Depthfiltratsiooni

Depthfiltratsiooni is a term that refers to a type of filtration process where the filter medium is a bed of granular material, such as sand, gravel, or anthracite. Unlike surface filtration, where particles are trapped on the surface of a filter membrane, depth filtration involves the removal of suspended solids as the fluid passes through the entire depth of the filter bed.

In this process, contaminants are captured at various levels within the granular media through a combination of physical mechanisms. These include straining, where larger particles are physically blocked by the pore spaces; inertial impaction, where particles deviate from the fluid flow and collide with the media; interception, where particles follow the fluid flow but are captured by adhering to the media; and adsorption, where particles attach to the surface of the filter media due to chemical or physical forces.

Depth filters are commonly used in water treatment for removing turbidity, suspended solids, and other particulate matter. They are also employed in various industrial applications, including chemical processing, food and beverage production, and air filtration. The effectiveness of depth filtration depends on factors such as the size and type of granular media, the flow rate of the fluid, and the characteristics of the suspended particles. Over time, the filter bed becomes clogged with trapped contaminants, necessitating backwashing or replacement to restore filtration efficiency.