The Type of Filter Media for FRP Tank
FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) tanks are commonly used in water treatment systems, and they require specific types of filter media to operate effectively. In this article, we will discuss the different types of filter media used in FRP tanks.
What is FRP Tank?
FRP tank is a type of storage tank made of a composite material that consists of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as fiberglass.
The combination of the polymer matrix and fibers creates a material that is lightweight, strong, and durable, with excellent resistance to corrosion and chemical attack.
FRP tank is an alternative to traditional storage tanks made of steel or concrete, offering lower maintenance costs, longer service life, and easier installation.
The Type of Filter Media for FRP Tank
- Silica Sand
Silica sand is often used as a filter media in FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) tank filters to effectively remove large particles and impurities from water.
As water flows through the tank, the silica sand traps and holds debris and sediment, preventing it from passing through to the treated water. This results in clearer, cleaner water that is free of visible contaminants.
Silica sand is a popular choice for FRP tank filters due to its low cost, high durability, and ease of maintenance.
However, it is important to note that silica sand may not be effective at removing smaller particles or contaminants, such as bacteria or viruses, and should be used in combination with other filter media to ensure optimal filtration performance.
Additionally, it is important to regularly clean and replace the silica sand in FRP tank filters to maintain optimal filter performance and prevent clogging.
Also read:
- What isi silica sand?
- Anthracite for water filtration
- Gravel
Gravel is commonly used as a support media in FRP tank filters to prevent filter media such as silica sand or activated carbon from passing through the bottom of the tank.
The use of gravel as a support media also helps to distribute the flow of water evenly through the filter bed, ensuring that all filter media are used effectively.
Gravel is typically placed at the bottom of the FRP tank and serves as a foundation for the filter media layers that are placed on top.
It is important to choose the correct size of gravel for the specific filtration application in order to ensure optimal filter performance.
Gravel is a durable and long-lasting filter media that is easy to maintain and replace.
When used in conjunction with other filter media such as silica sand or activated carbon, it can effectively remove impurities and contaminants from water to provide clean and safe drinking water.
- Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a popular filter media for FRP tank filters due to its high efficiency in removing chlorine, odors, and organic compounds from water.
Activated carbon is produced by heating carbonaceous materials such as coconut shells, wood, or coal to high temperatures in the presence of steam or air.
This process creates a highly porous structure that provides a large surface area for adsorption of impurities from water.
As water flows through the FRP tank filter, the activated carbon adsorbs impurities onto its surface, effectively removing them from the water.
Activated carbon is available in different grades, with the finest being the most effective at removing smaller particles and impurities.
However, it is important to note that activated carbon has a limited lifespan and should be replaced regularly to maintain optimal filter performance.
Activated carbon is a versatile and effective filter media that can be used in a variety of applications, including drinking water filtration, wastewater treatment, and air purification.
Also read: Why is activated carbon used in water treatment?
- Manganese Greensand
Manganese greensand is a filter media used in FRP tank filters that is highly effective in removing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from water.
Manganese greensand is a processed form of natural greensand that has been coated with a manganese oxide coating. As water flows through the FRP tank filter, the manganese greensand oxidizes and adsorbs impurities onto its surface, effectively removing them from the water.
Manganese greensand is regenerated with potassium permanganate, which restores the manganese oxide coating and allows it to continue removing impurities.
Manganese greensand is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, including well water treatment, water softening, and pre-treatment for reverse osmosis systems.
It is important to note that manganese greensand should be backwashed and regenerated regularly to maintain optimal filter performance.
- Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural mineral that is commonly used in FRP tank filters to remove ammonia, iron and heavy metals.
The unique properties of zeolite, including its large surface area and negatively charged lattice structure, allow it to attract and trap impurities as water flows through the FRP tank filter.
Zeolite is also effective at exchanging cations, which makes it useful for water softening and reducing water hardness.
Zeolite is a renewable and sustainable filter media that can be regenerated using a brine solution, which allows it to be reused multiple times.
Zeolite is often used in residential and commercial applications, including drinking water treatment, aquarium filtration, and wastewater treatment.
It is important to note that zeolite should be backwashed and regenerated regularly to maintain optimal filter performance.
Also read:
- What is zeolite?
- Zeolite for Aquarium, should I use it?
- Birm
Birm is a granular filter media that is commonly used in FRP tank filters to remove iron and manganese from water.
It is made of a media that has been coated with a thin layer of manganese dioxide. As water flows through the FRP tank filter, the manganese dioxide on the surface of the Birm media oxidizes any dissolved iron or manganese, causing it to form solid particles that can be easily filtered out.
Birm is a low-cost and effective filter media that does not require any chemicals for regeneration.
However, it is important to note that Birm is not effective for removing other contaminants such as chlorine or organic compounds. Birm is commonly used in residential and commercial applications, including drinking water treatment, irrigation systems, and industrial processes.
It is also commonly used in conjunction with other filter media, such as activated carbon, for a more comprehensive water treatment solution.
- Anthracite
Anthracite is a hard, shiny coal that is commonly used as a filter media in FRP tank filters. It is a highly porous material that is effective at removing suspended solids, turbidity, and fine particles from water.Anthracite has a high surface area and low density, which allows it to effectively trap particles as water flows through the FRP tank filter.
It is a natural filter media that does not contain any harmful chemicals or impurities. Anthracite is commonly used in municipal and industrial water treatment applications, including the filtration of drinking water, wastewater, and industrial process water.
It can be used alone or in combination with other filter media, such as sand or gravel, for a more comprehensive water treatment solution.
Anthracite is a durable and long-lasting filter media that requires minimal maintenance and can be easily backwashed to extend its lifespan.
- Calcite
Calcite is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used as a filter media in FRP tank filters.
It is a high-quality, food-grade material that is effective at increasing the pH of acidic water and neutralizing the acidity.
Calcite is a form of calcium carbonate and is therefore an excellent source of calcium and other trace minerals that are essential for healthy drinking water.
Calcite can also help reduce the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, copper, and zinc, in water. It is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment applications, including the treatment of well water, acidic water, and corrosive water.
Calcite is a low maintenance filter media that requires periodic backwashing to prevent clogging and extend its lifespan.
It is a cost-effective solution for improving the taste, odor, and overall quality of drinking water.
- Filter Ag
Filter Ag is a type of filter media that is commonly used in FRP tank filters. It is made from a unique, high-purity blend of natural minerals and has a unique surface area that allows it to remove a wide range of impurities from water, including chlorine, sediment, iron, and sulfur.
The porous structure of Filter Ag provides a large surface area for bacteria to grow, making it an effective biological filter.
It is also a low maintenance filter media that requires periodic backwashing to prevent clogging and extend its lifespan.
Filter Ag is an eco-friendly option for improving the quality of drinking water and can be used in a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment applications.
It is a cost-effective solution that can significantly reduce the need for chemical treatment and provide clean, safe, and great-tasting water.
- Tannin
Tannin is a natural organic substance that can cause yellow or brown discoloration in water. It is commonly found in water sources such as lakes and rivers, and it can be difficult to remove using traditional filtration methods.
In an FRP tank filter, tannin can be removed using a specialized tannin resin. This resin is designed to attract and trap tannin molecules, removing the discoloration and improving the taste and clarity of the water.
Tannin filters are commonly used in rural areas with well water systems that have high levels of tannin contamination.
Using tannin resin in an FRP tank filter can be an effective solution for removing tannin from water sources, resulting in clean and safe drinking water for households and businesses alike.
In conclusion, FRP tank filters are an essential part of many water treatment systems and the choice of filter media is crucial in determining the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration process.
There are a variety of filter media available, each with its unique properties and benefits. Silica sand, gravel, activated carbon, manganese greensand, zeolite, birm, anthracite, calcite, Filter Ag, and tannin are just a few examples of the various filter media that can be used in an FRP tank filter.
The selection of the appropriate filter media should be based on the specific water treatment needs, such as removing sediment, reducing odor and taste, or eliminating harmful contaminants.
With the right combination of filter media and proper maintenance, an FRP tank filter can provide safe and clean drinking water for households, businesses, and communities.
It is important to consult with a professional water treatment specialist to determine the best filter media for your specific needs and to ensure that the filtration system is operating efficiently and effectively.