At maximum flow rate, what is the rate of filtration in gpm/ft² for a 5.5 MGD treatment plant with 6 filters, each 15 feet by 20 feet?

To determine the rate of filtration in gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/ft²) for a treatment plant, you need to calculate the total filter area and the maximum flow rate.

Firstly, the maximum flow rate of the treatment plant is given as 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD). To convert this flow rate into gallons per minute (gpm), you can use the conversion factor:

1 MGD = 1,000,000 gallons per day

1 day = 1440 minutes

So, to convert 5.5 MGD to gpm:

5.5 MGD × (1,000,000 gallons/day) ÷ (1440 minutes/day) = 3,819.44 gpm

Next, you need to calculate the total surface area of the filters. Each filter measures 15 feet by 20 feet, giving an area of:

Area of one filter = 15 ft × 20 ft = 300 ft²

Since there are 6 filters, the total filter area is:

Total area = 6 filters × 300 ft²/filter = 1800 ft²

Now, to find the filtration rate, you divide the total flow rate