Growth and filtration of microbes in water hydraulic systems

Abstract

In this study, the possibility of controlling the microbial growth by conventional filtration in water hydraulic systems is studied. Filtration is used for the particle removal in hydraulic systems and therefore, it is a natural choice for controlling microbes in water hydraulic systems. In filters, the microorganisms continue to grow as biofilms which may finally lead to the clogging of the filter. The replacement time of the filters should be reasonable and therefore, a suitable filtration solution should be found.A pilot-scale water hydraulic system was used in the experiments. Parameters, such as microbial numbers and dissolved organic carbon, in the water phase were determined in order to evaluate the rate of the microbial growth and filtration efficiencies. Microbial numbers were also analysed on the tank surfaces and in the filters. In addition to, a nutrient addition experiment was performed to illustrate the effect of nutrient contamination in water hydraulic systems.As a conclusion, it is important to keep the water hydraulic system clean and the quality of the water high in order to decrease the microbial growth and increase the lifetime of the filters. /Kir10