MERC ER01-14
6
6. FXIT-30
6.1. FXIT-30-COMM
Prior to any formal testing, a mechanical commissioning run of the Filtrex system using a
30 µm filtration mesh size was 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 to 250 m
3
/hr, 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 30-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-30-NTL) and a second trial with augmented natural water to increase TSS and POC
(FXIT-30-AUG). Filtrex selected a flow rate of 250 m
3
/hr and 1 bar of backpressure be provided
to the Filtrex filter system.
6.2. FXIT-30-NTL
(5 Nov 2013)
Natural harbor water.
NTL Physical Data
Measured in the challenge and treated overflow drums at three time points, using a multi-
parameter instrument.
NTL Challenge (pre-filter)
NTL Treated (post-filter)
Time
Point
Temp
(C)
Salinity
(psu)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%)
TP1
14.3
11.6
8.0
84
TP2
14.3
11.8
8.1
85
TP3
14.6
11.8
7.6
80
Time
Point
Temp
(C)
Salinity
(psu)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)
Dissolved
Oxygen
(%)
TP1
14.1
11.6
8.0
83
TP2
14.5
11.8
7.9
83
TP3
14.6
11.9
7.6
79
