Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The precise application of water and nutrients via precision irrigation systems offers numerous benefits. Lack of regular preventive filter maintenance and optimal operation will lead to inefficient filter operation and even breakdowns. Keep in mind that wear and tear always increase exponentially.
Screen filter maintenance
Weekly visual inspections on automatic, semi-automatic, and manual screen filters should be performed. This is done to check for leaks, which should be repaired as soon as possible.
When working with an automatic screen filter and no leaks are found, activate a manual flushing cycle to ensure the filter is flushing successfully.
Check the pressure differential, and if this value is abnormally high, perform two more manual flushing cycles. If the value remains high after three manual flushing cycles, the filter should be opened, checked for failed parts, and the screen cleaned manually if necessary.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s step-by-step guide and all safety instructions when opening the filter and taking out the screen. Use pressurized water to remove the remaining dirt. Reinstall the clean screen according to the supplier guidelines and follow all safety instructions.
The cleaning operation must be initiated before the pressure differential reaches 0.5 bar in a semi-automatic screen filter. Some semi-automatic screen filters have an automatic clogging indicator that will communicate when the pressure differential limit is reached.
To initiate the cleaning operation, open the drain valve and turn the handle out and then back in. The screen’s inside will be cleaned as you turn the handle and suction is created in the nozzles. If the water is of poor quality or pressure is low, perform the cleaning operation while the downstream valve is closed.
Close the drain valve after the process has been completed.
If the pressure differential remains abnormally high after three completed cleaning operations, the filter should be opened, checked for failed parts, and the screen cleaned manually.
In a manual screen filter, a high-pressure differential will always require opening the filter for manual cleaning. Start by closing the water supply to the filter and opening the drain valve to release all the pressure. Open the filter body clamp and remove the filter cover. Carefully pull out the screen element and clean it using pressurized water. If necessary, use a soft nylon brush. Never use any abrasive tools, and ensure that the body and screen O-rings are lubricated before reassembly.
Disc filter maintenance
Check the pressure differential between the filter inlet and outlet. Initiate a flushing cycle and recheck the pressure differential a minute after the flushing cycle has been completed. If the pressure differential is still abnormally high, open the filter and remove the discs for manual cleaning. Before removing the filter cover, close the water supply to the filter and open the drain valve to release all the pressure.
Visually inspect the discs after they have been removed. If there is visible sediment, clean the discs according to the supplier’s recommendations. Visually inspect the spine and make sure the cone membrane is not damaged. If any filter parts are damaged, replace them immediately.
When reassembling the spine and discs, ensure the number of discs is correct, as indicated by the line on the spine, and lubricate the O-rings, open the command filter, and clean its discs.
Choose the best and look after it
To ensure that a filtration system continues to function effectively and has a long lifespan, two factors should never be neglected: the use of quality products and system maintenance. – Dexter Neethling, product manager, Netafim South Africa
For more information, send an email to infoza@netafim.com.