HOLLOW FIBER PROBLEM SOLVING

1. FLOW RATE

DECREASED FLOW RATE: decreased flow rate is as a result of lack of backwashing or not backwashing enough. Over time, the dirt and microorganisms in the water block the microscopic pores preventing water from passing through. Backwashing cleans the dirt and filtered microorganisms allowing the water to pass. If a client has been using visibly dirty/turbid water in the filter, it will clog quickly.

Solution: if a client reports slow flow rate, more than likely they have not been backwashing their filter after every filtration or have not been backwashing the filter correctly using enough water. The clogging can be reversed thus restoring the flow rate. If a client’s flow rate has drastically decreased, recommend that they backwash their filter after every filtration. If they have been using dirty/turbid water the backwash will look dirty. They should backwash until the water is clear. If backwashing doesn’t fix the filter and it still has a decreased flow rate, then the client should soak the membrane in warm water(not boiling) for about an hour and then backwash using warm water.

INCREASED FLOW RATE: If a client reports increased flow rate, then they may have damaged their filter. Damage to the filter can result when a client plunges a sharp object through the filter or plunges the water through the filter too quickly when backwashing. This stretches the pores allowing more water through. Increasing the pore size in this way can also allow microorganisms through thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the filter.

Solution: The filter will need to be replaced. It is possible to sell the filter unit by itself to be attached on the current containers.

2. LEAKING

a) Filter attachment: if water is leaking from around the filter unit attachment to the top container, then the O-ring may be bad, wrongly placed or it may not be firmly screwed on.

Solution: Remove the unit and make sure the area of attachment is clean. Inspect the plastic O-ring to make sure it is not damaged and that it is still flexible and rubbery. If the O-ring looks in good condition, reattach making sure it is screwed on securely. Put water in the filter and examine for leaks. If the O-ring is old or damaged, replace the O-ring. Put water in the filter and examine for leaks.

  b) Filter manifold: The filter manifold is made up of several separate components/pieces glued together. If the filter manifold is leaking then it probably was not properly glued.

Solution: Reapply glue to the connection piece at the joints. If it does not work then the manifold may have to be replaced.

 c) Tap: If the tap connection is leaking then the connection may not be tight enough or the washer may be worn out.

Solution: Remove the tap, make sure the area is clean, using the washer, and screw the tap tightly. If this doesn’t fix the problem then the tap may have to be replaced. If the tap gets broken from improper use then it can be replaced.

3. DAMAGED CONTAINERS

If either the top or bottom container or lids gets damaged, leaks or contamination of water may occur.

Solution: Replace the container (lids are not sold separately).

4. LOST OR DAMAGED SYRINGE

A 50 ML syringe is essential for the backwashing process. If a client loses or damages their syringe or it becomes old and the plastic seal hardens, they will need to purchase a replacement.

5. FOUL SMELL

Filtered water may have a foul smell due to the natural smell of raw water passing through the filter, use of soap or detergent to clean the top container while membrane is attached or taking a long period to backwash the membrane.

If a client complains of foul smell of water;

• Ask them to assess the smell of their raw water, does it have any smell? If the water has a smell, they need to change their source of water
• Have they used soap or detergent to clean their top container together with the membrane? Use of soap or detergent through the membrane gets trapped in the pores which may take some time to get rid of. Filter more water for other household uses to clear the smell from the filter pores .Repeat the process until there is no smell,
• When was the last time they backwashed the filter? Do they backwash the filter after every bucket of water filtered? How often do they use and backwash their filter? Filtered microorganisms are trapped by the microscopic pores. If backwashing is not regularly done, they may rot and result in smell in the water.

FAQ