Pool filter specialist Waterco is emphasising the trend for replacing steel pressure tanks with fibreglass pressure tanks in myriad commercial and industrial applications.

Waterco says that fibreglass vessels offer a number of key advantages compared with steel vessels in terms of durability (they have a superior mechanical and chemical resistance to steel, plus fibreglass does not rust or corrode and is able to withstand damage from many types of water treatment chemicals); light weight – fibreglass tanks weigh only one third the amount of steel vessels, whilst maintaining the same level of strength, making them easy to ship and install; easy maintenance once installed; ability to withstand high pressure, making them an ideal solution for a wide range of applications including water treatment and commercial swimming pool facilities.

Waterco produces a range of fibreglass filters: Micron fibreglass-wound filter vessels (available in top and side mount); and Hydron fibreglass gel-coated vessels (available as a split tank, which are ideal for installations with challenging environments).

Waterco’s fibreglass wound filters are available up to 2.5m in diameter and are made using the latest available filament winding machine. This machine is reckoned to faultlessly wind continuous strands of high-quality fibreglass filament under controlled tension, creating a seamless one-piece vessel with refined consistency and superior quality. Fibreglass winding further strengthens the filter vessel structure so it can withstand a working pressure of up to 800kPa (116psi).

In addition, Waterco’s proprietary technology and manufacturing capabilities have enabled it to incorporate sight glasses and large manholes into high-pressure filters.  This has previously been problematic, because any opening in a vessel creates a potential weak point or complicates the manufacturing process. However, Waterco has undertaken significant research and development, and its fibreglass engineers have specially designed the openings to suit.

Waterco’s capacity for manufacturing a wide range of standard equipment, as well its capability of adapting the product to customer’s specifications, has made its Micron and Hydron fibreglass vessels suitable for water theme parks, commercial swimming pools, hotel/resort pools, aquaculture, cooling towers, drinking water systems, food/beverage processing, industrial process, water features, zoos and aquariums.

Waterco’s Micron vertical filters are either fitted with its patented ‘fish bone’ laterals system or the patented plate and nozzle system. These systems provide uniform flow for both filtering and backwashing, ensuring maximum performance through the media bed.

Micron ‘fish bone’ laterals
Conventional laterals are not suitable for larger-sized commercial filters. ‘Dead legs’ exist between the laterals, and water flow is not optimised through the filter bed. To overcome this, Waterco’s ‘fish bone’ lateral configuration eliminates any ‘dead legs’ by improving water flow distribution through the filter bed.

Micron nozzle plate laterals
The nozzle plate system also allows the introduction of pressurised air directly into the bottom of the filter media. Uniform introduction of air and water through the nozzle plate provides vigorous agitation and filter media bed expansion required for an effective air/water backwash, leading to reduced backwashing times and reduced volumes of water. This can save up to 25% of backwash water, according to Waterco.

Looped distribution and lateral system
Waterco has vastly improved the hydraulic efficiency of its Micron horizontal filter lateral system by looping its horizontal filter’s distributors and laterals. The looped lateral systems reduce backwash run times, save water and produce a flatter, more uniform filter media bed after backwashing.

Conventional horizontal filter lateral systems consist of straight piping fitted with laterals along the length of the horizontal filter. A conventional lateral system results in uneven fluidisation of the filter media bed. The beginning of the lateral system experiences a strong flow of water, which gradually decreases along the length of the lateral piping. Backwash flow also decreases towards the end of each lateral, resulting in non-uniform lifting of the filter media bed.

The new lateral configuration provides a more natural flow of water through the filter, and ensures optimum water filtration and balanced fluidisation of the filter bed during backwashing, says Waterco.

For further information, visit www.waterco.eu