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
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).