Application: Vacuum Pump Seal Water/Industry Classification: White Water

Background: A manufacturer of fine writing papers was evaluating the feasibility of reusing its pump seal water. Currently, the manufacturer was discharging the relatively clean water to sewer. The motivation was that the water was heated from approximately 55ºF when entering the seal cavity to greater than 100ºF when leaving. Significant energy savings were attainable if this heated water were to be reused elsewhere in the plant.

To enable this water reuse, filtration was necessary to ensure all contaminant introduced from the seal area (small felt fibers) were removed. A feasibility study was undertaken to determine the removal efficiency of the Zero Gravity Filter at different micron ratings and the ability of the elements to sufficiently backwash small cellulose fibers from the filter element.

Solution: On-site testing proved the effectiveness of 75µ filtration as well as the filter's ability to effectively backwash small fibers.

Application Details:

Filter Specifications:
Flow Rate: 700 gpm, Filter: (2) System 2000, 4 pod filters
Micron Rating: 75 micron, Filter Elements: Stainless steel cages

Results: The plant has been able to reuse approximately 500,000 gallons of 100ºF water per day per machine while providing a payback of less than one year. .

Date: December 28, 2000

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