Catchword: schmutzdecke
Part of speech:
n. The part of speech reflects that used in the
full entry, and not necessarily the part of speech as it is used in the quotation below.
Quotation: This system, introduced into the U.S. in 1872, uses low water flow rates (0.05 gpm/sq ft) and relies on the formation of a “schmutzdecke” (a fine, mud-like layer) in the top surface of the fine sand (specific gravity of 2.6|+ or -~) for filtering. However, it may take several weeks for the filtration layer to form (during which the “filtered” water is lost) and this type filter is ineffective for high turbidity waters. Cleaning is by scraping off the schmutzdecke and top layer of sand, and placing a layer of new sand.
Article or Document Title:
“Filtration”
Article, document, publication, web site:
Public Works
Date of publication:
Apr. 15, 1994
Page number:
C19
Volume: 125
Number or issue: 5