A disc-stack self-cleaning filter packs a series of precision-grooved plastic or SS discs tightly together — the groove intersections create a three-dimensional filtration matrix that traps particles at any approach angle while the helical groove pattern assists tangential flow. Self-cleaning is achieved by hydraulically or spring-releasing the discs and spinning them to dislodge trapped particles by centrifugal force. Processing 0.5–500 m³/h at 20–400 µm and 10 bar, it is compact, durable, and effective for agricultural irrigation, industrial cooling, and municipal water — particularly where fibrous and organic particles are present.
Feed water enters the housing tangentially, creating a helical flow that passes through the tightly packed disc stack from outside to inside. Particles are trapped in the groove intersections as filtrate exits the central bore. At the cleaning cycle (triggered by ΔP or timer), the disc stack is released and spun by hydraulic pressure — centrifugal force releases trapped particles into the reject stream. The backwash uses only 2–4% of normal flow volume — lower than backwash-type filters. Multiple disc cartridges in one housing share a single reject manifold for compact installation.
Challenges
Fibrous Particle Entanglement Within Disc Grooves
Long fibrous particles wrap around disc edges and through grooves — cannot be released by spin-clean alone.
Biological Growth (Slime) Bonding Discs Together in Warm Water Service
Biofilm between discs resists spin-cleaning — progressive binding reduces effective disc stack aperture.
Compressible Disc Groove Dimension Variation Under High Pressure
Polymer discs compress under high pressure differential — effective filtration rating changes with pressure.
Scale Deposition from Hard Water Cementing Disc Stack
Calcium carbonate scale deposits in groove intersections — progressively reduces flow and filtration efficiency.
High Volume of Reject Water at Frequent Cleaning Cycles in High-TSS Applications
Frequent cleaning at high-TSS inlet generates excessive reject water — not suitable for >500 mg/L sustained load.
Solutions
- Pre-Screen (200 µm) on Inlet to Remove Long Fibres Before Disc Stack: Simple inlet basket screen removes fibres — prevents entanglement in disc grooves downstream.
- Chlorine Injection (0.5 mg/L) on Backwash Water for Biological Control: Chlorinated backwash water treats biofilm on disc surfaces during every cleaning cycle.
- SS 316L Disc Stacks (Rigid Grooves, Dimensionally Stable Under Pressure): Metal discs maintain consistent groove dimension — eliminates rating variation with pressure differential.
- Acid Dosing Port on Inlet (Citric Acid 0.5%, Weekly Soak): Weekly acid soak dissolves calcium scale — schedules at lowest-demand period without disassembly.
- High-TSS Pre-Separator (Vortex Cyclone) Before Disc Filter Entry: Cyclone separator removes >80% of high-density solids before disc filter — reduces cleaning frequency.
Applications
- Agriculture & Irrigation: Drip irrigation inlet filtration, pivot irrigation protection — 24/7 unattended, fibrous and sandy water.
- Industrial Cooling: Cooling tower and heat exchanger protection in compact space — disc stack smaller than equivalent screen filter.
- Municipal Water: Tertiary treatment polishing, stormwater reuse pre-filtration — biologically and chemically challenging water.
- Aquaculture: Recirculating fish farm water treatment — removes suspended solids and organic matter continuously.
- Mining: Pit dewatering filtration, process water recycling in compact above-ground installation.
Models & Capacities
Type 1C — Disc Stack Self-Cleaning Filter: Models & Capacities | ||||||||||
Model | Scale | Flow Rate [m³/h] | Filter Rating [µm] | Disc Cartridges (per housing) | Housing Type | Max Pressure [bar] | Disc Material | Inlet/Outlet Ø [mm] | Backwash Water [%] | Weight [kg] |
DSF-01 | Lab | 0.5–1.5 | 20–400 | 1 | Single cartridge | 10 | Polymer / SS 316L | DN 25 | 2–4 | 4 |
DSF-02 | Pilot | 1–3 | 20–400 | 2 | Manifold housing | 10 | Polymer / SS 316L | DN 32 | 2–4 | 10 |
DSF-04 | Pilot | 3–6 | 20–400 | 4 | Manifold housing | 10 | Polymer / SS 316L | DN 40 | 2–4 | 18 |
DSF-06 | Production | 5–9 | 20–400 | 6 | Manifold housing | 10 | Polymer / SS 316L | DN 50 | 2–4 | 28 |
DSF-12 | Production | 10–18 | 25–400 | 12 | Manifold housing | 10 | Polymer / SS 316L | DN 80 | 2–4 | 55 |
DSF-24 | Production | 20–36 | 25–400 | 24 | Dual manifold | 10 | SS 316L (standard) | DN 100 | 2–4 | 110 |
DSF-48 | Large Prod | 40–72 | 50–400 | 48 | Quad manifold | 10 | SS 316L | DN 150 | 2–4 | 210 |
DSF-96 | Large Prod | 80–144 | 50–400 | 96 | Octane manifold | 10 | SS 316L | DN 200 | 2–4 | 420 |
DSF-200 | Large Prod | 150–300 | 100–400 | Custom bank | Bank assembly | 10 | SS 316L | DN 300 | 2–4 | 850 |