Short answer: Greenhouse filtration should be selected from water analysis, particle type and load, required irrigation outlet, design flow, pressure loss, cleaning method and flushing plan. Screen, disc and media filters solve different problems, and no physical filter removes all dissolved salts.
Identify whether the source is a well, river, reservoir, municipal supply, rainwater or a blend. Test suspended solids, turbidity, hardness, iron, manganese, algae or biological risk and dissolved ions where relevant. Seasonal source changes can alter filter load, so use representative worst operating conditions.
Drippers, mist nozzles, sprinklers, fog nozzles, NFT channels and dosing equipment have different sensitivity. Use the equipment manufacturer's filtration requirement and check the smallest flow passages. A filter rating should be stated with its measurement method, not only a marketing name.
| Filter type | Planning use |
|---|---|
| Screen filter | Physical screening with simple inspection; performance depends on aperture and particle load. |
| Disc filter | Depth and surface filtration through stacked discs; requires correct cleaning and pressure. |
| Media filter | Often evaluated for organic matter or high particle load; needs backwash flow and waste handling. |
| Hydrocyclone or separator | May remove selected dense particles before finer filters under suitable flow conditions. |
| Treatment process | Disinfection, oxidation or desalination addresses other water problems and needs separate design. |
Size the filter station for the maximum intended operating combination plus the agreed cleaning strategy. Check clean pressure loss, allowable dirty pressure loss, backwash flow, minimum operating pressure and bypass arrangement. If filters clean while irrigation continues, pump and pipe capacity must support both duties.
Automatic filters can clean by pressure difference, time or command, but still need inspection and maintenance. Manual filters require a safe isolation and cleaning procedure. Record differential pressure before and after cleaning. Repeated rapid blockage indicates a source or pretreatment problem, not merely a need to clean more often.
Provide flush points at main, submain and lateral ends. Flushing velocity and duration depend on pipe and emitter system. Open enough lines to carry debris without dropping pressure below the required condition. Route flush water safely and prevent it from eroding beds or entering clean tanks.
Acid, chlorine or other cleaning may be used only under qualified procedures based on deposit type, crop system, materials and local safety requirements. Check compatibility with emitters, seals, tanks, filters and treatment equipment. Store and dose chemicals safely and never improvise concentrations.
Inlet and outlet pressure gauges
Differential-pressure switch or transmitter where used
Flow meter and backwash records
Water samples before and after treatment where appropriate
Spare screens, discs, seals, valves and controller parts
Flush inspection and emitter-uniformity records
Seasonal maintenance and source-water retesting
No. It removes selected physical particles; dissolved salts require a different treatment decision.
Follow emitter requirements and water analysis; there is no universal rating for every system.
Possible causes include high particle load, algae, oxidation, undersizing, incorrect cleaning or missing pretreatment.
Set frequency from water quality, inspection, pressure, crop system and manufacturer guidance, then verify with records.
Use the water-quality checklist, greenhouse water filter product page and water-treatment category.
Send the water report, outlet type, flow and cleaning requirements through the contact page for a filtration-input checklist.