Four-Unit Netafim Apollo Filter for High-Flow Irrigation
Large row crop and orchard systems move enough water that filter size and pump pressure drive the whole budget. The Apollo answers with longer filter spines and larger disc rings, so fewer units cover more flow. This twin battery carries four filter units with eight spines in total. Together they offer 3,245 square inches of filtration surface. Red 120 mesh discs stop particles down to 130 microns. Water is forced through the overlapping grooves of the compressed discs, trapping debris at many points. Netafim lists a flow range of 700 to 1,600 gallons per minute. At this mesh, good water allows about 1,464 GPM and average surface water about 1,368 GPM. Poor sources drop that to about 1,152 GPM, and very poor water to about 936 GPM. The bodies are high-density synthetic material that cannot corrode. Fertilizer and acid injected upstream will not damage any filter component. Inlet and outlet share one 10 inch flanged manifold, with a 4 inch grooved drain.
How Backflushing Compares with a Sand Media Filter
Netafim built the Apollo as a disc alternative to a sand media filter station. Its footprint is about 60 percent smaller, and no sand is needed. A backflush starts on a timer or on rising pressure difference across the battery. The discs then separate while jets of clean water spin them and wash debris to the drain. Each unit flushes for about 20 seconds with a 5 second dwell. Netafim rates that as five times faster than a typical sand tank cycle. A full four-unit cycle sends about 265 gallons to the drain. Each unit draws about 190 GPM at 35 psi while it flushes. Hold at least 30 psi downstream during flushing, and keep operating pressure at or below 90 psi. Wire the 24 VAC solenoids to a backflush controller, which is sold separately. The battery needs some assembly before startup. A small wrench loosens the polymeric clamp on each filter for disc access. Keep water at pH 5 or higher, and plan a hydrocyclone where sand exceeds 3 ppm.
Key Features
- Four Filter Units: Eight spines, 3,245 sq in of surface.
- 700-1,600 GPM: Row crop and orchard scale flow.
- 120 Mesh Discs: Red discs rated at 130 microns.
- 24 VAC Solenoids: Standard AC controller wiring.
- Corrosion-Proof Build: High-density synthetic bodies.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Netafim |
| Item Number | 70661-018120 |
| Model Number | 26ASK4PB4120AC |
| Type | Automatic backflushing filter battery, disc type |
| Configuration | Apollo Disc-Kleen twin, 4 filter units |
| Spines | 8 total (2 per unit) |
| Filtration Surface | 3,245 sq in |
| Filtration | 120 mesh (130 micron), red discs |
| Flow Range | 700-1,600 GPM |
| Max Flow by Water Quality (120 mesh) | 1,464 / 1,368 / 1,152 / 936 GPM (good / average / poor / very poor) |
| Inlet and Outlet Manifold | 10 in flanged |
| Drain Manifold | 4 in grooved, installed |
| Solenoids | 24 VAC |
| Max Operating Pressure | 90 psi (standard model) |
| Min Backflush Pressure | 30 psi downstream |
| Backflush Flow | 190 GPM per unit at 35 psi |
| Backflush Volume | 265 gal per flush cycle |
| Flush and Dwell Time | 20 s flush, 5 s dwell per unit |
| Min pH | 5 |
| Materials | High-density synthetic, corrosion-proof; polymeric cover clamps |
| Backflush Valves | Plastic |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 87 15/16 x 60 9/32 x 71 9/32 in |
| Weight | 455 lb |
| Assembly | Requires assembly |
| Controller | Backflush controller sold separately |