What is the effect of uneven loading during filtration?

Uneven loading during filtration generally leads to shortened filter runs, which is why this choice is the correct answer. When some areas of a filter receive more loading—whether it be from particles, water, or contaminants—than others, it results in an unequal distribution of flow across the filtration media. This uneven loading can cause certain sections of the filter to clog more quickly than others, leading to a reduced operational lifespan for that filter run.

The filter media becomes overloaded in those areas, which hastens the compaction and saturation of the media, thus necessitating more frequent backwashing or cleaning of the filters. This operational inefficiency not only shortens the time before maintenance is required but can also lead to increased labor and resource costs.

Improper loading can also negatively affect the overall filtration process, potentially compromising the quality of the effluent produced due to inadequate treatment of the water. Therefore, shortened filter runs are a primary consequence of uneven loading, resulting in operational challenges in a filtration system.