When you manage critical infrastructure, water quality is not just a compliance issue. It is a performance issue. At APT Water, we help you manage both through advanced side stream filtration systems designed to keep your cooling towers clean, efficient and protected.
Why Side Stream Filtration Matters
Every cooling tower accumulates suspended solids. These particles do not just sit idle. They fuel microbial activity, clog pipework and coat heat exchangers in scale and biofilm. Over time, this increases energy use, chemical demand and equipment breakdowns.
APT Water’s side stream filtration systems are designed to remove these contaminants from circulation. It is a proactive, low-touch solution that protects your system and reduces your maintenance burden.
APT’s Approach
Side stream filtration is not a plug-and-play product. Every system is different. At APT, we begin with a technical review of your flow rates, loading conditions and water quality profile. Based on this, we recommend a system that continuously diverts and filters a portion of your recirculating flow.
How It Works
- System Integration
A side stream loop is installed off the main return line, drawing 5 to 15 percent of the total flow. - Disc Filtration
Water is passed through a tightly packed stack of polymer discs. These capture suspended solids down to a defined micron grade. - Automatic Backwash
When the disc stack reaches capacity, an automatic backwash cycle removes the trapped material to drain. No manual intervention is required. - Filtered Water Return
The clean water re-enters the cooling tower basin, improving overall water quality in the main loop.
Why Choose APT
APT Water is a trusted national provider of industrial water management solutions. Our side stream filtration systems provide measurable benefits across all key areas of system performance.
Better Heat Transfer
Suspended solids act as an insulating layer on heat exchangers. By removing them, you reduce thermal resistance and improve cooling efficiency.
Less Fouling, Fewer Interventions
With fewer solids in circulation, you reduce the rate of fouling. This means fewer shutdowns, less cleaning and fewer callouts.
Longer Equipment Life
Solids increase wear on valves, pumps and pipework. Cleaner water means less abrasion, less corrosion and longer life across your entire system.
Lower Chemical Usage
With more stable water quality, chemical dosing becomes more effective. This often leads to a reduction in overall chemical demand.
Reduced Microbial Risk
Microorganisms thrive on organic debris. Side stream filtration removes their food source, making biological control easier and more predictable.
Proven Disc Filtration Technology
APT Water supplies and supports Azud automatic disc filters, which are compact, modular and ideal for cooling tower applications. They offer:
- Filtration down to 20 microns
- Minimal pressure loss
- Automatic backwash cycles
- Corrosion-resistant components
We carry a wide range of configurations and flow rates to suit commercial and industrial sites across Australia.
Designed for Your Site
APT works with data centres, commercial buildings, manufacturing plants and utilities. If you are facing high debris loads, excessive chemical use or persistent microbial issues, we can design a system to suit your infrastructure and operating conditions.
Cost and Return
Most side stream systems provide a return on investment within 12 to 18 months. This comes through reduced energy use, fewer chemical deliveries and lower maintenance costs.
Systems are typically priced from $6,000, depending on site size, filtration grade and automation level. Leasing and full-service options are available.
Why APT Water?
With over 30 years of experience in water treatment, APT Water brings practical expertise to every project. We supply complete systems, carry local stock of critical spares and support our clients through ongoing service and performance reviews.
Our goal is to simplify water treatment through reliable, scalable and efficient solutions.
Ready to Act?
If your cooling tower is under pressure from fouling, chemical instability or microbial growth, now is the time to talk to APT Water.
We will assess your site, recommend a filtration strategy and support you with installation and service.
Contact APT Water today
www.aptwater.com.au