Side Stream Filtration

Side stream filtration serves as a critical filtration process in various industrial sectors, safeguarding the efficiency and longevity of cooling towers, closed-loop systems, boilers, and heating systems. Through the removal of contaminants and impurities, it ensures optimal performance, minimises downtime, and reduces the risk of equipment failure.

What is side stream filtration and how does it work?

What is side-stream filtration?

Side stream filtration is a highly specialised filtration technique employed in a range of industrial applications such as cooling towers, closed-loop systems, boilers, and heating systems. This process entails diverting a fraction of the system’s flow into an independent filtration unit, commonly referred to as a side stream filter. Within this dedicated filtration unit, the side stream filter removes contaminants and impurities, ensuring the overall purity and cleanliness of the system’s fluid.

Side stream filtration is a vital process in various industries including HVAC, power generation, manufacturing, commercial buildings, data centres, and water treatment. These industries rely on clean and efficient water systems to ensure optimal performance, maintain product quality, and meet exacting regulatory standards.

How does side-stream filtration work and what are its benefits?

The side stream filtration system process begins by diverting a portion of the system’s water flow into the side stream filtration unit. The water then passes through filters which then trap and remove suspended solids, debris, sediment, rust, scale, and other impurities from the water. The filtered water is then reintroduced back into the main system, while the captured contaminants can then be removed via a filter change.

Side stream filtration provides significant advantages for industrial systems including improved water quality by removing impurities, enhanced system efficiency through better heat transfer, and reduced maintenance. It can also reduce the likelihood of unplanned downtime by preventing the accumulation of contaminants and extending equipment life by protecting critical components.

With the implementation of a high-quality side-stream filter system, industries can achieve cleaner and more efficient systems, resulting in cost savings, optimised performance, and increased longevity of equipment. Whether you require a side stream filtration for heating system, cooling water side stream filter, side stream filtration for closed loop or side stream filtration system for chilled water, it delivers a range of benefits for business owners.

How efficient is side stream filtration?

The efficiency of side stream filtration depends on various factors including the filtration media, flow rate, filter design, and the specific contaminants present in the system. Proper selection and maintenance of the filtration unit are essential to ensure optimal performance. Regular monitoring and periodic cleaning or replacement of the filtration media help to maintain the filtration efficiency and effectiveness.

How does side-stream filtration differ from inline filtration?

Side stream filtration differs from inline filtration, which involves installing filters directly in the main flow path of the system. While inline filtration offers continuous filtration of the entire system’s flow, side stream filtration diverts only a fraction of the flow for filtration. This enables more efficient removal of contaminants since a smaller filtration unit can be used.

Side stream filtration complements inline filtration by targeting specific impurities and providing a higher level of filtration for enhanced system cleanliness.

How do you know if you need side-stream filtration?

Determining the need for side stream filtration depends on several factors, including the water source quality, system design, operational conditions, and maintenance history. Some indicators may include recurring scaling or fouling issues, reduced heat transfer efficiency, frequent equipment failures or repairs, and poor water quality test results.

Conducting water analysis and consulting with filtration experts can help assess the suitability and benefits of side-stream filtration for a specific system.