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MERC - HYDAC Test Plan
2
2. Introduction to Technology
The AutoFilt® RF3 automatic backflushing filter is a self-cleaning system for extracting
particles from low-viscosity fluids. The principle application is the filtration of industrial water
either as the main filter or as an offline filter. Its robust construction and automatic back-flushing
capability make a major contribution to operational reliability and reduce operating and
maintenance costs.
When designing the filter, state-of-the-art methods of flow simulation were employed. As
a result the new conical slotted tube filter elements in stainless steel ensure highly effective
separation of contamination particles with filtration ratings of 25 to 3.000 µm.
The contamination condition of the elements is monitored by means of differential
pressure measurement. When the filter reaches a certain pressure drop, automatic cleaning
begins, during which all the filter elements in turn are back-flushed with a small volume of fluid
without interrupting the flow of filtrate. The special shape and arrangement of the conical filter
elements allows an even flow through the filter, resulting in a low pressure drop and complete
cleaning of the elements.
3. Protocols for Pilot-Scale Evaluations of Ballast Water Filter Systems
Basic Experimental Design:
MERC will evaluate the efficacy of
ballast filtration systems onboard the
MARAD
vessel
M/V
Cape
Washington
while
docked
in
Baltimore Harbor, Maryland (right).
The ballast system of the
Cape
Washington
has been modified to
allow for ballast water at variable
flow rates up to 700 m
3
/hr and
pressures up to 36 psi. A nominal
flow rate of
200 m
3
/hr shall be
delivered to one filtration system at a
pressure
specified
by
the
manufacturer. A detailed drawing of
the modified ship ballast system can
be found on page 9.
It is important to note that protocols will be the same for each system test. However,
tests of different filters will NOT be conducted simultaneously, and MERC will NOT compare
the performance of the systems evaluated. Thus, a final report specific to the filter evaluated will
be written upon completion of the evaluation.
MERC will allow each filter system to conduct one calibration trial to assure proper
operations. Three independent test trials will then be conducted at least twice during different
seasons (to capture a range of natural challenge water conditions) and each test trial will be
carried out over a single ballasting event.
Individual test trials for each filter system tested will
be separated by at least one day. The inability to successfully complete (without interruption) an