This blog post is a continuation of our previous discussion on understanding the journey to a reliable water filtration system in hydroelectric plants. Now, we will delve deeper into how to address water filtration problems, focus on finding solutions, and share some tips and tricks from Thordon. 

Identifying and Analyzing Water Filtration Problems 

If you’re facing water filtration challenges, the first step is understanding what you currently have. This involves mapping out your existing system, and identifying your water source, drainage points, and locations requiring water. Information on pressure, flow, filtration levels at each stage, and details of existing filtration technologies and control points are also crucial.

Next, thoroughly analyze the raw water by lab testing for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Particle Size Distribution (PSD). It is recommended to take samples during the best and worst times of the year, as there can be significant seasonal variations. 

Finally, determine what you need to fix. Do you need to regulate pressure or flow, or both? What is the required flow rate, and is there a need to split the supply to various locations? Consider downstream losses from long piping runs, valves, and elbows, which can all introduce pressure loss in the system. 

Water Filtration Tips & Tricks from Thordon 

1. Consider what extra features you need: Redundancy in pumps, data logging, alarms, pressure switches, drain or sampling ports, modular design, special voltage, or other electrical requirements. 
2. Map out what you have: Start discussions with suppliers using a schematic diagram of the existing system. 
3. Understand Pressure vs. Flow: Most bearings and seals require a minimum flow rate (moving water) AND a minimum pressure. 
4. Don’t do everything at once: Use a coarse filtration stage to remove large debris first, then step down to the final filtration level required for each downstream location. 
5. Prioritize reliability over perfect cleanliness: For most cooling and lubrication applications, maintaining flow is the most important factor. 
6. Don’t push the system’s limits: Design your water filtration system with extra capacity. More cooling water is always better than not quite enough! 
7. Consult Manufacturers: No one reviews more water filtration systems than the companies that design and build them. 

These insights should offer you a comprehensive understanding of identifying and tackling water filtration issues, bringing us back full circle to the importance of water filtration in hydroelectric plants. Now, with these solutions and Thordon’s expert tips in hand, you can better navigate the journey to a more reliable and efficient water filtration system. 

With a wealth of experience and a commitment to industry-leading expertise, Millstream Engineering stands ready to help you on the path towards improved water filtration. Our team is equipped to support you across various stages – whether you’re navigating the labyrinth of available technologies, grappling with troublesome filtration system issues, refining your entire turbine water supply system, or aiming to meet specific manufacturer water filtration level standards. 

We’re not just here to provide a service; we aim to form a partnership, walking you through each step of the process and ensuring you reach the most reliable, efficient, and hassle-free system possible.