Maelstrom Filters

• Filter debris down to 180 microns with unique, U-shaped twin filter system
• Significantly increase your water catchment efficiency, even at high flow rates (96% at 36,000litres/9,510 gallons per hour in wet systems)
• Filter multiple lines (pipes) at a single point
• Keep leaves and debris out of your tank
• Automatically flushes out debris with self-cleaning design
• Maelstroms overflow can act as a backup to your tanks overflow in the event it should become blocked or unable to cope with high flow rates
• Prevent mosquitoes, insects and other vermin entering your tank
• Reduce load on post-tank pumps by lowering sediments
• Improve stored rainwater quality
• Reduce light and algae growth in your tank
• Easily install
• Easily maintained

How often should I clean my Maelstrom’s filter screens?

Every environment is different, so the necessary frequency for cleaning your filter screens will vary. We recommend checking your Maelstrom filter regularly after installation to determine the rate at which debris accumulates. You can then use this information to make an informed decision about cleaning frequency. Depending upon your needs and situation, you may determine that cleaning is required monthly, quarterly, after each heavy downpour, or at a different frequency.

Do I need to modify the tank inlet when installing my Maelstrom?

No. Your Maelstrom is supplied with an adjustable flange that is designed to accommodate existing 300mm, 400mm and 500mm inlets. Simply remove the existing tank screen and trim the flange to suit the size of your inlet hole.

What head height is required when installing my Maelstrom on the inlet side of a wet or “charged” system?

“Your Maelstrom filter should be installed no less than 500mm above the inlet of the tank.  When the Maelstrom overflow is connected to an outlet, for example, a stormwater discharge, the wet system head height can be reduced to accommodate low head systems. Collection efficiency is traded-off against low head height filtration.”

What is the Maelstrom’s maximum flow rate?

“On a wet rain harvesting system, your Maelstrom can handle water flowing at 10 litres (2.64 gallons) per second with a water catchment efficiency of 96%. It can handle water flowing at 5 litres (1.32 gallons) per second with a 99% water catchment efficiency for wet systems. Above 10 litres (2.64 gallons) per second, your Maelstrom will direct excess water to the outlet port (overflow).

Used in a wet rain harvesting system, your Maelstrom will yield 99% filtered water catchment at 5L/sec and 96% filtered water catchment at 10L/sec.”

Are replacement filter bags available?

Yes. Replacement filter bags are available for your Maelstrom filter. The Maelstrom bag is designed to be reusable and can be washed and reinstalled. In the unlikely event that your bag is damaged or lost, replacements are available from Blue Mountain Co.

Can I connect multiple pipes or “lines” to my Maelstrom?

Multiple pipes can be consolidated before they reach your Maelstrom filter. However, it is important to assess the impact of consolidating these pipes to ensure that your total system flow is not restricted.

Can I install 90mm pipe to my Maelstrom?

Yes. You can use a tapered reducer or LIT (level invert taper) to connect 90mm pipe to your Maelstrom’s DN100mm inlet and outlet ports.

Can I install inlet pipes to both side ports so I have two inlets rather than one inlet and one outlet?

Yes it’s ok to install pipes into both sockets of the Maelstrom. The Maelstrom can handle a high flow of water (at least 10L/sec) and the filter will still perform well. Note that the unit will not be able to self clean at all, so ensure to check the filter occasionally and empty it if required. By checking the filter after the first major rain event, you will be able to predict how often you may need to clean the filter.

Can I install a first flush before my Maelstrom?

Yes. First flush diverters can be installed before or after your Maelstrom filter. If you choose to install a first flush diverter upstream of your Maelstrom, make sure you install a screened rain head before the first flush diverter so it cannot be clogged with leaves and larger debris.

Can I install my Maelstrom filter within a wet or “charged” system? Can the Maelstrom be installed in the charged area of a charged system? Can the Maelstrom be positioned below the inlet of the rainwater tank?

No. Your Maelstrom filter is not designed to carry a head of water, as the filter uses a self-cleaning gravity feed action to discard debris from the flow of water.

However, you can install your Maelstrom filter on top of your tank in place of your tank screen (or beside your tank) as the final filtering point for your wet system.

What do I do if there is a significant amount of water coming out of the debris overflow of the Maelstrom?

Check the following:

• Check the blue internal filter if there is a large amount of debris
• Check the fine bag filter if there is a lot of fine debris
• Clean either of the above filters if required

If the rainfall event is extreme, it is possible for some unfiltered water to overflow from the debris overflow port. Refer to expected flow rates section.

How do I collect the maximum amount of water from my Maelstrom?

The best way to maximise the amount of captured water from the Maelstrom is to:

• Ensure the filters are maintained periodically
• An alternative setup for the debris overflow to maximise clean water catchment is to add a small upwards bend, which will help to slow the flow of water at the debris overflow – forcing the water through the Maelstrom’s filters. In this scenario, it is recommended to maintain your filters more regularly since the debris is forced to flow over the bend.