Department of Water Structure, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran , mohsen_masoudian@yahoo.com
Abstract: (145 Views)
Introduction: The maintenance of good water quality is a prerequisite for the success of fish farming operations. Micro-screen drum filters are a popular solution for the removal of suspended solid materials in fish farms. Micro-screening essentially captures particles on a screen fabric while allowing water to pass through. Many variables influence mechanical filter performance, including flow rate, particle size, and filter design. Understanding these parameters is crucial for optimizing filtration efficiency and ensuring the health of aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the hydraulic parameters of a small-scale drum filter used in a trout farm system. By analyzing the performance of this filtration system, we seek to provide insights that can enhance operational practices and improve water quality management in aquaculture settings. Additionally, the findings may contribute to the development of more effective filtration technologies tailored to the specific needs of fish farming. Materials and Methods: The drum filter was placed in a pit dug along the outlet path of the fish farming wastewater to facilitate the gravitational transfer of water and effluent to the drum. The dimensions of the drum filter were 0.5 m in length and 0.25 m in width. The filter was equipped with a woven metal mesh with a pore size of 100 µm. To adjust the submerged level of the drum filter, it was installed in a tank with a volume of 400 ml at three different levels: 15%, 22%, and 25%. Experiments were conducted at four different input flow rates: 550, 990, 1270, and 1500 ml/s, with concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg/l, and at three different rotation speeds: 4, 6, and 8 rpm. Results and Discussion: The ANOVA analysis revealed that the parameters of rotation speed, TSS concentration, and input flow rates had a significant impact on the filterability and efficiency of the drum filter (p < 0.05). The submerged area significantly affected the efficiency of the drum filter, but it did not have a significant impact on filterability. The highest particle removal efficiency was observed to be 22% at the submerged surface with a rotational speed of 6 rpm. The results also indicated that the optimal submerged surface level for achieving maximum efficiency in the drum depends on the input flow rate. With an increase in the rotational speed of the drum filter, the filtration rate increases. Furthermore, if there is a need for a higher concentration ratio, the rotational speed should be increased. Increasing the concentration of suspended solids in the effluent leads to an increase in efficiency. Conclusion: According to the results, two distinct phases were observed in the flow rate and pressure drop graphs over time. Initially, the pressure drop is lower, but it increases significantly after a certain period. As the inflow rate increases, the graphs shift upward and to the left, indicating that more particles are captured by the filter over time, leading to faster clogging. The inflow rate can be increased to the point where the time to reach the second phase is minimized, allowing the drum to operate at maximum hydraulic capacity with minimal pressure drop. Factors such as rotational speed, submersion level, and the concentration of suspended solids also affect the drum's capacity. Lower rotational speeds lead to quicker transitions to the second phase, while higher speeds result in slower clogging due to increased particle movement and internal turbulence. Overall, maintaining optimal conditions is crucial for maximizing filtration performance and minimizing clogging.