What is the result of cracks impacting filter efficiency during filtration?

When cracks occur in a filtration system, they can create pathways that allow influent (the water or other liquid being filtered) to bypass the filtration media altogether. This results in a significant reduction in the filter's effectiveness because contaminants in the influent do not come into contact with the filtration media that is designed to remove them. As a result, particles and impurities may pass through the system without being adequately filtered, leading to an increase in the concentration of these contaminants in the treated water.

The presence of cracks disrupts the intended flow path through the filter, which is designed to ensure all influent is directed through the filter media. When influent bypasses the filter media, the overall removal efficiency of targeted contaminants diminishes, which is a critical concern for maintaining water quality.

In contrast, while cracks might also cause increased pressure or impact flow rates, the most crucial effect concerning filter efficiency is the by-passing of influent. Longer filter runs are generally a desirable outcome not associated with cracks but rather with the proper function of the filtration system.