The protein skimmer
is a combination of three different
filter systems. The filter operates
biological, mechanical and chemical.
The principle of the skimming of salt
water is not new and has been successfully
used for years in aquarium filtration.
Thanks to the unique, patented, design
of the Tornado protein skimmer, it
is now possible to apply the principle
of protein skimming in fresh water.
The surface of an air bubble attracts
dissolved substances out of the water.
Because of the adhesion of the bubbles
these substances, like chemicals,
waste particles, colourants and algae,
are concentrated. By means of a venturi,
air is mixed with water. By forcing
this mixture through the filter material
(the "KNS" bio rings) to
a lower drain, there is a long contact
between air and water. This changes
the surface tension of the water continuously
and creates a thick foam. This foam
will be separated from the cleared
water by a grid and exits through
the foam outlet. Different kinds of
pollution are caught in the foam and
drained. This makes the filter self
cleaning. Dissolved substances like;
phosphates, ammonia, humus acids,
colourants, proteins and a number
of heavy metals, are filtered out
of the water and drained together
with the foam. The extraction of dissolved
substances is not possible with normal
filters and can only be done if chemicals
are added.
|