The Aguaclara Stacked Rapid Sand Filter: A Novel Unit Process And Fluidic Control System

摘要: Rapid sand lters are a familiar and mature technology, but their mechanical sophistication limits sustainable application particularly in developing countries. Conventional rapid require pumps, elevated tanks, or multiple lter units to generate high ow rates for backwashing. Stacked ltration is introduced here as more robust alternative. The AguaClara stacked (SRSF) can backwash itself with no additional ow, which eliminates the need pumps other expensive equipment. rst part of this study presents laboratory eld proof-of-concept demonstrations novel technology. multi-layer con guration SRSF allowed unit be loaded at 1.4-1.83 mm/s (120-160 m/day) per layer backwashed 10-11 (860-950 same similar total rate. ltered e uent met U.S. EPA drinking water standards. cycle was also demonstrated, ushing contaminants from bed ective even 5-10 NTU water. A test demonstrated satisfactory performance backwashing several treatment plants Honduras. second control system based on uidics. uidic system, permits changing modes operation single valve, developed applied full-scale SRSF. level regulated by siphon pipe, conveys during contains an air trap block ltration. state pipe ensuing controlled small-diameter valve.