Solutions or Products Featured in This Case Study

IKEUCHI spray nozzles are used across a wide range of industries. In this case study, we introduce a surface washing nozzle used in rapid sand filters at a water treatment plant, helping improve operational efficiency.

A water treatment plant consists of multiple treatment basins (tanks), and the rapid sand filter basin is one of them. In a typical treatment process, water passes through several steps in sequence before being supplied as clean water.

A rapid sand filter basin further purifies water after turbidity has been reduced in the upstream coagulation and sedimentation step.
By passing the water through layers of sand and gravel, the basin removes fine suspended particles. Its key feature is its ability to treat large volumes of water efficiently in a short time.

Surface washing is a cleaning step that efficiently removes deposits accumulated on the surface of the filter sand. As filtration continues, contaminants build up on the sand surface, which reduces filtration performance. To prevent this, the filter sand is washed on a regular basis to minimize clogging and maintain stable capacity.

The nozzle used in this process is a surface washing nozzle.
Installed at the end of the piping, it generates multiple solid stream jets in a radial pattern underwater. These jets dislodge and remove deposits from the surface of the filter sand, helping prevent buildup.

The contaminants loosened during surface washing temporarily remain suspended in the water, but they are then removed by backwashing. In backwashing, water and/or air is introduced to push out the water in the basin—along with the suspended contaminants—so it can be discharged outside the basin. Performing this process regularly maintains the filtration capacity of the filter media and supports stable operation.

Proper surface washing—used together with backwashing—is a critical element for long-term, stable operation of rapid sand filters.
IKEUCHI surface washing nozzles effectively remove deposits from the filter bed surface, contributing to higher operating efficiency at water treatment facilities.
For more efficient surface washing, please contact us. We will recommend the best-suited product and technical solution for your application.