by
Dr Andreas Mack, SENECT, Germany
Microscreen drum filters are regarded as the state-of-the-art particle filtration technology in aquaculture applications
The main advantages of this technology are the fully automatised removal of solid waste - not only capturing the particles with manual backwashing - and the well-proven mechanical base design which makes drum filters ideal for applications with high flow rates.
In this field, the engineers from SENECT – a company specialised in aquaculture
control technology from Germany, in combination with a German metal
manufacturer – with more than 10 years of experience in tank and filter
production, bring fresh ideas to set the drum filter scene in motion. Together,
they developed a new series of drum filters that challenge the filters of the
well-known companies.
What make these filters so special?
To answer this question, we need to have a deeper look at several aspects of the drum filter technology. If someone wants to use a drum filter, the surrounding technical framework must be known. Here, the flow rate, particle load of the water and the possible dimensions for the filter are the most important parameters.
SENECT designed the filters in a way that the flow rate is maximised by simultaneously minimising the physical dimensions of the filter. This means that there is – at the same flow rate - less space for the filter required. To achieve this, the drum is deeper submerged than in many other filters.
The compact size of the filter brings another important advantage: while the filter mesh of normal filters is just partially used for filtration but backwashed completely, the SENECT filter´s used mesh area is much larger and therefore only the clogged mesh parts are backwashed. This saves energy and water. Additionally, since the intelligent control algorithms of the SENECT technology are used, the special operation programme EcoMode enhances the resource efficiency further for minimum water consumption. The EcoMode works by measuring the water level as an indicator for the clogginess of the filter mesh, analysing this data in real-time and using this information to trigger partial rotations of the drum without backwashing. This programme saves up to 30 percent of the water consumption.
Beside the aim of a resource-efficient filtration, the engineers focused strongly on minimising maintenance. On the mechanical side, the use of a special cogwheel drive in combination with long-lasting industrial motors leads to a nearly abrasion free drive unit. This means for the user that no belt or plastic gearwheel has to be changed regularly. On top of this, the use of specialised oil-free bearings frees the user from lubricating bearings.
A further maintenance reduction is created by the control technology: the possibility to control the rotation speed of the drum brings advantages in several ways. A soft start and end of the drum rotation leads to reduces the forces on all drive-related components and elongate therefore the total lifetime. On the other hand, the special intensive cleaning programme reduces the need for a manual cleaning procedures, e.g. with a high-pressure cleaner.
Additionally, the control unit counts the numbers of flushings and reminds you to do a regular check. However, if the filtration is not working correctly, the control unit´s water level sensor can detect problems also when they are not caused by the filter and alarms the user, e.g. on the smartphone, tablet or PC.
Difficulties in drum filter operation can also be created by changes in the hydraulic properties of your aquaculture system, e.g. when there is less water in the system. Since the SENECT control unit measures – not only detects – the water level, its intelligent real-time data-analysing DynamicMode automatically compensates for changes in the hydraulic system. This leads to a much more stable operation without worrying when changes in the system occur.
Read the full article, HERE.
Visit the SENECT website, HERE.
Microscreen drum filters are regarded as the state-of-the-art particle filtration technology in aquaculture applications
The main advantages of this technology are the fully automatised removal of solid waste - not only capturing the particles with manual backwashing - and the well-proven mechanical base design which makes drum filters ideal for applications with high flow rates.
 |
| SENECT Aquaculture drum filter open channel Image credit: SENECT |
What make these filters so special?
To answer this question, we need to have a deeper look at several aspects of the drum filter technology. If someone wants to use a drum filter, the surrounding technical framework must be known. Here, the flow rate, particle load of the water and the possible dimensions for the filter are the most important parameters.
SENECT designed the filters in a way that the flow rate is maximised by simultaneously minimising the physical dimensions of the filter. This means that there is – at the same flow rate - less space for the filter required. To achieve this, the drum is deeper submerged than in many other filters.
The compact size of the filter brings another important advantage: while the filter mesh of normal filters is just partially used for filtration but backwashed completely, the SENECT filter´s used mesh area is much larger and therefore only the clogged mesh parts are backwashed. This saves energy and water. Additionally, since the intelligent control algorithms of the SENECT technology are used, the special operation programme EcoMode enhances the resource efficiency further for minimum water consumption. The EcoMode works by measuring the water level as an indicator for the clogginess of the filter mesh, analysing this data in real-time and using this information to trigger partial rotations of the drum without backwashing. This programme saves up to 30 percent of the water consumption.
Beside the aim of a resource-efficient filtration, the engineers focused strongly on minimising maintenance. On the mechanical side, the use of a special cogwheel drive in combination with long-lasting industrial motors leads to a nearly abrasion free drive unit. This means for the user that no belt or plastic gearwheel has to be changed regularly. On top of this, the use of specialised oil-free bearings frees the user from lubricating bearings.
A further maintenance reduction is created by the control technology: the possibility to control the rotation speed of the drum brings advantages in several ways. A soft start and end of the drum rotation leads to reduces the forces on all drive-related components and elongate therefore the total lifetime. On the other hand, the special intensive cleaning programme reduces the need for a manual cleaning procedures, e.g. with a high-pressure cleaner.
Additionally, the control unit counts the numbers of flushings and reminds you to do a regular check. However, if the filtration is not working correctly, the control unit´s water level sensor can detect problems also when they are not caused by the filter and alarms the user, e.g. on the smartphone, tablet or PC.
Difficulties in drum filter operation can also be created by changes in the hydraulic properties of your aquaculture system, e.g. when there is less water in the system. Since the SENECT control unit measures – not only detects – the water level, its intelligent real-time data-analysing DynamicMode automatically compensates for changes in the hydraulic system. This leads to a much more stable operation without worrying when changes in the system occur.
Read the full article, HERE.
Visit the SENECT website, HERE.
The Aquaculturists
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