Analysis of 20 Micron Self-Cleaning Disc Filter Versus Cartridge Filters for RO Protection After Media Filters in a SWRO System

This analysis compared the use of traditional 20 micron cartridge filters versus self-cleaning disc filters as a ?safety stage’ between media filtration and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in seawater desalination systems (SWRO) over a testing period of five years. Items of interest for comparison were effluent water quality differences as well as OPEX savings due to reduction of labor and disposal costs related to used cartridges along with energy cost savings due to a decreased average pressure differential across the filter system. The results show that the self-cleaning disc filters provide many benefits when considered as an alternative to the standard 20 micron cartridges.