Finally, you just installed a water filtration system. One of the things you need is a greensand filter.
What is greensand and why do you need it exactly?
Here, we explain what greensand is, how greensand works for water treatment, and why you need it. In addition to greensand, we will explain why you will also need greensand filters along with how they help keep your water pure!
Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Greensand?
Greensand refers to glauconite, a mica mineral that is rich in potassium and iron.
At the turn of the 20th century, greensand was discovered for its capability as a water softener. Newer, more efficient, polymer-based resins became the go-to for water softening processes and glauconite became obsolete for a time.
Today, greensand features a manganese oxide coating, which aids in the filtration process for water treatment. The greensand works by oxidizing the iron, manganese, and potassium in the water at the point of contact through oxidation.
Along with manganese, iron, and potassium, greensand can also remove sulfur, arsenic, and radium.
The Greensand Filter
In addition to the greensand in itself, the greensand filter features a mineral tank, valve controllers that are located either at the top of the tank or the sides of the tank, and also, face controller for operation.
The greensand filter can be used directly in the water filtration system for potable drinking water for residential applications. For industrial applications, the greensand filter is sometimes used for pre-treatment to provide clean water.
How Do Greensand Filters Work?
A manganese greensand filter can work in two different ways.
Way 1, also known as Intermittent Regeneration (IR), or Batch Regeneration, requires the use of potassium permanganate to regenerate the greensand filter after the greensand loses its ability to oxidize the iron and manganese.
Way 2 is known as Catalytic Oxidation, or Continuous Operation, or Continuous Regeneration, maintains the ability to reuse the greensand media by the use of chlorine in the system.
Why Do I Need a Greensand Filter?
When tapping into the resources of aquifers, the water typically contains the dissolved metals of iron and manganese. This is a common happenstance since these metals are often in the earth’s crust.
When iron and manganese meet the open air, they cause oxidation. In layman’s terms, this means rusting.
If left untreated, iron and manganese will cause stains in bathtubs, toilets, and other household items frequently exposed to water.
Some chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide and a form of iron called “iron heme” produce undesirable, pungent odors. Who wants to smell the awful odor of rotten eggs?
Greensand filters solve that problem for you.
Greensand Filters and You
Whether you are in the commercial industry looking to offers your guests the cleanest water possible or you are a homeowner looking to purify your well water, you now know “what is greensand.”
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You are likely not a chemist, but you can be assured that the water you are drinking is clean and safe, thanks to greensand filters.
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