Aeroponics, what kind of filter to prevent sprayers/nozzles from clogging?Mesh/Micron

[HaHend]

Hi,

I was wondering what kind of filters you are using to prevent your nozzles/sprayers from clogging.

If I am not mistaken all the large aeroponic manufacturers (GHE etc.) are only using foam type filters which are mounted on the pump if I am right?

Are these kind of foam filters (see attached) enough or is a finer filter necessary?

Currently I am using a 100 micron/140 mesh filter (see attached) but it is nearly completely clogged up after two days.

As I am getting tired of cleaning the filter I was asking myself If I should run my aero system without one and just use the foam filter of my pump.

Theory suggests that I have to use a 177-140 Micron filter.

I am using sprayers/nozzles which are similar to the EZ ones in my aeroponic system, but they probably have a slightly larger orifice as they have a 30% higher gph rating (42gph/160l vs 31gph/120l).

Here is some data on the EZ Nozzles:

.075" orifice, rated at 31 gph at 20 psi and 10.8' diameter coverage

A .075" orifice equals 0,19mmm.

Hence I would need a 80 mesh (0,177mm, 177 Micron) or 100mesh (0,149mm, 149 Micron) filter?

What do you guys think and what kind of filters are you using?

I would rather prefer to clean the nozzles every month and stop using a 100 micron filter which clogges up after two days.

The clogging happens due to nutrient buildup. My nutrients are Advanced Nutrients 3-part.

Thanks

 

[HaHend]

Re: Aeroponics, what kind of filter to prevent sprayers/nozzles from clogging?Mesh/Mi

I cut one of my nozzles open now and measured the orifice and it was exactly 2mm.

Hence I figured that I made a mistake by converting the .075" orifice of the EZ clone sprayers to mm.

They have a 0,19cm and not 0,19mm orifice, hence 19mm is the correct value.

To prevent particles larger than 19mm coming through the filter you will need a ~1700 micron / 12 mesh filter and hence my 100micron filter was way overkill.

I removed it now and I am just running the foam filter right now.

These metal filter screens which are often attached to return/check valves will also do the job (roughly 1700-1900 micron).

 

[lushgreen]

Re: Aeroponics, what kind of filter to prevent sprayers/nozzles from clogging?Mesh/Mi

Hey you forgot a decimal point on your conversion. 0.075" is 1.9mm. 19mm is 0.75" or 3/4".

I'd suggest running the foam filter on the pump as a pre filter and see if that stops your 130 micron (0.13mm) filter from getting clogged so quickly. Alternatively you could get a coarser filter as 130 is a bit fine.
Also House and Garden drip clean is really good gear, maybe try some and see if it helps.