The Depth Filtration Unit (HydraNexis HNX 09) by SCIENTICO is a laboratory-scale pilot plant designed to demonstrate the fundamental principles of depth filtration and backwashing in water treatment. The unit provides a clear, measurable, and visual understanding of particle removal, pressure loss development, and filter bed behavior under varying operating conditions.
Product Overview
Depth filtration is one of the most critical unit operations in water treatment. In the HydraNexis HNX 09, raw water containing suspended particles (e.g., prepared using diatomite) is pumped from the top into a vertical filter column. As the water flows downward through the filter bed, particles are retained within the depth of the media, and clarified water (filtrate) exits at the bottom into a collection tank.
As solids accumulate within the filter bed, flow resistance increases, resulting in a measurable pressure drop between the inlet and outlet. This progressive pressure loss leads to reduced flow rates, clearly demonstrating filter clogging behavior. The unit allows restoration of filter performance through backwashing with treated water, during which bed fluidization and expansion can be observed.
Multiple pressure tapping points along the filter bed are connected to tube manometers, enabling visualization of pressure distribution and plotting of Micheau diagrams. The system supports precise measurement of flow rate, temperature, system pressure, and differential pressure. Filter bed height is directly readable, and flow velocity can be adjusted to study its effect on filtration and backwashing performance.
Optional data acquisition software allows control of operating states and real-time display of measured data on a process flow diagram.
