Air scouring is the use of filtered, compressed air to clean equipment. The use of air in conjunction with water is more effective than water alone and also reduces the consumption of water. Air and water can be used simultaneously, such as when air is used to push water at high speed through a pipe, or it can be used alternately, such as when air scouring of a filter membrane, ion exchange system or rapid sand/gravity filter precedes backwashing. For this reason, air scouring is also sometimes known as ‘backwash assist’. Backwash alone is often ineffective at cleaning a filter bed, particularly if the filter particles are small, because packed dirt, known as ‘filter cake’ needs to be loosened and cleared first. This requires compressed air.
Roots Systems supplies a range of air scour blower packages, available in aluminium bronze or stainless steel, specially designed for use for offshore and for harsh environments.
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