Microscreens (micro-strainers) — very fine rotating mesh, micron-scale, that removes algae, plankton and fine solids by surface straining ahead of sensitive intakes and SWRO membranes.
Intake Screening for Water & Desalination Plants
A microstrainer is a fine-mesh rotating drum or disc, typically 15–60 micron, that removes algae, plankton and fine particulates by surface straining as water passes through. The captured mat is continuously washed off by jets. It is a polishing screen — reducing silt density index (SDI) and biofouling load — not a coarse protective screen.
Micro-straining was developed in the 1940s and 1950s (notably by Glenfield & Kennedy) to remove algae from reservoir-derived potable supplies. It became a standard pre-treatment for algae-laden surface waters and, more recently, a useful SDI-reduction step ahead of reverse-osmosis desalination membranes.
Configurations in service
Fine-mesh rotating drum with internal jet backwash.
Fine-mesh discs for a large area in a compact unit.
Mesh selected (15–60 micron) for algae and fine solids.
Continuous high-pressure jets clear the captured mat.
An honest engineering assessment
Typical applications
Microscreens suit reservoir and algae-laden surface supplies, potable pre-treatment, and SDI reduction ahead of SWRO and ultrafiltration in desalination.
The full intake-screen series
A companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreA companion intake-screen type — design, history and trade-offs.
Read MoreThe screening stage of the seawater intake series.
Read MoreIntake design integrated with SWRO pre-treatment.
Read MoreThe full seawater intake hub — structures, fouling, materials.
Read MoreBar, band and drum screens across our range.
Read MoreOur engineers select and size intake screening — microscreens and the full train — matched to your debris load, fish-protection duty and downstream process.
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