The term side stream filter and sidestream filter are skid 90 single side stream filterwritten interchangeably to describe any filter being used to clean a portion of cooling tower water. With a side stream filter, a percentage of the water is filtered continuously. This technique works on the principle that constant particle removal will keep the system clean. Joshi Agro Industries often packages side stream filters on a skid, complete with pump and controls. For high flow systems, this method is particularly cost-effective.
Properly sizing side stream filters for cooling towers is crucial to obtain optimal filter performance. It is typical to size the side stream filter to continuously filter the cooling tower basin water at a rate equivalent to 10% of the total circulation flow rate. For example, if the total flow of a system is 1,200 gal/min (a 400-ton system), a sidestream filter with a 120 gal/min capacity is specified.