Commercial water systems require a lot of maintenance, from equipment repair to careful attention to water quality. Most building owners are already familiar with some of the most common issues that their water system can generate, such as Legionella and algae that can foul their machinery.
However, in addition to chemical water treatment to tackle these problems, many facilities elect to utilize water filtration as well. When it comes to filtration, there is no cookie cutter solution, and each facility will need to make a determination about which type of filter is right for their specific system and water quality.
To make an informed decision, you will first need to understand the differences between some of the most common types of water filters.
How Filtration Works & What It Accomplishes
Water filtration is a key part of the water treatment and cleanliness process. While chemical water treatment is meant to kill bacteria and alter the composition of the water, such as by adjusting the pH or water hardness, the goal of filtration is to remove suspended solids and materials within the water so that these do not pass throughout the system.
Not only does this improve the overall water quality by removing contaminants, but it also helps to keep the water system’s equipment safe from sediment that could cause damage and necessitate premature repair or replacement. Water filtration comes in many forms, but two of the most common are bag filters and cartridge filters. Which option is right for you will depend upon your specific facility.
How Bag Filters Work
Bag filters are exactly what they sound like—bags that are inserted into the water system to filter out sediment. Each bag is made of a type of mesh that is composed of extremely fine holes; the size of the holes will depend upon the types of contaminants in your water.
These suspended solids in your water system will be unable to pass through the small holes in the bag filter and will be trapped within the filter itself, while clean water will proceed onward.
Bag filters are the most common choice for smaller operations in which the cost of a more advanced system such as a self-cleaning one is not feasible. In exchange, bag filters do need to be cleaned and replaced on a regular basis, and they have an overall smaller surface area than other types of filters, which means they cannot adequately clean large volumes of water. For smaller facilities, they may be a reliable choice.
How Cartridge Filters Work
In contrast, cartridge filters can process larger amounts of water because of their shape, which appears like a pleated tube. Water is passed through a more maze-like structure that captures debris thanks to its greater surface area; however, blindly picking a cartridge filter without a clear understanding of the size needed can result in frequent clogs.
These filters can often reach micron sizes that are much smaller than bag filters, so they can capture a greater volume of suspended solids. However, most cartridge filters are more expensive than their bag counterparts.
Cartridge vs. Bag Filters: Which To Choose
Determining which type of filter you need will come down to a personalized review of your specific facility. If your water contains extremely small particles that need to be filtered out, a cartridge filter may see better success in your system.
If you have no need for processing large amounts of water at a time, a bag filter can be a more economical option—and you can also expect less waste and disposal costs, since many bag filters can be cleaned and reused rather than disposed of entirely.
When it comes to cartridge vs. bag filters at your location, your best option is to discuss your needs with a professional water treatment expert who can evaluate the specific setup of your water system to give a personalized recommendation.
By choosing the right filter, you can ensure not only that your system works smoothly for as long as possible, cutting down on potential premature repair costs, but also that your water remains safe for those who come into contact with it and the people who live in the area.
Work With The Water Treatment Experts For A Customized Recommendation
If you are ready to begin the process of installing filtration in your water system, begin by seeking advice from the pros so that you purchase a filter that is the right size and can handle the right amount of water. The experts at Tower Water would be happy to help you understand the makeup of your facility’s water so that you can make an informed decision between cartridge vs. bag filters. Reach out to schedule an appointment with the experts at Tower Water today.
