This presentation will describe the design
concepts of both natural and artificial media
filters. Performance of media filters is both
robust and resilient under normal conditions, but
extra care should be taken to ensure toxic
substances are kept out of the waste stream. A
sequential inspection checklist (such as that
provided by the CIDWT) prompts the operator to
examine and collect all the information necessary to troubleshoot a media filter system. This
protocol should be modified depending on
whether the system recirculates a nitrified
effluent, disinfects, etc. If media filters develop
overly thick biomats, they can be physically or
chemically cleared of excess biological growth.
Some natural media filters have a finite
predictable media lifespan. At some point the
exhausted natural media will need to be removed
and replaced with fresh natural media. Artificial
media filters ordinarily are not subject to this step.
A detailed examination of the mechanism for
delivering effluent to the filter surface is usually a
key inspection point during media filter
troubleshooting. Various models use gravity or
pressure to deliver an equal liquid dose to the
filter surface.
