Product Guides

What is a drum filter, what does it do?

Drum filter is a mechanical filtration equipment with continuous operation principle that automatically filters suspended solids (feed residues, fish feces, fibrous wastes etc.) in water. It is widely used especially in RAS aquaculture systems, sea water and fresh water lines, recovery of process waters and industrial wastewater pre-treatment.

How does it work?

Water is directed to the inner or outer part of the drum and passed through the surface coated with micron mesh. According to the flow direction, while water passes through the mesh surface, solid particles are retained on the mesh. When a certain clogging level is reached, the level/leakage or differential level sensor on the system activates:

• Drum motor activates and the drum starts to rotate slowly.
• Mesh surface is backwashed with spray nozzles positioned at the top.
• Particles removed with cleaning water are transported to the waste chute or waste chamber.
• Cleaned area continues filtration and the process continues automatically.

Main advantages

• Continuous operation: Automatically cleans itself without interrupting the cycle.
• Low operating cost: Only motor and washing pump consumption.
• High water quality: Fine suspended solids are retained with appropriate micron selection (e.g. 50�100 �m).
• Automation compatibility: Can work compatible with level sensors, PLC, remote monitoring infrastructure.
• Modular structure: Drum diameter and length can be easily scaled according to flow and load status.

Points to consider

• Pre-screen / coarse filtering: Pre-screen may be required for fibrous, large particle wastes.
• Micron selection: Selecting lower micron than necessary may cause flow loss and frequent washing.
• Washing water line: A separate clean water line or pump may be required for high pressure washing.
• Installation elevation: Correct adjustment of inlet-outlet elevation difference is important for hydraulic losses.

What is Protein Skimmer?

Protein Skimmer (foam fractionator) is an equipment used to remove dissolved organic matters (DOC), micro particles, oily/organic wastes that can form foam and biofilm precursors in water. It is a critical component especially in sea water RAS systems and hatchery facilities.

How does it work?

Skimmer produces a very high amount of micro air bubbles inside the contact column. The surface of these bubbles attracts organic molecules and forms foam. The formed foam is collected at the top and transported to the waste chamber and removed from the system.

• Micro bubble production with venturi or needle-wheel pump
• Column design with increased bubble–water contact time
• Foam collection chamber and drainage

Main advantages

• Removes dissolved organic matter (DOC)
• Reduces nitrification load, retards biofilm formation
• Improves water clarity and oxygen transfer
• Suitable for ozone integration
• Efficiency is at the highest level in salt water systems

Points to consider

• Efficiency decreases in fresh water: If salt ratio is low, bubble stability decreases.
• Bubble density: Pump selection and venturi design are critical.
• Foam chamber drainage: Regular check is required against clogging.
• Ozone use: Material selection (PP/PE/316L) is important.