Quartz is one of the most common materials in nature. It has been used by man 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 cleaners are used in domestic water supply systems, for other purposes. Features of quartz filters for water, their operation will be considered in the article.
Mineral Features
Quartz is widespread 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 staircase quartz filters, which are also used in radio electronics. A variety of products 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 affordable, 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.
- Liquid purification from nitrates.
- The absorption of heavy metal ions.
The schemes of quartz filters are quite simple, so if you want, you can make such equipment yourself. To do this, you need to understand the basic qualities of the mineral. Quartz is homogeneous, has increased porosity. This increases the coefficient of dirt capacity, which is an important indicator of the quality of cleaning and durability of the system.
The mineral contains a small amount of clay, which can reduce the quality of cleaning. But its share in most cases is minimal, therefore clay does not have a big impact on water quality. Water filtered with quartz is not used for drinking purposes without further purification. But for domestic purposes, the fluid that has passed through such a system is widely used.
Varieties of quartz sand
A quartz filter for water purification can contain different types. The operational features of the system depend on this. During the extraction of the mineral, it is washed, cleansing of excess impurities, and then enriched. For this, various electrochemical methods are used.
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 by the production method can be:
- natural;
- artificial;
- mountain;
- dune;
- river;
- nautical;
- cellar.
Not each of the varieties meets the requirements of GOST, which regulates the characteristics of fillers for filters. The characteristics of quartz sand determine the purpose of the system. It can filter water, for example, for household needs. Drinking fluid undergoes additional cleaning.
This material does not release harmful components, hazardous 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 exposed to high heat in the furnace. This option for creating quartz filters for the pool is preferred.
Varieties of cleaning systems
To create a cleaning system on your own, you need to calculate the quartz filter, determine the type and amount of its filler. For pools, 3 types of systems are used:
- sandy;
- diatomaceous earths;
- cartridge.
The quartz filter for the pool most often refers to the sand type. It is designed to maintain cleanliness in the bowl. The mechanism allows to reduce the frequency of pool maintenance. 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 have a size of not more than 0.8 mm.
The capacity of such a filter is filled with quartz sand. Water under pressure passes through this flask, for which purpose a pump is provided in the system. The engine power rating is determined by the amount of water that has passed through it in an hour. It is necessary to choose such a model that the entire volume of water in the pool per day is filtered 5-6 times.
A quartz filter will work more productively with a minimum size of grains of sand. Therefore, this information is always indicated in purchased models. It is important to carry out timely sand changes. Otherwise, dirt will accumulate in the system. This will cause the filter to break after a while. The pump will stop functioning, as dirt will accumulate in it.
System principle
Quartz water filter belongs to the category of mechanical cleaners. Sand from mountain quartz is poured into it. Preliminarily, large particles are removed from the backfill. Using a similar system, cleaning is carried out in several stages:
- First, dirt and impurities settle on the surface of grains of sand.
- Then the water passes through the backfill.
A stand for a quartz filter, installed in a designated place near the pool, should be located so that it is easily accessible. This cleaning method is used when the fluid 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. The regular metering pump speeds up the process.
In addition to the filter and pump, the circuit includes a skimmer, a valve, connecting elements and a pallet. The first of these elements absorbs 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 cleaned of other contaminants. The filtered liquid enters the pool.
The valve in the system regulates its operation modes. It can connect at the side or top. Flasks for filling are made of fiberglass, polypropylene, various alloys of synthetic substances.
How to choose a system
To choose the right quartz filter, you need to listen to the advice of specialists. They claim that one of the most important characteristics is system performance. To do this, you need to perform a simple calculation. You need to know the volume of your pool. This value is divided by 5. The result obtained is the system performance. It is measured in cubic meters.
The performance 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. But expensive filters do not need frequent maintenance and fully cope with the functions assigned to them.
The next step when choosing is to determine the installation 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. This is Aster, Cantabric, Millenium. They differ not only by the characteristics of the filler, but also by the production technology. Valve for some models will need to be purchased separately, which some customers call a drawback.
- Hayward. This company produces three series of quartz filters. Relative to the Pro Top and Pro Side models, the material for creating the flasks is durable polyethylene, and for the NK series - laminated polyester reinforced with fiberglass. All models of this manufacturer are equipped with 6-position valves. Additionally, you need to purchase a pump.
- Emaux Opus. This manufacturer also produces 3 series of quartz-filled filters. They are marked with letters that indicate the main characteristics of the system. So, the P series, made of polyethylene, has an upper valve for connection, and in the V series, the flasks are made of fiberglass. The valve in this series is also top. Filters marked S have side connections and are made of fiberglass.
System installation
If you wish, you can install a quartz filter with your own hands. But professionals are advised to entrust 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 connect it to the electrical network. All actions should be performed in accordance with existing rules. Otherwise, the operation of the filter will be unsafe.
For installation, quartz sand is needed in a certain amount (depending on the dimensions of the pool or the volume of water consumption). A concrete base plate, protected against moisture, drainage 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 tuning of the quartz filter.
Installation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Prepared sand is poured into a special flask. It should possess the qualities necessary for filtration.
- The case must be cleaned from the outside of grains of sand. Particular attention is paid to the neck. There should not be a single grain of sand left.
- 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. For this, clamps are used.
- The connection is checked again. A test run is made, during which the entire system is carefully scanned. If there is a leak, you need to eliminate it.
Recommendations for use
During operation of the system, periodic monitoring of its operation and appropriate maintenance are required. Be sure to backwash with a frequency of once a week. So it turns out to clean the sand from pollution. Water that is used for backwashing will drain into the prepared pit.
Some models of quartz sand filters have an indication function. It shows 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 once every 2 years. At this time, the intergranular space is clogged with different particles, which makes the water supply more complicated. The system cannot work with the same performance as before. Moreover, the accumulated contamination with time becomes impossible to remove during the backwash.
Sand replacement is carried out according to the technology described by the manufacturer in the instructions. This not only improves the quality of water, but also reduces energy costs. As the intergranular space becomes dirty, the pump works harder. This leads to increased electricity consumption. If water can pass through the sand at a set speed, the pump operates 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. By choosing the right filler and calculating its amount in accordance with the intensity of the pool, you need to do the following:
- Shut off the water supply in the system, as well as disconnect the pump from the mains.
- Old sand is removed from the flask. To do this, it is recommended to use a shovel or a 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 use only a soft sponge, soapy solution.
- Pour some water into the container. The liquid will soften the blow at the moment of pouring into the new filler.
- The hole in the sand tube is sealed. Otherwise, sand will fall into it.
- Pour new filler into the container.
- Clean the container from the outside of sand, especially at the point where the lid is connected.
- The backwash mechanism should work for 5 minutes.
- If the system is assembled correctly, you can use 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 saves on the purchase of such a system. It is worth considering that DIY-assembled designs are somewhat inferior to purchased equipment. But the water will still be purified.
First you need to prepare a container of durable plastic. It can be a barrel or a canister. The container volume should be 60-65 liters. You need to choose a wide-necked canister. 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, filling 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 be provided with a six-mode valve. One end of the hose is connected to the canister, and the other is lowered into the sewer drain. It is worth noting that it will be necessary to regularly clean the backfill from accumulated contaminants. Purchased models are easier to use, moreover, they are 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. For 5 minutes it should work in the rinse mode. So, all the dirt will go into a drain hole or sewer. During this time, most of them will be washed off from the grains of sand.
The washed sand needs to be compacted, after which the filtration mode is switched on again. But such a procedure cannot replace a complete replacement of the filler. It should be carried out at least once a year. With frequent operation of the pool, the above 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. Many perfect designs are on sale that will provide high-quality water treatment.