What are filter aids primarily used for?

Filter aids are primarily used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration process, especially when they are applied in low doses. Their main purpose is to enhance the clarity of the filtered water by helping to remove suspended solids, particularly when the materials being filtered may not easily aggregate or settle.

These substances, often comprising materials like diatomaceous earth or perlite, can create a porous layer that enhances the flow of water through the filter medium by promoting better distribution and reducing the formation of cake layers that can impede filtration. When utilized correctly, filter aids can significantly optimize the filtration, especially during processes where clarity and purity are critical, as they allow finer particles to be captured more efficiently.

Other options, like enhancing chemical reactions, are related to different processes within water treatment but do not specifically address filtration efficiency. Similarly, while increasing flow rates is a benefit of using filter aids, the core function that justifies their selection is their ability to improve filtration at lower dosages. Maintaining water temperature is unrelated to the function of filter aids and pertains to other aspects of water treatment.