How does the Filter Judge work?
The Filter Judge is inserted into the media while it is slightly fluidized during mild backwash.  After full insertion into the media, a slotted inner tube is rotated inside of a slotted outer tube to capture a representative sample of the media.  The inner tube is then rotated such that the slots are opposed to each other, thus capturing the sample.  The tool is then removed from the filter.  Water then drains from the annular space between the two tubes.  The Filter Judge is then laid horizontally, and the tubes are rotated to expose the captured media sample.  The sample can then be measured to determine the depth of each layer, the depth of any interface zone between layers, the extent of contamination (i.e.—mudball formation), or the sample can be removed from the tool for further testing (i.e.—sieve analysis, chemical composition, etc.).

How can it benefit me?
The Filter Judge can benefit the operator of a facility that uses gravity filter media for the filtration of liquids.  The operator can quickly take an accurate sample of the media during a backwash cycle without taking the filter out of operation.  There is no need to send a worker down into the filter to dig a hole in the media.  Downtime is reduced, and the hazards of sending a worker into the filter are eliminated.  Furthermore, multiple samples can be taken in a short period of time.

Is it easy to operate?
Yes, most operators can work it correctly the first time they use it.

Is it accurate?
Yes, but don’t take our word for it!  Try it for yourself: Probe the bottom of your media, and determine the distance from the bottom of the media to a known point (such as the top of the filter wall).  Then measure the distance from the top of the media to that same known reference point.  The difference in these two measurements will tell you the full depth of media at that location.  Next, take a core sample of the media during mild backwash with the filter judge.  You will find that the measured media thickness will correspond to the thickness determined by the Filter Judge.

Does the use of the Filter Judge create a void / hole in the media where the core sample is pulled?
No, the Filter Judge is intended to be used in the backwash process only.  Therefore, the media will immediately fill the void after the Filter Judge is removed.

What is it made from?
It is made from polypropylene and NSF-approved PVC. It is lightweight, non-corrosive, and non-conductive.

Is it any better than any other similar product?
We certainly think so!  The only similar product that we could find was made for the agriculture industry for the purpose of sampling grain products.  Their unit was made of brass, conducted electricity, and was heavier and more expensive than the Filter Judge. Furthermore, their unit was not collapsible or expandable like the Filter Judge.  The most important difference however was that this grain and seed sampler tended to bind up when used to sample filter media.

Can I easily transport the Filter Judge?
Certainly.  It can be assembled and disassembled into 4 foot sections.  It is designed with threaded connections for the inner tube and cam-lever type couplings for the outer tubes.

What is the length of the Filter Judge?
The basic assembled unit is approximately 8 feet long, and is comprised of the bottom sampling section and the upper section.  Additional 4’ extension pieces are available if necessary.  A basic rule of thumb for determining the necessary length is to measure from the bottom of the media to the operator’s waist.

Who can benefit from the use the Filter Judge?
The Filter Judge was designed with the municipal water industry in mind, but it can be used by many other operators of similar gravity filter units.  This could mean that paper mills, petrochemical, manufacturers, and many others can benefit from the use of the Filter Judge.

What is the warranty?
One year replacement when operated in accordance with the assembly and operating instructions.  Lamar Solutions will ship a replacement unit to the customer upon receipt of the defective unit.