Vacuum Media Filtration (VMF)
Vacuum Media Filtration (VMF) is our company's specialist filtration area and is well suited for most commercial filtration applications due to its cost efficiency and reliability.
Overview of Vacuum media Filtration
Vacuum Media Filtration, also known as Vacuum DE, has a long history of successful and economic operation in many swimming pools around both New Zealand and other countries. The first Vacuum Media Filtration system in New Zealand was installed in Christchurch for the 1974 Commonwealth Games.
How Vacuum Media Filtration works
VMF systems operate on the principle of elements contained within an open tank, constructed from concrete or fiberglass. The elements are constructed from ABS and are enclosed in a polyethylene fabric bags that support the media through which the water passes. When a filter is started or after backwashing, a "precoat" of media is added to create a 1.5mm thick layer on the fabric. A dosing pump continuously adds a small "body feed" amount of the media to prevent the top layer from becoming clogged with dirt, extending the filter cycle and maintaining economic operation. Filter cycles typically of at least 6 to 8 weeks between backwashes.
Backwashing involves shutting down the pumps, hosing down the elements, restarting the system, and adding the precoat. This process usually takes about 2 to 2½ hours depending on the filter size. The open tank design allows for easy visual inspection of the elements and their condition, which is especially helpful during high-load periods such as school holidays.
Why Purifibre
Traditionally Diatomaceous Earth (DE), has been used in both pressure and vacuum media filters. However due to awareness of the adverse chemicals composition, Coombes Aquatics developed Purifibre, a safer, less expensive alternative. Purifibre is a food-grade, cellulose-based filter media that is non-carcinogenic, biodegradable, and proven to filter out Cryptosporidium Cysts. Although Purifibre is more expensive per weight than DE, it requires less material , resulting in up to 25% savings on media filter costs. While DE is banned in many US states , there is no equivalent legislation in New Zealand.
Aquaboss Vacuum Media Filters
Aquaboss Filters are manufactured and installed by Coombes aquatics specialist technicians to ensure effective and efficient swimming pool filtration. These filters represent the latest in swimming pool filtration technology, providing sparkling water on an 8-16 week filter cycle and conserving millions of litres of water per year.
How Aquaboss filters Work
Aquaboss filters use the Vacuum Media Filtration principal, operating by drawing water through an open tank filled with filter elements. Each element has a filter area of more than 1m² and is coated in a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, cellulose media called Purifibre, which removes particles of 2-3 microns.
Long filter cycles are made possible by our patented hopper technology that continuously adds a measured amount of Purifibre to the filter daily, refreshing the media and extending the filter cycles. At the end of a filter cycle, pumps are switched off, the filter is drained into the sewer, and each element is hosed off with a washer wand connected to mains pressure water.
Benefits of Aquaboss Vacuum Filtration Systems
For more information , on VMF, Purifibre and Aquaboss VMF's please contact our project management team.
