Drum filter performance in a recirculating eel culture unit

Abstract

The performance of a drum filter of a recirculating eel culture unit was studied. Electron microscopy scanning micrographs of drum filter panels showed a high degree of clogging of the filter mesh (after 4 months of operation). Mean removal efficiency for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) fluctuated considerably between subsequent sampling periods (9.6–18.4%). Drum filtration changed the particle size distribution of fish tank drainage water, resulting in increasing amounts (from 56 to 67% of dry weight, before and after filter passage) of the smaller particle fractions (< 20 μm), thereby indicating a partial breakdown of larger particles during the filtration process. Possible reasons for rapid filter clogging and suggestions for improvements in filter performance are discussed.