What is the primary purpose of a filter surface wash?

The primary purpose of a filter surface wash is to loosen suspended solids that have accumulated on the filter media during the filtration process. Over time, as water flows through the filter, various particulates can build up on the surface, potentially leading to increased pressure drop across the filter and reduced filtration efficiency. By employing a surface wash, operators can dislodge these particles, helping to maintain the effectiveness of the filter and prolonging the operational life of the equipment. This process not only improves the efficiency of the filtration system but also ensures better water quality by allowing for a cleaner filtration medium.

While maintaining filter pressure is important, the wash is specifically designed to target those accumulated solids rather than directly addressing pressure. Increasing wash water velocity can be a side effect but is not the primary goal, and enhancing chemical dosing relates to other treatment processes rather than a direct function of filter surface washing.