The use of cartridge filters to remove manganese from the municipal water supply was the focus of a presentation by David Ridealgh, marketing manager, Amazon Filters, at the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Innovation Event, which took place virtually on 29 October 2020.
Mr Ridealgh discussed the benefits of substituting cartridge filtration for traditional sand beds to remove manganese and give an update on ongoing Welsh trials that have already indicated a potential 25% cost efficiency using cartridges.
He explained that sand beds typically entail high capital costs especially when planning treatment processes across multiple bore holes or reservoirs. Welsh Water commissioned the company to design a system of polymer cartridge filters as a more viable alternative.
This involves fibres made via a computer-controlled process which accelerates the seeding of manganese clusters which are then extracted via catalytic removal. Amazon Filters must ensure the filter harnesses the optimum combination of fibres and maintains water flow alongside the chlorination and pH adjustment.
Mr Ridealgh said results have been encouraging, with discoloration avoided and manganese levels as low as one part per billion.
