HACH Filtrax Sample Preconditioning System

Overview

The HACH Filtrax Sample Preconditioning System is an engineered solution for continuous, low-maintenance sample conditioning in online water quality monitoring applications. Designed specifically to interface with real-time analyzers—including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, ion-selective electrode sensors, and photometric or electrochemical instruments—the Filtrax system employs a dual-membrane ultrafiltration architecture operating on the principle of cross-flow filtration enhanced by intermittent air-scour cleaning. Unlike conventional suction-based prefiltration systems that rely on submersible pumps prone to clogging and mechanical failure, Filtrax utilizes two independent peristaltic pumps (Pump A and Pump B) mounted within a sealed control unit, each connected to a dedicated polymeric ultrafiltration membrane housed in a single stainless-steel filter vessel. This configuration enables alternating sample draw cycles, during which one membrane filters while the other undergoes pneumatic back-pulse cleaning—ensuring stable flow performance over extended unattended operation periods in raw surface water, wastewater effluent, and drinking water distribution networks.

Key Features

• Dual ultrafiltration membranes (0.15 µm nominal pore size) fabricated from chemically resistant polymer material, housed in a single corrosion-resistant stainless-steel filter housing.
• Intelligent alternating peristaltic pumping: one pump draws sample through its corresponding membrane while the other remains idle; cycle timing is programmable via embedded controller logic.
• Continuous compressed-air supply (from integrated oil-free air compressor) delivers pulsed air bursts to the base of each membrane during its idle phase, mechanically dislodging retained particulates without chemical agents or manual intervention.
• Heated intake tubing (standard 5 m length) maintains sample fluidity and prevents freezing in sub-zero ambient conditions; optional heated transport tubing lengths (10/20/30 m) support flexible installation in remote or distributed monitoring stations.
• IP55-rated enclosure allows direct outdoor deployment without additional weatherproof housing; internal temperature regulation ensures electronics stability across −20 to +40 °C ambient range.
• Real-time flow monitoring with diagnostic alerting: system continuously verifies flow rate against calibrated setpoint (~900 mL/h) and triggers maintenance flags upon deviation exceeding user-defined thresholds.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Filtrax system is validated for use with turbid natural waters containing suspended solids up to 500 mg/L, including river, lake, reservoir, and secondary-treated wastewater matrices. Its 0.15 µm ultrafiltration cutoff effectively removes colloidal particles, algae, and fine silt while retaining dissolved analytes critical for downstream measurement (e.g., nitrate, phosphate, organic carbon, metals). The system complies with ISO 5667-14 (water quality — sampling — guidance on quality assurance of automated samplers), supports GLP-aligned operational logging, and integrates seamlessly into EPA-compliant continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) and WQMS architectures. All wetted materials meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61 requirements for potable water contact, and the absence of lubricants or consumable cartridges eliminates risk of leachate interference in trace-level analysis.

Software & Data Management

The Filtrax control unit features an embedded microprocessor with non-volatile memory for storing >12 months of operational logs—including pump cycle counts, air-scour frequency, flow verification timestamps, and fault event history. Communication is supported via Modbus RTU (RS-485) and optional Ethernet/IP for integration into SCADA platforms. Data export is compatible with CSV and XML formats, enabling traceability in FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments when paired with validated LIMS or asset management software. Firmware updates are performed via secure USB interface with cryptographic signature verification, ensuring integrity throughout the device lifecycle.

Applications

• Preconditioning feed water for online UV254 absorbance, TOC, and COD analyzers in drinking water treatment plants.
• Protecting optical flow cells and electrodes in multiparameter sondes deployed in rivers and estuaries subject to seasonal algal blooms.
• Enabling uninterrupted operation of phosphate and nitrate analyzers in wastewater treatment plant final effluent streams.
• Supporting regulatory compliance reporting under EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and U.S. Clean Water Act Section 304(h) monitoring programs.
• Providing stable sample presentation for laboratory-grade analyzers installed in unmanned telemetry kiosks or solar-powered remote stations.

FAQ

Does Filtrax require periodic membrane replacement?
Yes—membrane service life depends on influent solids loading and is typically 6–12 months under standard municipal water applications; replacement is tool-free and completed in <5 minutes.
Can Filtrax be integrated with third-party analyzers using analog outputs?
Yes—the control unit provides isolated 4–20 mA outputs for flow status and fault signals, configurable to match external analyzer input requirements.
Is calibration required for the built-in flow verification function?
No—the flow verification algorithm is factory-calibrated using gravimetric reference methods and does not require field recalibration.
What maintenance tasks are required on a monthly basis?
Visual inspection of tubing integrity, verification of air filter element cleanliness, and review of event logs for abnormal pump cycling patterns.
Does Filtrax support remote diagnostics via cellular or satellite telemetry?
When paired with HACH’s IntelliLink or third-party IoT gateways supporting Modbus TCP, full remote health monitoring and parameter adjustment are achievable.