Sidestream filtration is a pivotal part in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of building service systems, especially in the realm of HVAC systems. When comparing Sidestream filtration to other available alternatives, it becomes clear that its unique approach offers distinct benefits that contribute significantly to the health, sustainability, and performance of building services.
Understanding Sidestream Filtration:
Sidestream filtration involves diverting a part of the main flow from a system, such as an HVAC or water treatment system, through a separate filtration unit. This diverted flow undergoes thorough filtration, targeting impurities, contaminants, and particles that may otherwise accumulate within the entire system.
Benefits to building services: Comparing and Contrasting
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Central Filtration vs. Sidestream Filtration:
- Central Filtration: This involves filtering the entire flow within the main system. While effective, it can lead to pressure drops and increased energy consumption due to the high volume of flow passing through the filters. Because 100% of system flow is filtered the initial capital cost is significant and filter disposable costs proportionately higher.
- Sidestream Filtration: By diverting only a fraction of the flow, typically 10 to 15%, it minimises the impact on the system's overall efficiency while continuously purifying a part of the fluid, helping to maintain cleaner, healthier conditions within the system.
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Maintenance vs. Performance:
- Periodic Maintenance: Traditional filtration systems often demand frequent maintenance, causing downtime and potential disruptions to building services. Without a duty-standby arrangement of filters then a shutdown for changeout or any other reason leads to a complete system shutdown.
- Sidestream Filtration: With Sidestream filtration, continuous filtration of a smaller part reduces the need for frequent shutdowns, ensuring smoother operations and prolonging the lifespan of the main system components. The system can also be shutdown for changeout without a significant impact.
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Enhanced Efficiency:
- Energy Consumption: Sidestream filtration typically exerts less strain on the system, leading to reduced energy consumption compared to filtering the entire flow.
- Performance Optimisation: By consistently removing contaminants and impurities, Sidestream filtration helps keep optimal performance levels within the system, reducing the chances of breakdowns or inefficiencies.
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Quality and Longevity:
- Water Quality: Sidestream filtration significantly contributes to supporting water within the system by continuously removing pollutants and debris.
- System Longevity: The reduction of impurities through Sidestream filtration can extend the lifespan of critical system components, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Sidestream filtration stands out as an effective and efficient method for keeping cleaner, healthier, and more reliable building service systems. Its ability to continuously filter a fraction of the flow while minimizing disruptions and optimizing performance makes it an asset in the realm of HVAC and water treatment for various building types and sizes.
To talk more about Sidestream filtration for Building Services applications, you can send an email to enquires@porefiltration.co.uk or give us a call on 0203 750 8060 and we'd be happy to talk through your requirements. Or you can click HERE for more details on our Sidestream filter and filter housing range.
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