SAND / ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS

Sand and activated carbon filters are pressure filtration systems used for the removal of turbidity, suspended solids, color, organic matter and chlorine in water and wastewater treatment processes.
Overview

Sand and activated carbon filters are pressure filtration systems used for the removal of turbidity, suspended solids, color, organic matter and chlorine in water and wastewater treatment processes. The filtration process is based on the retention of physical and chemical pollutants by passing water through special filling layers.

Filter systems produced by Pilsan Construction are manufactured with carbon steel, stainless steel, FRP (fiberglass reinforced polyester) and HDPE (high density polyethylene) materials and can be adapted to all types of water characteristics and operating conditions. All models are designed specifically for the project with automatic or manual valve, single or multiple unit configurations.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

The system contains filtration layers of certain thickness inside a pressure vessel. Raw water enters the filter bed from the top of the tank and filters downward through the porous filling layer. During this time, suspended solids, particles causing turbidity and organic compounds in the water are retained between the filling material.

When the filtration time expires or differential pressure increase is detected, the system automatically switches to backwash mode. During backwashing, the flow direction is reversed; accumulated pollutants in the filter bed are discharged.

Sand Filter

Provides physical treatment (removal of solid particles, sediment, turbidity).

Activated Carbon Filter

Provides removal of color, odor, chlorine, phenol and organic matter through chemical adsorption.

These two filters are usually used sequentially (in series) to achieve both physical and chemical treatment together.

DESIGN AND TECHNICAL FEATURES

Vessel Structure and Material Options
Carbon Steel Filters
  • Epoxy internal coating or rubber-lined protection

  • High pressure resistance (up to 10 bar)

  • Suitable for large flows and industrial systems

Stainless Steel Filters (AISI 304 / 316)
  • Corrosion resistant, suitable for hygienic applications

  • Preferred in food, drinking water and process water systems

FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) Filters
  • Lightweight, portable and chemical resistant structure

  • Used in small and medium capacity systems with automatic valves

HDPE Filters
  • Completely corrosion-free, long-lasting and environmentally friendly

  • Resistant to seawater, salt water and aggressive chemicals

  • Thermofusion welded vessel, resistance up to 6–10 bar pressure

  • Easily portable in the field, maintenance-free structure

Filtration Filling Layers

Filter filling structure is determined according to the desired treatment purpose:

Filter TypeFilling MaterialLayer ThicknessFiltration Range
Sand FilterQuartz sand, anthracite, garnet800–1200 mm10–25 microns
Activated Carbon FilterGranular activated carbon (GAC), quartz support layer1000–1200 mmOrganic matter / color / odor removal
Multimedia FilterAnthracite + Quartz + Garnet multi-layer1000 mm5–20 microns

ADVANTAGES

Providing physical and chemical filtration in a single system

Low energy consumption, quiet operation

Long-lasting material options: steel, stainless, FRP and HDPE

Minimum maintenance requirement with automatic backwash system

Corrosion and chemical resistant structure

Modular and compact design: adaptation to high flows by parallel connection

Hygienic and food suitability: stainless and HDPE models

Custom production possibility according to field conditions: horizontal, vertical or horizontal cylindrical design

APPLICATION AREAS

Municipal drinking water and treatment plants

Industrial process water preparation systems

Wastewater treatment effluent filtration

Food, textile, metal, petrochemical facilities

Seawater pre-filtration (HDPE models)

Pool water filtration systems

Recovery and reuse systems

TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGES

Sand Filter
  • Filtration type: Physical (mechanical retention)
  • Removed pollutants: Suspended solids, sediment, turbidity
  • Filling material: Quartz, anthracite, garnet
  • Working pressure: 2–10 bar
  • Backwash: Water or air-water combination
  • Material options: Steel / FRP / HDPE / Stainless
Activated Carbon Filter
  • Filtration type: Chemical (adsorption)
  • Removed pollutants: Color, odor, chlorine, organics
  • Filling material: Granular activated carbon
  • Working pressure: 2–10 bar
  • Backwash: Backwash with water
  • Material options: Steel / FRP / HDPE / Stainless
CONCLUSION

Sand and activated carbon filters are one of the most reliable solutions for improving water quality at the final stage in treatment plants. Filter systems produced by PİLSAN Construction fully adapt to different water characteristics, operating pressures and process requirements with steel, stainless steel, FRP and HDPE material options. Thanks to their long-lasting structure, high filtration efficiency, automatic backwash feature and modular design, our filters are preferred in both industrial and municipal scale projects. Our sand and activated carbon filters are among the reliable, sustainable and high-performance equipment of modern water treatment technologies with project-based custom design capability, durable material options and automation integration.