Sediment in Water
Sediment is defined as the loose clay, sand, silt, and other soil particles that usually settle at the bottom of a body of water. It commonly comes from soil erosion or from plant, animal, and microorganism decomposition. In this process, wind, water, and snow help carry these tiny particles to water bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and the ocean affecting the geomorphology of the aquatic ecosystems. Water contaminated due to sediment turns cloudy and degrades the water quality for drinking from these water bodies. This sediment reaches the drinking water sources through fluvial processes, groundwater intrusion, and runoff onward to aquifers, municipal water supplies, and private wells, and eventually into your plumbing, pipes, appliances, and water supply. It is essential to use the right kind of water filtration system to remove such contaminants from the water.
Types of Sediment Filters
Drinking water filtration is essential to ensure safe and clean drinking water. Sediment filters play an essential role in the water filtration process, often as the first stage. These filters were invented and are designed to remove suspended particles, cloudiness, discoloration, and turbidity, from sources such as rust, sand, fine silt, powder, and organic particulates from the water source and plumbing supply line.
There are several types of sediment filters, each with specific characteristics and applications. Among the most common are depth or spun filters, pleated filters, and to a lesser extent string wound filters. Understanding available filter types helps in designing an effective water treatment system and thus maintaining both public health and household appliances.
- Depth or Spun Filters
Spun filters are also known as melt-blown filters made with polypropylene polymer fibers available in different micron sizes. They can be single gradients with the same micron filtration throughout or multi-gradients where the fibers become increasingly dense from the outside in - closer to the core. These filters are cost-effective, efficient at capturing large particles, and support higher flow rates. As the water flows through the depth filter from the outside larger particles are captured first at the surface layers allowing finer particles to pass deeper where they are caught as the filter gets denser.
- Surface or Pleated Filters
Surface or Pleated filters are made with polyester or cellulose, known as pleated media, that allows a larger filtration surface area for increased particle retention. These filters are often offered with reusable material, where the filter can be washed off and reused a few times before it degrades, allowing significant pass-through. With higher loads of sediment contamination, one might use a 3-filter system with a 30-micron pleated filter, followed by a 5-micron pleated reusable filter, and terminating with a 1-micron absolute or 0.2-micron pleated nanofiber filter. This allows the user to identify the distribution of particle sizes present as they are trapped at each stage. If there is little sedimentation present at the 30 micron stage then the user might move to a 5, 1, 0.2 micron configuration. If there is more sedimentation present at the higher micron rating, then the user might replace all 3 filters with a multi-gradient depth filter.
- String or Wound Filters
String Wound filters are made with string wound tightly around a central core. Depending on the string and the tension will determine the micron rating and dirt-holding capacity.
Choosing the Right Micron Rating
Microns are the unit of measure for a sediment filter cartridge’s pore size. The micron rating identifies the smallest sediment particle the filter would remove from the water. It is essential to identify the sediment sizes and the distribution thereof, in the water source and then decide on a suitable filter. For example, a given body of water might have 5 NTUs of 100 micron sediment and 1 NTU of 5 micron sediment.
Nominal vs Absolute Micron Ratings
When selecting a sediment filter one should take care to determine whether the micron rating is “nominal” or “absolute”. A filter with a nominal rating will remove 85% of a given micron size, the balance will pass through. A filter with an absolute rating will remove 99.9% of a given micron size and is generally used at the 1-micron size or less in order to remove cysts and some larger bacteria. A 0.02-micron absolute filter will remove viruses. Choosing the right micron filter rating is crucial and depends on the region, area, and specific water supply more so with private wells, than with city water supplies. However, some municipal water supplies, such as in New York City, are known to have very high levels of sedimentation. Micron rating determines the filter's ability to entrap particles, turbidity, and impurities of specific sizes, impacting water quality, effectiveness, and maintenance frequency.
Home Master offers pleated reusable sediment filters in 20 and 5-micron sizes (nominal), non-reusable pleated filters in 1-micron and 0.2-micron sizes (absolute), and a four-gradient depth filter with internal gradients at 20, 10, 5, and 1 microns (nominal). For lighter-duty applications, one might use the 4 gradient filter effectively. Whereas for heavier-duty applications it is better to step down the micron size at each filter so as to better understand the distribution of sediment sizes in the water supply. One can play with the Home Master whole house filter configurator Create Your Own.
Single-stage Vs. Multi-stage Filtration
Single-stage and multi-stage filtration systems differ significantly in water purification capabilities and effective micronsizes. Both are important in the sediment-water filtration process. Single-stage filters provide essential water filtration, but it's the comprehensive approach of multi-stage systems that permits the removal of greater sediment loads. Both systems are important and empower us to make informed choices about our water filtration needs.
| Filtration | |
| Single-stage | Multi-stage |
| Single cartridge filter | 2 or 3-stage cartridge filter (various micron size sediment, iron filtration, carbon chemical filtration, metals filtration, pH neutralizing, and so on) |
| Installation: DIY or plumber | Installation: DIY or plumber |
| Remove a single contaminant or type | Can remove multiple contaminant types |
Compatible Filtration Systems
Selecting a compatible filtration system for sediment-laden water is a real challenge. Firstly, the water source and its sediment characteristics must be understood. Filtration systems with sediment-specific filters, such as spun polypropylene or pleated filters, are efficient ways to improve water quality.
Consider the flow rate, filter life, maintenance, and installation requirements. Ensure the chosen filter aligns with the water-sediment level and impurities for optimal performance of plumbing systems and appliances, and clean, safe, and pure drinking water. One can also contact a professional expert of Home Master® and get an expert consultation to find a suitable filtration system.
Regular Monitoring and Replacement
Regular monitoring and timely replacement of sediment filters are vital in maintaining efficient water filtration. Monitoring involves simple tasks like visual inspections, checking the filter's pressure gauge, and more. When sediment buildup reduces water flow or pressure, it is time for replacement. The good news is, that most sediment filters are user-friendly and easily replaceable without professional assistance, making maintenance a breeze. Some are even reusable.
Regular replacement ensures consistent filtration performance, prevents clogs, and increases the life of the appliances and downstream water filters such as an undersink RO system. By following routine maintenance, one can enjoy clean, safe, and pure water with less hassle, safeguarding the water supply, plumbing, and the longevity of the filtration system.
Conclusion
Pure and healthy drinking water needs the right sediment filter to remove solid particles, turbidity, and suspended organic matter; the above guide provides invaluable insights for choosing the right sediment filter. Whether opting for single-stage or multi-stage filtration systems, one must understand that each plays a distinct role in ensuring clean, pure, and safe drinking water.
Single-stage filters are efficient at removing a single contaminant or contaminant family, while multi-stage systems excel at comprehensive purification through a series of filter media, processes, and/or technologies. Choosing the right filter that aligns with the water source's specific sediment types typically leads to healthier people, pets, plants, and appliances