
When they talk aboutindustrial filters for water purification with automatic washing, they often miss the main thing - the difference in water requirements for greenhouse farms and livestock complexes. At Shandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology LLC, we have had cases where clients installed the same filters on drip irrigation and cattle watering systems, and then complained about frequent breakdowns. I had to explain that with the same principleautomatic backwashthe design of filter elements must take into account the type of contaminants - organic matter or mineral suspensions.
In 2022 we delivered a batchlaminar water filtersin the Krasnodar region - the customer insisted on maximum productivity. Three months later we received a complaint: the cartridges failed faster than expected. While looking into it, we discovered that the system used old cast iron pipes, which produced abundant scale. The laminar flow retained sand really well, but the abrasive metal particles literally cut through the polypropylene mesh. We had to supplement the system with mud collectors - a lesson for the future.
Now, when making a selection, we always request a chemical analysis of the water. Especially for regions with a high iron content - there is a standardautomatic flushingdoes not cope without preliminary aeration. Once in the Voronezh region we had to redo the connection diagram: the client saved on the control unit and tried to use a time relay instead of a controller with a differential pressure sensor. The result is a constant blockage of the emitters in the drip tape.
By the way, about differential sensors. In our latest models we use dual sensors - they more accurately determine the moment when washing begins. But some competitors still install mechanical pressure gauges, which is absolutely not suitable for automated greenhouses. I saw such solutions in private farms in the Belgorod region - the owners complained about excessive water consumption due to too frequent flushing cycles.
Russian agricultural producers are special clients. Unlike European ones, they often require the ability to manually duplicate the automation. For example, at the same Shandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology LLC, we have developed hybrid valves with an electric drive and a mechanical steering wheel specifically for the Russian Federation. I remember there was an incident in Tatarstan - there was a power outage for a day, and the filter needed to be washed. The customer simply switched the damper to manual mode and continued working.
Another nuance - Russian networks often have voltage surges. Stabilizers have to be added as standard, although in Turkey this is an option. By the way, about comparison: Turkish analogues are cheaper, but they have weaker protection against water hammer. Last year, we replaced an imported filter in the Rostov region - after a seasonal start-up of the system, the valve simply burst. Our engineers added damper chambers, the problem went away.
According to statistics from our website https://www.lyzhihuinongye.ru, 60% of requests for filters come from Central Russia and the Southern Federal District. Moreover, in the southern regions, systems with double flushing are more often ordered - due to the high sand content in artesian wells. But in the Moscow region, compactness is more valued - there is usually limited space in technical rooms.
Many people underestimate the importance of calibrating flush cycles. Standard settings are only suitable for ideal conditions. In reality, we have to take into account seasonality - in the spring, when the snow melts, the water carries more suspended matter. In our project for a vegetable farm in the Lipetsk region, we had to program the controller taking into account the weather forecast - as turbidity increased, the washing frequency increased automatically.
A common mistake is incorrect selection of water flow for flushing. I once observed a situation in Crimea: the filter was working correctly, but the pumping station did not provide the required pressure to effectively clean the membranes. The result is gradual siltation. I had to change the piping scheme and install an additional buffer tank.
Modern systems allow you to remotely control processes - we at Shandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology LLC are implementing such solutions. But some old-school agronomists prefer visual control. Compromises have to be found - for example, installing warning lights next to the filters so that the operator can see the work status from afar.
The main enemy here is algae. Standard mesh filters do not retain them well; multilayer membranes are needed. Last season in the Stavropol region we encountered water blooms in a storage tank - we had to urgently install ultraviolet blocks. We now recommend them as an option for open water sources.
An interesting point is that in greenhouses with NFT hydroponics, laminar filters work differently. There, what is more important is not absolute purity, but stability of parameters. You have to balance between the degree of filtration and productivity - cells that are too small quickly become clogged with nutrient solution.
I noticed a trend - Russian farmers began to combine types of filters more often. For example, at the entrance they install rough mechanical cleaning, then ourlaminar water filters, and in front of the drip lines - disk ones. This scheme increases the service life of the equipment, although it increases the cost of the system by 15-20%. But the savings on replacing emitters pays for it in two seasons.
Judging by requests from https://www.lyzhihuinongye.ru, the demand for hybrid systems is growing. For example, a combination of mechanical filtration with ultraviolet treatment. Especially for poultry farms - there the requirements for microbiology are stricter. We are currently testing such an installation in the Leningrad region - preliminary results are encouraging.
Another direction is smart diagnostics. We are trying to introduce membrane wear monitoring sensors in new models. While the accuracy leaves much to be desired, fluctuations in water temperature interfere. But for an approximate forecast of replacing filter elements it is already useful.
By the way, about replacement - Russian clients often ask to unify cartridges with European analogues. We have to make compromises: we maintain the landing dimensions, but change the material of the mesh - our polypropylene better withstands winter preservation of the systems. This is about adapting equipment to local conditions.