Evaluating Fine Filtration for Cooling Tower Water Applications

Eneref Institute has strongly recommended cross-flow microsand filtration technology as the most reliable and efficient technology to eliminate fine particulate (down to submicron particles) in HVAC cooling tower and process cooling applications. Eneref Institute is a research and advocacy organization for sustainable development with an initiative to inspire solutions that promise an earth-friendly economy through socially responsible sustainable development.

As described in the Eneref Report, the system's high efficiency lies in the unique use of microsand and cross-flow filtration. Vortisand^® cross-flow filtration systems can capture particles under 1 micron in size, 10 to 50 times smaller than particles retained by traditional media filters. It is a high capacity media filter that combines cross-flow dynamics with microsand media to achieve submicron filtration performance.

The Eneref Report looks at the benefits of cross-flow microsand filtration technology “due to its high-value results and effectiveness at keeping cooling towers clean.” Traditional deep-bed multimedia systems leave unchecked all submicron particles—the particulates that are most responsible for the fouling that supports Legionella growth and system inefficiency.

"We examined the Vortisand system because a better understanding of water filtration systems will help building operators reduce the quantity of toxic chemicals discharged into the environment. Water is a precious and vital resource of our ecosystems on which all life itself is based."

--Seth Warren Rose, Founding Director of Eneref Institute