Abstract: A filter underdrain module for an underdrain system for a granular media filter. The module is an elongated, integrally constructed, self-contained unit having an enclosed interior and having a substantially flat, substantially rectangular exterior top wall. The water and air for simultaneous backwashing and scouring the filter media are separately conveyed by conduits within the module, and separately discharged into the filter support bed or directly into the filter media, as the case may be. The discharge openings for the water and air are located in the top exterior wall of the module. The discharge openings for water are all substantially the same shape and size, and substantially uniformly spaced along the length and breadth of the module. The same is preferably true of the air discharge openings. Various preferred embodiments are disclosed, including dual ducts for one or both of the separate conduits for cleaning water and scouring air. An underdrain system using the module is disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment facility has a granular media bed for use in acting upon (e.g. filtering) liquid mixtures, such as industrial and municipal water and wastewater, and employs a backwash operation between treatment operations for cleaning or otherwise enhancing the quality of the bed. A control system for the backwash operation establishes a first backwash rate for washing and scouring the granular media to release suspended solids and/or other impurities from the bed. Thereafter the control system establishes a second and generally greater rate for removing the released impurities from the facility. Preferably the first rate is chosen to just completely fluidize the granular bed, at which point a pressure responsive control system detects a constant differential pressure (i.e. a zero change in differential pressure), and the second rate, which generally is greater than the first rate, is responsive to the temperature of the backwash liquid.