What does the term "breakthrough" refer to in filtration?

The term "breakthrough" in filtration specifically refers to a situation where particles that are normally retained by the filter media begin to pass through, indicating that the filter has reached its capacity to remove those particles. This can happen when the filter media is loaded with contaminants, leading to a saturation point where it can no longer effectively capture additional particles. Hence, "breakthrough" signifies a critical moment in the filtration process, where the performance of the system is compromised due to the presence of larger contaminants or an overload of smaller particles.

Understanding this concept is crucial for water operators, as detecting breakthrough early can help in scheduling maintenance or replacement of the filter media to ensure the water remains clear and safe for consumption.