How does Backwash Efficiency Affect Your Catalyst Bed Protection Filtration System?

Filtration systems are generally regenerated through a backwash cleaning cycle. The primary factors effecting backwash efficiency are • Available pressure differential • Backwash flow • Filter media characteristics  

Available Pressure Differential:  During backwashing, the backwash differential pressure (between the backwash source and drain) should ideally be three to five times greater than the differential pressure across the dirty media.  In a feedstock filter, the maximum dirty differential pressure should not exceed 15 PSID, meaning the backwash liquid should be delivered at 45 – 75 PSID to maximize the cleaning efficiency.

Backwash Flow:
A sufficient flow rate of backwash liquid will also be required to regenerate the filtering media. The required flow rate will be primarily dependent upon the type of media selected. Sufficient backwash flow along with sufficient backwash pressure will lead to hydro-shock cleaning effect and completely regenerate the media to its clean differential pressure.

Filter Media Characteristics:
The final component of filter regeneration is the media characteristics. By their very design, slotted wedge wire and woven wire mesh allow particles to be captured on the surface of the media, providing optimum particle release and media regeneration.  Sintered metal is multi-layered and can offer higher per-cake efficiencies, but can be difficult to regenerate.  This leads to shorter run times and increased downtime.

In summary, feedstock filtration is an important aspect in efficiently refinery operation.  Protecting catalyst beds from particulate contamination prevents bed plugging and increases catalyst life. Several factors affect filtration system efficiency and should be carefully considered when selecting a feedstock filtration system.

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AFC Series Tubular Backwashing Filter

The AFC-Series tubular backwash filter is optimal for applications that demand high-pressure operation, up to 1,000 psi and scalable flexibility.  Systems are available in single, duo, and multiplex configurations.

Features/Benefits

• Solids removal from 1 to 1,700 microns
• Single system flow rates up to 3,000 gpm (681 m3/hr)
• Broad selection of filter media materials and retentions suitable for a wide range of applications
• Smooth pipe and nozzle connection transitions to avoid dead spots in the the fluid stream and minimize pressure drop
• Numerous automated backwash option for operator-free service and minimal backwash effluent (<2% of system volume)
• Available ACCUFLUXTM media dramatically increases filter surface area in the same footprint
• Proprietary 3-way, full-ported valves on AFC-1100 Multiplex Filters allow fast, frequent sequencing and maximum cleaning force during backwashing
• Isolated top-to-bottom backwash flow on AFC-1100 and AFC-3300 Multiplex Filters ensures complete and efficient media cleaning while continuing to deliver filtered product downstream
• Quick coupler valve connectors for ease of body tube removal