Propeller Bead® Filter
Perfect for High Load, High Flow Applications
The Propeller Bead filter has been the standard for commercial applications for over 25 years.
Designed for high flow and highly loaded systems, these filters are easy to clean, easily automated, and compact.
This filter has the most aggressive backwash of any of AST’s filters. The motorized embedded propellers rotate at 1750 rpm to vigorously scrub the bead bed to remove the solids that were captured and any aging biofloc that accumulates on the beads during normal operation. After backwashing, the sludge is allowed to settle prior to discharging from the unit. The settling time allows for the solids to concentrate in the unit and reduce water loss associated with solids removal. With Propeller Bead filters, you will only lose 10% of the water that you would normally lose with sand filters.
Powerful Backwash for Greater Solids Capture
Although used as bioclarifiers, Propeller Bead filters are most widely employed as solids filtration devices with standard media removing TSS across a wide range of concentrations. The powerful backwashing mechanism allows for extended backwash intervals associated with improved fine solids capture. The Propeller Bead filter’s biological performance is significantly improved with the use of EN media that protects biofilm during backwashing.

Proven to be a Durable Work Horse
AST has both standard flow and high flow Propeller Bead filters available in standard sizes ranging from 3 to 100 cubic foot units. The larger fiberglass units are tall ranging up to about 14 feet to the top of the mixing motor. Our standard filters can handle flow rates up to 1500 GPM or 2.2 MGD, making them perfect for large systems that need frequent turnover. However, we are capable of producing larger custom units depending on your needs. Our largest units to date are 450 ft3 units that can handle flows in excess of 5,000 gpm or 7 mgd.
The Propeller Bead filter has proven to be a durable work horse. Most of the hundreds of units produced in the 1990’s are still in operation.
Propeller Bead filters are often equipped with control boxes that drive the pump, the mixing motor, and a motorized actuator valve on the sludge line. Backwash intervals are manually set and the backwash sequence is executed and verified before reactivating the circulation pumps. Several control variants are available depending on the system configuration.
Propeller Bead Filter Benefits

Filter Benefits:
- Superior clarification in a small footprint
- Long-lasting standard bead media is resistant to clogging and caking
- Control boxes drives motorized backwashing handles high solids loading
- Perfect for high flow rates and high TSS removal
- Less water loss and energy consumption than comparable sand filtration
- Tested and proven technology for over 25 years
- Marine compatible with 316 stainless steel or titanium screens
- One year warranty, USA made
Let's Discuss Your Project
From a simple filter to a complete custom system, our engineers can help you find the perfect filtration system for your needs. Get in touch today!
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