Technology/Business Opportunity

Non-Confidential Description

University of California - Santa Cruz Campus

FIELD MONITORING OF FILTER SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
DESCRIPTION: Measurements of filter efficiency (defined as the percent reduction of each particle size by a filter system) rely on sophisticated laboratory particle counting equipment. Filter system field installations, however, present many more opportunities for filter bypass than laboratory test conditions, such as misoperation of valves, faulty installation of gaskets or seals, or minute tears in the filters themselves. Monitoring the filtration efficiency of an as-installed filter system using laboratory particle counters would become unworkably expensive for most small systems. To ensure that filter installations meet the EPA's standards of removal efficiency requires inexpensive field monitoring of the complete, as-installed filter system.

Researchers at the University of California's Lick Observatory have developed a simple procedure for the field monitoring of filter system performance. This technique can verify that the performance of an as-installed filter system meets the required standards of particulate removal. This method does not require highly trained technical personnel to operate and maintain, allowing for the routine and cost efficient field testing of even small filter installations.

APPLICATIONS: This new method provides a simple and inexpensive means for the routine field monitoring of a filter system under actual operating conditions and is especially attractive for small systems and systems operating with low turbidity source water.

ADVANTAGES:

PATENT STATUS: INQUIRIES TO: Kathy S. Willis, Licensing Associate
Tel: (510) 748-6600
Fax: (510) 748-6639
Email: kathy.willis@ucop.edu

REFERENCE: UC Case 93-244