Quartz is one of the most common materials in nature. It has been used by humans for many years. Today it is often used to purify water. The quartz filter is installed in different systems. Most often, it filters the water that is supplied to the pools. In addition, such purifiers are used in domestic water supply systems, for other purposes. Features of quartz water filters, we will consider their operation in the article.
Features of the mineral
Quartz is widely distributed in nature, so it is actively used in various fields of human activity. Various things and devices are made from sand. In radio electronics, a transceiver with a quartz filter is used, and in medicine, special equipment is made from it. This mineral is widely used in lighting technology in the manufacture of dishes (crystal), etc. There are also ladder quartz filters, which are also usedin radio electronics. The variety of products made from this mineral is amazing.
In addition to the production of transceivers with a quartz filter, today they also produce water purifiers that contain a mineral. It is recognized as the most accessible, and therefore - inexpensive. Quartz is a part of river and sea sand. It is able to remove dirt, dust, small abrasive particles, stones and even various microorganisms from water. The unique properties of quartz are now widely used in water treatment. The main ones are:
- Reducing the amount of radionuclides.
- Removal of iron, manganese, aluminum, chlorine.
- Neutralization of bacteria, viruses, various parasites.
- Cleansing liquid from nitrates.
- Absorption of heavy metal ions.
Schemes of quartz filters are quite simple, so if you wish, you can make such equipment with your own hands. To do this, you need to understand the basic qualities of the mineral. Quartz is homogeneous, has high porosity. This increases the dirt holding capacity, which is an important indicator of the quality of cleaning and the durability of the system.
The composition of the mineral contains a small amount of clay, which may reduce the quality of cleaning. But its share in most cases is minimal, so clay does not have a big effect on water quality. Water filtered with quartz is not used for drinking purposes without additional purification. But for domestic purposes, the liquid that has passed through such a system is used quite widely.
Varietiesquartz sand
Quartz filter for water purification may contain different types. This depends on the performance of the system. During the extraction of the mineral, it is washed, cleaned of excess impurities, and then enriched. Various electrochemical techniques are used for this.
Artificial sand is made from blocks of quartz, which are crushed, grinding to the desired state. Any kind of sand must be sieved. This allows you to separate a homogeneous fraction of small size from large grains of sand. Quartz sand according to the production method can be:
- natural;
- artificial;
- mountain;
- dune;
- river;
- maritime;
- cellar.
Not each of the varieties meets the requirements of GOST, which regulates the features of fillers for filters. The characteristics of the quartz sand determine the purpose for which the system will be used. It can filter water, for example, for household needs. Drinking liquid undergoes additional purification.
This material does not release harmful components, dangerous or toxic substances into the water. For filtration complexes, only rounded or crushed quartz sand is used. They have almost identical qualities, but differ in the method of extraction and color. There are many microcracks in crushed quartz, and rounded grains of sand are very durable. The latter contain a minimum amount of dust, are subjected to high heating in the furnace. This option to createquartz filter for swimming pool is preferred.
Varieties of cleaning systems
To create your own cleaning system, you will need to calculate the quartz filter, determine the type and amount of its filler. For pools, 3 types of systems are used:
- sandy;
- diatomite;
- cartridge.
The quartz filter for the pool is most often of the sand type. It is designed to keep the bowl clean. The mechanism allows you to reduce the frequency of maintenance of the pool. But it is very important to choose the right filler for the filter, as well as fill it in accordance with existing requirements. The functionality of the system depends on this. The filler fraction should not exceed 0.8 mm.
The capacity of such a filter is filled with quartz sand. Water passes through this flask under pressure, for which a pump is provided in the system. The power rating of an engine is determined by the amount of water that passes through it in an hour. It is necessary to choose such a model so that the entire volume of water in the pool is filtered 5-6 times per day.
The quartz filter will work more productively with a minimum grain size. Therefore, this information is always indicated in purchased models. It is important to carry out timely replacement of sand. Otherwise, dirt will begin to accumulate in the system. This will cause the filter to break after some time. The pump will stop functioning as dirt will accumulate in it.
The principle of the system design
Quartz water filter belongs to the category of mechanical cleaners. Sand from mountain quartz is poured into it. Previously, large particles are removed from the backfill. With the help of such a system, cleaning is carried out in several stages:
- First, dirt and impurities settle on the surface of the grains of sand.
- Water then passes through the backfill.
The stand for the quartz filter, installed in the place allotted for it by the pool, should be located so that it is freely accessible. This cleaning method is used when the liquid enters the system unevenly, irregularly. Moreover, a significant amount of water can be filtered in this way. The fastest cleaning is carried out, during which water passes through the crushed material. Accelerates the process of regular dosing pump.
In addition to the filter and pump, the circuit includes a skimmer, valve, connecting elements and a pan. The first of these elements draws water in the pool. Then he passes it to the coarse filter. Here, large debris is removed from it. Then, passing through the sand, the water is purified from other contaminants. The filtered liquid enters the pool.
The valve in the system regulates the modes of its operation. It can be connected at the side or at the top. Filling flasks are made of fiberglass, polypropylene, and various synthetic alloys.
How to choose a system
To choose the right quartz filter, you need to listen to the advice of experts. They claim thatone of the most important characteristics is system performance. To do this, you need to perform a simple calculation. You need to know the size of your pool. This value is divided by 5. The result obtained is the performance of the system. It is measured in cubic meters.
Productivity is affected by the mass of quartz sand, as well as the size of its fraction. They also affect water quality. It is worth considering: the smaller the fraction of quartz sand and the greater the weight of the filler, the more expensive the system is. But expensive filters do not need frequent maintenance and fully cope with the functions assigned to them.
The next step in choosing is to determine the location of the valve. This characteristic must match the configuration of the wiring diagram. As it turned out, it is important to pay attention to the equipment manufacturer. You need to trust only trusted companies that have proven themselves in the market on the good side. These include:
- Astral. This is a Spanish company that is recognized as a sales leader. It produces three main series of quartz filters. These are Aster, Cantabric, Millennium. They differ not only in the characteristics of the filler, but also in the production technology. The valve for some models will need to be purchased separately, which some buyers call a disadvantage.
- Hayward. This company produces three series of quartz filters. Regarding the Pro Top, Pro Side models, the material for creating the flasks is durable polyethylene, and for the NK series - laminatedfiberglass reinforced polyester. All models of this manufacturer are equipped with valves for 6 positions. Additionally, you will need to purchase a pump.
- Emaux Opus. This manufacturer also produces 3 series of filters with quartz filler. They are marked with letters that indicate the main characteristics of the system. So, the P series, made of polyethylene, has a top valve for connection, and in the V series, the flasks are made of fiberglass. The valve of this series is also top. Filters marked S are side-mounted and made of fiberglass.
System installation
If you wish, you can install a quartz filter with your own hands. But professionals advise entrusting this work to experienced plumbers. The procedure does not cause any particular difficulties, but you need to have certain skills. It is necessary not only to assemble the device correctly, but also to connect it to the electrical network. All actions should be performed in accordance with existing rules. Otherwise, the filter will be unsafe to operate.
For installation, quartz sand is needed in a certain amount (depending on the dimensions of the pool or the volume of water consumption). A base concrete slab, protected from moisture, drain hoses is also required. To operate the system, you will need to build a pit or drain well. It is necessary to carry out not only the connection, but also the adjustment of the quartz filter.
Installation is performed in the following sequence:
- The preparedsand. It must have the qualities necessary for filtering.
- The case needs to be cleaned from the outside of grains of sand. Particular attention is paid to the neck. Not a single grain of sand should be left here.
- The case is assembled according to the scheme presented in the manufacturer's instructions.
- The pump is mounted near the filter itself.
- Installation and fixation of pressure, suction and return hoses, as well as communications for backwashing. Clamps are used for this.
- The correct connection is checked again. A test run is made, during which the entire system is carefully viewed. If there is a leak, you need to fix it.
Recommendations for use
During the operation of the system, periodic monitoring of its operation and appropriate maintenance are required. Be sure to backwash once a week. So it turns out to clean the sand from contaminants. The water used for backwashing will be drained into the prepared pit.
Some manufacturer's quartz sand filter models have an indication function. It indicates when to backwash.
Replacement of quartz sand in the filter is carried out once a year. If the system has a large volume, and the sand in it is fine, you can replace the filler every 2 years. At this time, the intergranular space is clogged with various particles, which makes the water supply more difficult. Systemcannot work with the same performance as before. Moreover, the accumulated pollution over time becomes impossible to remove during backwashing.
Sand replacement is carried out according to the technology described by the manufacturer in the instructions. This not only improves water quality, but also reduces energy costs. As the intergranular space becomes contaminated, the pump works harder. This leads to increased electricity consumption. If the water can pass through the sand at the set speed, the pump is operating normally. At the same time, cleaning is carried out efficiently and fully.
Replacement procedure
To replace the sand in the flask, you will need to perform several sequential steps. Crushed sand with a fine fraction is best suited for these purposes. Having correctly chosen the filler, as well as calculating its amount in accordance with the intensity of the operation of the pool, you need to do the following:
- Shut off the water supply to the system and disconnect the pump from the mains.
- The old sand is removed from the flask. To do this, it is recommended to use a shovel or construction vacuum cleaner. If the volume of the flask is small, you can perform the procedure manually, after putting on rubber gloves.
- The sand container is thoroughly washed under running water. You can only use a soft sponge, soapy water.
- Fill some water into a container. The liquid will soften the blow when the new filler is poured inside.
- Sand tube holeglued. Otherwise, sand will get into it.
- Pour new filler into container.
- Clean the outside of the container from sand, especially at the lid connection.
- The backwash mechanism should operate for 5 minutes.
- If the system is assembled correctly, you can apply the filter for its intended purpose
Homemade filter
Some owners of suburban areas where there is a pool, decide to create a homemade quartz filter. This allows you to save on the purchase of such a system. It is worth considering that do-it-yourself structures are somewhat inferior to purchased equipment. But the water will still be purified.
First you need to prepare a container made of durable plastic. It can be a barrel or a canister. The container volume should be 60-65 liters. You need to choose a canister with a wide neck. The future system is located at a small distance from the pool.
When the container is installed on the platform, prepared sand is poured into it. For a homemade filter, a backfill with a large fraction is more suitable, since a fine filler will clog the system. You can make a layer of activated carbon or graphite: this will improve the performance of the filter. But there should be no more than three layers. After filling, the plastic container is tightly closed.
Next you need to connect the pump. It must have a six-way valve. One end of the hose is connected to the canister, and the other end is lowered into the sewer drain. It is worth noting thatyou will need to regularly clean the backfill from accumulated contaminants. Purchased models are easier to use and more durable.
Homemade system maintenance
To clean a homemade quartz sand filter, you need to perform several sequential steps. First, the pump is disconnected from the system. Within 5 minutes it should work in flushing mode. So, all the pollution will go down the drain pit or sewer. During this time, most of them will be washed off the grains of sand.
The washed sand must be compacted, after which the filtration mode is turned on again. But such a procedure cannot replace a complete replacement of the filler. It must be done at least once a year. With frequent use of the pool, the listed actions are performed at least once every six months. However, it is much easier to install a filter from a well-known manufacturer that does not require frequent maintenance. There are many perfect designs on sale that will provide high-quality water purification.
