treated as infected and a biohazard. Use rubber gloves, if available.
7. Place the filter into the bucket of chlorinated water. The chlorine will reduce the efficacy of the activated charcoal (if any) in the filter cartridge.
8. Using a soft plastic brush, gently brush the accumulated solids from the surface of the filter until it is visibly clean.
9. Empty the bucket and repeat this process until the water in the bucket remains clear.
10. Rinse all visible residues from the 5.0 micron filter canister.
11. Install the cleaned filter and resume normal operation observing G1 to insure that the filter is no longer clogged (compare G1 to the last operator log reading prior to the filter clogging). If the G1 pressure level has not dropped substantially, this will indicate that the interior of the filter is clogged and the filter must be replaced.
12. Disinfect the bucket, brush, and all surfaces contacted by the filter during the cleaning process and safely dispose of the cleaning water and gloves.
13. Wash your hands thoroughly after this procedure using soap and chlorinated water. Use hand sanitizer, if available.
Contributed by Jerry Goode.
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