MERC ER01-14
16
8. FXIT-06
8.1. FXIT-06-COMM
Prior to any formal testing, two mechanical commissioning runs of the Filtrex system
using a 06 µm filtration mesh size were provided to assure appropriate treatment operations.
This run was used to identify and correct initial mechanical or operating issues. During the
commissioning process the feed pump capacity was adjusted several times to find the best speed
for biological sampling, the outlet throttling valve was adjusted, the back wash delta pressure set
point was established, and instantaneous and accumulated data logging was set up. Data
collected during commissioning was only used for test preparations and is not provided in the
final report.
After treatment system commissioning was completed and accepted by Filtrex, MERC
conducted two trials to evaluate the 06-µm filtration mesh size for biological efficacy. The
biological efficacy trials focused exclusively on live organisms ≥ 50
µ
m and ≥10 - <50 µm in
size. Each test was conducted using the MERC barge piping system set in the sea-to-sea
configuration. The two tests included one trial of filter efficacy with natural Baltimore Harbor
water (FXIT-06-NTL) and a second trial with augmented natural water to increase TSS and POC
(FXIT-06-AUG). Filtrex selected a flow rate of 108 m
3
/hr and 1.2-1.5 bar of backpressure be
provided to the Filtrex filter system.
8.2. FXIT-06-NTL
(18 Nov 0613)
Natural harbor water.
NTL Physical Data
-
Note: plankton blooms in progress.
Measured in the challenge and treated overflow drums at three time points using a multi-
parameter instrument.
NTL Challenge (pre-filter)
Time
Point
Temp
(C)
Salinity
(psu)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%)
TP1
11.3
9.3
14.2
137
TP2
11.2
9.7
13.6
132
TP3
11.3
9.8
13.2
129
NTL Treated (post-filter)
Time
Point
Temp
(C)
Salinity
(psu)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%)
TP1
11.3
9.3
13.5
131
TP2
11.2
9.7
13.0
126
TP3
11.3
9.8
13.2
124
