Diatomaceous Earth Filtration for Safe Drinking Water

This is the first book to completely cover diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration as applied to the treatment of drinking water. Best suited to the treatment of low turbidity sources of water supply, DE filtration has shown a superior capability for the removal of pathogenic cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, as well as other U.S. EPA recognized pathogens. This book provides engineering professionals with all the information needed for evaluating DE filtration as an alternative method of treatment that is both cost effective and small in installed size. This comprehensive book serves both as a reference and as a practical design manual, providing both background performance data and tips for application to conventional and unusual treatment situations. Various chapters guide the engineer through complete design procedures from preliminary comparisons with alternative methods of treatment, through consideration of the different types of DE filters and ancillary equipment options available to pilot testing, to development of design criteria and final design of treatment facilities. Topics discussed include equipment and materials of construction as related to wear and safety, site development, plant start-up and operation, troubleshooting operating problems, and routine maintenance.