What are fine screens designed to filter out?

Fine screens are primarily designed to filter out smaller solids such as sand and silt from water or wastewater. Their function is to remove particulates that are larger than the mesh size of the screen, which typically ranges from 1/16 to 1/8 inch. By effectively capturing these finer materials, fine screens help to prevent clogs and protect downstream treatment processes, ensuring that the system operates efficiently.

While larger debris is typically removed by coarser screens rather than fine screens, and tiny microorganisms would require different treatment processes such as filtration or disinfection, fine screens are specifically effective at capturing the smaller particulates like sand and silt that can disrupt water quality and treatment operations. Suspended solids encompass a broader category that includes a variety of particulates; however, fine screens specifically focus on those finer particles that can significantly impact water quality.