Stay Updated With New Products + Industry Insights

๐Ÿ“–

FREE "Better Water Book: A Holistic Guide to pH Management, Soil Health, and Sustainable Agriculture"

Complete guide to pH management, soil biology, and sustainable agriculture with case studies, technical information, and proven strategies - instant download when you subscribe!

Select your country code and enter your phone number

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails from CTC Waterworks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Self-Cleaning Filtration: Two Technologies

Choose automatic Brush (RAB) or automatic Vacuum (AVC) based on solids type, power/controls availability, and service preference.

Two Automatic Cleaning Technologies

RAB

Rotating Automatic Brush

Motorized rotating brush assembly automatically cleans the filter screen surface on demand. Sensor-triggered or timer-based operation for hands-free maintenance.

Rotating brushes mechanically scrub screen surface
Great for fibrous and organic solids
Consistent differential pressure control
Simple mechanical operation
Learn About RAB

AVC

Automatic Vacuum Cleaning

Vacuum scanner sweeps the screen interior using differential pressure to create powerful suction. Rapid backflush cleaning cycles maintain flow under full pressure.

Vacuum nozzles with powerful suction
Great for heavy granular solids load
Controlled purge cycles (10-20 seconds)
Minimal water loss during cleaning
Learn About AVC

Technology Comparison

Quick reference guide to help you choose between RAB automatic brush and AVC automatic vacuum based on your application requirements.

TechnologySolids TypeTypical LoadingWater LossPower/ControlsBest Fit
RAB
Automatic Brush
Fibrous, organic matter, algaeModerate, steadyMinimal (continuous purge)120V/240V motor + ฮ”P sensor or timerSurface water, canal, ponds with organic debris
AVC
Automatic Vacuum
Sand, silt, heavy granularHeavy, variableVery low (short backflush cycle)120V/240V motor + ฮ”P sensor or timerHigh solids, fine mesh screens, critical uptime needs

When to Choose RAB

Select RAB when dealing with fibrous or organic solids from surface water sources. The mechanical brush action excels at removing algae and organic matter that can stick to screens. Ideal for applications where mechanical simplicity and steady solids loading are the norm.

When to Choose AVC

Choose AVC for heavy or variable solids loading, especially sand, silt, and granular debris. The vacuum system handles fine mesh screens better and completes cleaning in 10-20 seconds with minimal water loss. Best for critical applications requiring maximum uptime and frequent cleaning cycles.

Benefits of Automatic Self-Cleaning

Zero Manual Intervention

Sensors trigger cleaning automaticallyโ€”no operator presence required.

Consistent Performance

Maintains optimal differential pressure and flow rates 24/7.

Remote Site Ready

Perfect for unattended locations where manual cleaning is impractical.

Maximum Uptime

Continuous operation without system shutdowns for manual cleaning.

Control & Automation Options

1

Differential Pressure (ฮ”P) Sensor

Monitors pressure drop across the filter. When ฮ”P reaches the set threshold, cleaning initiates automatically. Adapts to changing water conditions and debris loads.

2

Timer-Based Control

Set cleaning intervals based on known water quality patterns. Ideal for predictable solids loading or scheduled maintenance windows. Can be combined with ฮ”P sensor for hybrid control.

3

Power Requirements

Both RAB and AVC require standard 120V or 240V AC power. Electric motor drives the brush rotation (RAB) or vacuum scanner (AVC). Minimal power consumption during cleaning cycles.

Integration Ready: Both systems can integrate with existing SCADA, PLC, or irrigation controllers. Remote monitoring and control capabilities available for advanced installations.

Both Technologies Use BIG Series Bodies

RAB and AVC cleaning modules mount directly to BIG Series inline filter bodies. Choose your cleaning technology independently from your filter size and screen type.

Common Features

  • โ€ข Blue Inline Gasketed design
  • โ€ข Multiple sizes (2" to 8" and larger)
  • โ€ข Custom mesh or perforation
  • โ€ข Stainless or epoxy-coated steel

Field Retrofit

  • โ€ข No repiping or welding required
  • โ€ข Upgrade manual to automatic later
  • โ€ข Switch between brush and vacuum
  • โ€ข Modular design for flexibility

Ready to Select Your Self-Cleaning System?

Our filtration specialist team will help you choose between RAB and AVC based on your water quality, solids type, and operational requirements.