What does the number on a mesh screen indicate?

The number on a mesh screen refers to the number of mesh squares per inch, which indicates how tightly woven the material is. A higher number signifies a finer mesh with smaller openings, while a lower number indicates a coarser mesh with larger openings. This metric is critical in water treatment processes, where the size of particles to be filtered out dictates the appropriate mesh size. Knowing the number of mesh squares per inch helps operators select the right screen for various applications, impacting filtration efficiency and ensuring that the water meets safety and quality standards. Understanding this concept is essential for water operators, as it directly affects both the effectiveness of the filtration system and the overall quality of the treated water.