Which factors influence filter head loss?

Filter head loss is primarily influenced by factors directly related to the characteristics of the filter media and the conditions under which filtration occurs. Sand grain size impacts the porosity and permeability of the filter, determining how easily water can flow through it. A finer sand grain size tends to create more resistance to flow, thus increasing head loss. Filtration rate also plays a crucial role; as the rate increases, particles can clog the filter media more quickly, leading to greater head loss.

In contrast, while air temperature and pressure can affect certain filtration processes, they do not directly influence head loss in the same way as the physical characteristics of the filter media and the operational parameters of the filtration process. Additionally, water level and filter size may affect the overall capacity of the filtering system but are not primary contributors to head loss. Lastly, although chemical additives can alter the nature of water to be filtered, their impact on head loss is indirect compared to the direct effects observed from sand grain size and filtration rate.