A study of performance of ground charcoal as the Coarse medium in dual media filtration of potable
Abstract
The study investigated the performance of ground charcoal as the coarse medium in dual
media filtration of potable water. Filtration tests were carried out on bench scale models to
assess the performance of the dual media filter as compared to a conventional rapid sand filter
for the same influent water quality. The analyses commenced by assessing the media
characteristics, namely, appearance, size, relative density, acid solubility, and physical
stability. The performance of the filters was evaluated on the basis of turbidity removal,
headloss development, and backwashing requirements.
The results from the filtration tests showed better performance of the ground charcoal dual
media filter as compared to the conventional rapid sand filter. The dual media filter exhibited
a removal capacity between 1.5 to 2 times that of the conventional rapid sand filter. The rapid
sand filter registered a higher rate of headloss development than the dual media filter, and
needed about 1.1 times more water for backwashing than the dual media filter. The dual
media filter also exhibited a unique quality of removal of organic particulates from the raw
water.
The results obtained showed that the ground charcoal can be applied as a coarse, light
medium in dual media filtration of potable water. However, further research was
recommended on the applicability of this media. The application of charcoal IS also
economically sound due to its widespread availability throughout the country.
Sponsorhip
The University of NairobiPublisher
Department of civil engineering