Depth filtration is a key unit operation in water treatment. CE 579 enables this process to be demonstrated.

Raw water contaminated with solids is pumped from above into a filter. The solids are captured and retained as the raw water flows through the filter bed. The water itself passes through the filter bed and emerges at the bottom end of the filter. The treated water (filtrate) flows into a tank. Over time, more and more solids are deposited in the filter bed which increases its flow resistance. This process is detectable by the increasing pressure loss between the filter inlet and outlet. The flow through the filter decreases. Backwashing with treated water cleans the filter bed and reduces the pressure loss again.

The filter is equipped with a differential pressure gauge. There are also several pressure measuring points along the filter bed. The pressures are transmitted to tube manometers via hoses and displayed there as water columns. This can be used to plot Micheau diagrams. The flow rate, temperature, differential pressure and system pressure are measured. The flow velocity in the filter bed can be adjusted. Samples can be taken at all relevant points. The height of the filter bed can be read on a scale.

A software program is provided to control the operating states and measure data. A process schematic shows the current operating states of the individual components and the measured data. E.g. diatomite can be used to produce the raw water.