Better Permeability

Glass grains are almost all angular in shape and have a fairly high degree of sphericity. As a result, the filter bed tends to have more open packing, resulting in much better permeability than a filter of spherical sand grains

Superior Cleaning

Glass particles have a slight negative charge on their surface, which tends to hold onto fine particles and positively charged iron and manganese ions during the filtration cycle. Upon backwashing, this weak charge releases these fine particles to the effluent, thereby contributing to better filtration action and an amazing 25% improvement in turbidity removal over sand. Test results have shown that crushed glass filtration material will remove particles down to 5 to 10 microns, with a high percentage of sub 5 micron components, as compared to generally 10 to 15 microns for sand, depending on filtration rate. FilterCrystal is also less likely to block or channel. Its surface catalytic properties generate a high oxidation potential on the surface of the media which makes FilterCrystal self sterilising and gives it the ability to crack organics and decolourise the water.

Safer to Use

Sand and zeolites (air born dust) are classified as grade 2 carcinogens because of the free silica; zeolites are particularly dangerous. FilterCrystal does not contain any free silica and as such it is much safer to use than sand. The smoothness and stability of glass means it is resistant to strong acids and alkalis, which minimises cracks where bacteria can lodge and resist flushing during the backwash, which also prevents the filter bed from becoming blocked by bacterial growth.

Lower Operating Costs

As crushed glass is lighter than sand, 20% less glass is needed to fill a filtration unit. Due to the better permeability over 20% less water is used (and lost) for backwashing, saving you money on water, chemicals and other associated costs. The extremely high attrition strength of crushed glass means that it doesn’t get consumed and is therefore likely to last for the life of your filter. Because FilterCrystal cleans better, you save energy & operating costs and extend the life of your filter! And as it’s made of 100% recycled glass, it’s a truly ecological alternative!

Sizes and functions

FilterCrystal 12 is 1.2 – 1.6 mm in size. It is used to cover the base and laterals of your filter. This will protect the laterals, minimize discharge of fine filter media, and improve permeability and filtration.

FilterCrystal 6 is 0.6 – 1.0 mm in size, and is used as the main filter media.

As a general guide, you will need about 2 parts of FilterCrystal 12 and 5 parts of FilterCrystal 6.

FilterCrystal is a mechanical filtration media for use in pressure filters and gravity flow filters. It is a direct replacement for standard filter grade sand, and should be used in a similar manner. However, there are a number of points that should be considered to maximise the performance of the filter.

- The filter must be level
- The filter base and laterals should be well covered with a good layer of FilterCrystal 12. This will protect the laterals, minimize discharge of fine filter media, and improve permeability and filtration.
- On top of this, the finer FilterCrystal 6 should be used to make up the main filter bed.