Flow Rates
The volumetric flow rate refers to the amount of water that flows through a surface in a unit of time. Simply put, it is the speed at which water flows down a pipe. Volumetric flow rate is affected by water velocity, pipe diameter, friction loss, and water velocity. The flow rate allows you to determine which system is best for your home, whether it be a UV system or carbon filter.
Flow Rate Pipe
Water treatment: Why is flow rate important? The flow rate of water should be considered when determining the size of a home treatment system. You can read more here.
Based on the types and number of fixtures, calculate the flow rate requirements for your home.
Water should be treated at maximum and service flow rates to ensure its effectiveness
Avoid excess pressure and/or loss of flow
Allow enough time for filter media to contact you
Excessive pressure or flow loss
Water flow and pressure are two different things, but they both directly impact one another. When you press your thumb against the end of a garden hose, water flows at a low pressure, but high flow. The flow rate decreases but the pressure increases when you take your thumb off. The system must be capable of withstanding a pressure loss of 15 psi and still perform its task well. You want the water flow and temperature to stay the same when you take a shower. It is crucial to measure both peak and service flow rates. Your normal water flow is called the service flow rate. Peak flow rate is the maximum water flow. Peak flow rate is the maximum water flow at your home if every toilet, shower, and appliance were in use.
Size of plumbing
Based on the size of the pipes, the diameter limits water flow. The pipe’s diameter determines how much water flows. A larger water filtration system will allow you to filter more water at a higher flow rate. This is a good thing. However, equipment that is too small can cause low water pressure. A homeowner called our water specialists to inquire why his home’s filtration equipment was not providing adequate flow. Our water specialists calculated the home’s service flow rate which was 30 gallons per hour (gpm), however the home’s water pump could only handle 25 gpm. We calculated the flow rate and determined that the homeowner required a larger pump to handle the 30 gpm flow rate.
Contact time
Contact time refers to the time water passes through filter media before the adsorption process can occur. Adsorption occurs when particles stick to a solid adsorbent, such as granular activated Carbon (GAC). Contrary to absorption, molecules cannot be assimilated into the material. A given flow rate per cubic feet determines the effectiveness of a filter media. The filter media’s effectiveness is related to the flow rate. The higher the flow rate, dirtier water will have less time with it and the filter will be less effective. To remove impurities, water must have sufficient contact time with the filter media. Similar operations are made by UV systems. The amount of time that UV light is in contact with water can directly affect the degree of infection. Water flows through filters too quickly because they are not designed to handle the flow rate. To slow down the flow and increase contact times, a flow restrictor might be necessary.
