Liquid filtration is a vital aspect of any commercial construction or renovation site. It plays an essential role in averting expensive amounts of contamination and buildup issues that may emerge in the long run. When implementing a filtration solution, many factors need to be considered. From a faulty analysis of the size and type of contaminants to poor overall system maintenance, many mistakes can emerge throughout the filtration process.  
While these mistakes are initially harmless, they can be disastrous over time. Read along to understand some of the most common filtration mistakes to factor into the equation when integrating an industrial liquid filtration system. 
Filtration Mistakes to Avoid 
Liquid filtration is indispensable for many processes involved in the commercial construction industry. Many contaminants within several mediums require filtration. These contaminants are of varying sizes and types and can only be tackled with the help of specific equipment. 
Among many other things, liquid filtration helps considerably lower the concentration of suspended solids and increases the efficiency of the water treatment. However, to ensure the efficiency of the filtration system, it’s essential to avoid the following mistakes: 
Buying the Wrong Size Filtration System  
Due to the varying sizes of suspended solids and other contaminants inside a medium, selecting a filtration system that caters specifically to these contaminants is essential. For this purpose, there are several customized filters based on factors like length, core material, filter media, diameter, and micron ratings.  
Since there are many filter options, getting a “one-size-fits-all” filter can be easy. This choice, however, can cripple the filtration process, which can end up being very expensive. If the filter is too small, it can obstruct the flow rate, and if the filter is too big, the contaminants can pass right through it.  
The best way to avoid this issue is to determine the type of liquid processed by analyzing the fluid consistency and the size of the contaminants.  
Getting the Wrong Type of Pump 
The best way to get the fluid to pass through the filter is by using a pump. However, not all pumps are of the same size or type. Using the wrong kind of pump can hinder the efficiency of the filtration process.  
Filtration systems need a constant fluid flow rate as opposed to the rapidly changing flow rate found in pumps like double diaphragm pumps – the flow rate of which causes the contaminants to be pushed to the clean side of the filter.  
When selecting the right pump, it’s essential to understand the fluid’s viscosity and how far the fluid is moved. It’s also important to determine the batch size of the moved fluid and identify any elements that may resist the overall flow.  
Using Incompatible Parts 
For a filtration system to be efficient, it’s critical that all parts sync with each other and the fluid they interact with. These parts typically include the filter media, the core, and the seals. If all or any of these parts are not compatible with the temperature or the chemistry of the fluid, it may lead the entire filter system to collapse.  
The filter core (mainly in cartridge filters) maintains the filter’s structural integrity. If the core is incompatible with the system, it can weaken under pressure which leads to the release of contaminants in the downstream fluid. 
The filter media separates the fluid from the contaminants. If the filter media is not compatible with the fluid’s temperature or chemicals, its holes may close off and restrict the fluid’s flow rate.  
Sealing materials separate the filtration’s clean side from the contaminated side. Without a proper seal, the unfiltered fluid can easily mix with the clean fluid.  
Neglecting to Read all Manuals 
Installing a liquid filtration system is not as easy as assembling furniture. There are rules to be followed and technicalities to be understood. It is crucial to ensure that the system is not only installed properly but also runs safely. Reading all the manuals helps avoid two irreparable disasters:  

• Permanently damaged equipment 
• Fatal or severe injuries to the workers  

Failing to Maintain the Filtration Equipment 
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the efficiency and performance of the filtration system. Even if a single part shows signs of inefficiency, chances are, it can jeopardize the entire system. It’s important to closely monitor all the internal parts to keep the filter running smoothly.  
When the maintenance is overlooked, the seals might start to loosen up, or the filters might get clogged. If maintained correctly, these things can be detected and fixed, thus averting any long-term issues. 
Forgetting to Vent Properly  
Many users skip venting the air from the filter housings as they get filled with fluid. While this issue doesn’t lead to any serious setbacks, it can manage to lower the equipment’s efficiency all the same.  
Not venting the air trapped inside the housing leads to the formation of a bubble. This bubble then impedes the liquid from filling up the housing entirely. Now, the liquid can no longer move through the filter’s entire surface area, which ultimately leads to a decreased flow rate.  
To resolve this issue, it’s essential to use the built-in venting system inside the housings for maximum efficiency. 
Not Hiring an Expert to Install the Right System
Much research goes into installing the right liquid filtration solution for commercial construction or renovation. Only an expert can determine what equipment would work the best for a specific construction site and where exactly it must be installed.  
Additionally, an expert helps understand all about the fluid’s contamination – starting from where the contamination is first introduced and the size of filter that is required. He helps determine all the critical control points to operate and maintain the equipment. The expert also gets the team familiar with the risk points to help avoid mistakes and ensure maximum efficiency for years to come.  
The best way to avoid any issues when implementing a liquid filtration solution is to identify and analyze the most common mistakes associated with it. This way, the team handling the equipment can avoid such mistakes beforehand and be prepared to solve them should the need arise in the future.   
Author Bio: 
Mark Ligon is the Marketing Manager for Commercial Filtration Supply. CFS is a distributor and supplier of industrial filtration products, including self-cleaning strainers, bag filtration, cartridge filtration, and replacement parts. CFS has more than a decade of experience providing name brand quality products to the industrial filtration market.