Industrial Applications of Sand Filters: Purifying Water on a Large Scale

When purifying water on a large scale, you need filters that are efficient and long-lasting. Sand filters are one of the most popular water filtration systems used in industrial applications, such as large swimming pools, aquariums, etc.

As these sand filters have only a few components, the chance of faults is very low. Also, sand filters need low maintenance.

In this guide, we will talk about industrial applications of sand filters. Learn more about what to consider to buy good sand filters for purifying water on a large scale.

What Are Sand Filters?

In sand filters, impure water is passed through one or more sand layers to trap dirt, debris, and other contaminants. These filters are widely used for industrial water purification due to their simplicity and scalability.

Sand filters generally follow two methods for water purification: mechanical filtration and biological filtration. In mechanical filtration, water passes through a bed of granular sand where silt, clay, algae, and large organic matter are physically trapped.

In biological filtration, an active layer called schmutzdecke, consisting of bacteria, protozoa, and algae break down organic contaminants and pathogens.

Sand filters are usually made of the following components.

● Multilayer Sand Bed: Industrial-grade sand filters have multiple layers of sand to improve filtration efficiency. These usually have varying grades of sand, from coarse to fine. Some systems even have layers of anthracite, gravel, or garnet.

● Filter Tanks: Open-top and pressurized filter tanks are common in industrial purification systems. They are usually made of stainless steel, fiberglass, or concrete depending on the application.

● Valves and Control Units: Sand filters may have automatic or manual valves for filtration and backwashing. More advanced filters may have PLC-based controllers for monitoring flow rate, pressure drop, and backwash cycles.

● Drainage System: At the bottom of the sand filter, the drainage system supplies purified water. There can be underdrains or nozzles that are used for filtration and backwashing.

Sand Filters in Industrial Applications

Here are some of the most common industrial applications of sand filters for purifying water on a large scale.

1. Swimming Pool Filtration Systems

Large or frequently used swimming pools can greatly benefit from sand filters. Here is how.

● Residential Pools: For your private pool, sand filters will efficiently remove leaves, dirt, debris, hair, and other particulates.

● Commercial Pools: As swimming pools in hotels, apartments, and gyms are used more frequently, they need reliable filtration systems like sand filters. These filters reduce turbidity and ensure local water safety regulations are met.

● Public Pools and Recreational Facilities: Larger facilities like municipal pools or community clubs need large and robust sand filters. These filters are generally used in combination with chlorination or ozone disinfection units to ensure better water treatment.

● Water Parks: A high volume water needs to be cleaned regularly in water parks as large crowds leave various particles. Large-scale sand filters can effectively remove suspended particles, foam residues, and organic waste in water parks.

Sand filters can be scaled depending on pool sizes and designs. Also, they are easy to install and don’t require much operational expertise.

2. Aquaculture Filtration Systems

The quality of water directly impacts the health and growth of aquatic species. Sand filters play a crucial role in removing solid waste, uneaten feed, and suspended particles.

Sand filters are generally used in the following aquaculture systems on a large scale.

● Fish farms

● Breeding tanks

● Holding tanks for transportation or quarantine

You must remember, these sand filters do not remove dissolved toxins or ammonia. But they can significantly reduce solid waste from aquaculture systems. If you want a biological or chemical treatment, sand filters are great for the pre-treatment stage.

Combining sand filters with other advanced systems help you achieve a better water quality.

● Protein Skimmers: These remove organic compounds from the water.

● Biochemical Filters: These filters remove microbial contaminants from nitrogenous waste.

● Aeration Cones: They ensure sufficient oxygenation for aquatic species.

Sand filters combined with other advanced systems help maintain clear water on a large scale and reduce the risk of disease. They also improve visibility in the system for better monitoring.

3. Aquarium Filtration

Professional aquarium systems require complex and multi-stage filtration that ordinary sand filters can't provide. However, basic sand filters are good enough for moderate to large size of consumer-grade aquariums. These include:

● Home aquariums

● Office aquariums

● Display tanks in restaurants or retail shops

Sand filters effectively remove suspended solids, uneaten food, and waste particles from aquariums and ensure a healthy living environment.

What Are the Advantages of Sand Filters in Industrial Use?

Sand filters offer the following advantages in industrial use.

● Scalability: Sand filters can be upgraded easily by adding as many units as possible. Also, these filters support continuous flow systems. So, industries can quickly scale filtration systems.

● Reliability: Sand filters aren't that complex and have fewer components than other types of water filtration systems. As a result, they are less likely to break down and are easy to maintain. These are also suitable for harsh environments.

● Cost-Effective: The chemical usage in these filters is minimal. Also, these filters are highly energy efficient, making them a great choice for industrial applications.

Where to Find Good Sand Filters for Industrial Use?

Among various sand filters suppliers, Poolking has a wide range of sand filters for residential and industrial use. They manufacture their own sand filters and have sand filters from other manufacturers in their collection.

If you are looking for an industrial sand filter, check out their website and find a suitable filter.

Final Words

Sand filters are key components of many water filtration systems, especially in industrial applications. They are easy to use, withstand a lot of abuse, and can handle large volumes of water constantly.

But you must choose a good quality sand filter for industrial use, as a lot of other things will depend on the efficiency and durability of the sand filter. No matter the target industry, a good sand filter will continue to provide pure water at low cost and with no hassle.