The Basis of Drinking Water Treatment: Filtration with Silica Sand
One of the most critical processes behind the clear, clean, and safe tap water that reaches our homes is sand filtration. This method is the most fundamental and effective treatment process, globally accepted in the water technology industry.
The system is based on a simple but highly effective principle: to physically capture the suspended solid particles (TSS), sediment, and other visible pollutants found in the water that cause turbidity.
From Treatment Plants to Your Home: The Role of Sand Filters
In large-scale drinking water treatment plants, raw water (water from the source) is passed through massive sand filter beds before being distributed to our homes. These filters act as the first and most important physical barrier that directly affects water quality. Silica sand particles capture the particles while filtering the water, allowing only clean water to pass through.
Technical Requirements for Perfect Filtration: Grain Size and TS 12904
The efficiency of a sand filter is strictly dependent on the quality and technical specifications of the silica sand used. Not all sand can be used in this field.
- Ideal Grain Size (Granulometry): For effective filtration performance, silica sand in the 0.8 – 1.25 mm grain range is most commonly preferred. This specific size provides the ideal balance for trapping unwanted solid materials without reducing the water's flow rate (debit).
- Compliance with National Standards (Mandatory): The sand used must comply with the TS 12904 standard, especially for drinking and potable water, which directly concerns human health.
TS 12904: "Silica sand and silica gravel - Used in the treatment of drinking and potable water"
This standard guarantees that the sand has the necessary physical durability, chemical purity, and will not release any harmful substances into the water. This washed, sieved, and correctly sized sand ensures that water treatment systems operate safely.
