Cát thạch anh là gì? Ứng dụng của cát thạch anh trong lá»c nÆ°á»›c
Cats are not only a familiar material in the construction industry but also play an important role in various fields such as water filtration, glass production, and ceramic manufacturing. So, what exactly is quartz sand, and why is it so widely used? Let's explore the composition and practical applications of this special sand in the following article.
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Understanding Quartz Sand
Quartz sand is one of the most commonly used filter materials today due to its outstanding filtration capabilities and durability. Below is an overview of what quartz sand is.
What is Quartz Sand?
Quartz sand (silica sand) is a natural type of sand primarily composed of silica (SiO2). It is formed from the natural weathering process of rocks containing quartz. Quartz sand has a crystalline structure, high hardness, resistance to temperature and chemicals, and excellent ability to absorb and retain impurities.
Quartz Sand Under a Microscope
Technical Specifications of Silica Sand
The technical specifications of quartz sand can vary depending on the source and processing method. However, some basic specifications commonly used for water filtration include:
Shape: Uniform particles with sharp edges, providing high friction when used in filtration systems.
Color: Yellow-brown or off-white, depending on purity and origin.
Particle Size: Ranges from 0.4mm to 2mm.
Packaging: Available in 20kg, 50kg bags, or custom options.
Density: With a density of 1,400 kg/m³ (1.4 kg/liter), quartz sand is denser than regular sand.
White or brown quartz sand
Main Components of Quartz Sand
The main component of quartz sand is silica (SiO2), which makes up more than 95%. In addition to that, quartz sand contains small amounts of other components such as:
Iron Oxide (Fe2O3): Gives the sand different colors, from white to yellow, brown, or red, with a content of less than 0.1%.
Carbonates (CaCO3, MgCO3): Affect the hardness and porosity of the sand.
Other Minerals: Such as mica, feldspar, zircon, with very small amounts below 0.1%
Types of Quartz Sand
There are several types of quartz sand. Here are five commonly used types:
Ordinary Quartz Sand
Features: Contains at least 90-99% SiO₂ and very little Fe₂O₃ (0.02-0.06%). Resists temperatures up to 1750 ℃.
Production Method: Made from natural quartz ore, crushed, washed, dried, and sieved.
Applications: Used in industries such as metallurgy, silicon carbide production, glassmaking, ceramic glazes, steel casting, water filtration, and sandblasting.
Ordinary quartz sand made from natural quartz ore
Purified Quartz Sand
Features: Contains at least 99-99.6% SiO₂ and very little Fe₂O₃ (0.016-0.03%). Can be produced in various particle sizes, white or crystalline in appearance.
Production Method: Processed from high-quality quartz ore through a complex treatment process.
Applications: Mainly used for high-end glass, glass products, refractory materials, melting stones, precision casting, and grinding wheel materials.
Purified quartz sand has undergone a complex cleaning process
High-Purity Quartz Sand
Features: Contains at least 99.5-99.9% SiO₂ and extremely low Fe₂O₃ (≤ 0.001%). Particle size ranges from 0.005-0.01mm, 0.01-0.1mm, 0.1-0.5mm, 0.5-1mm.
Production Method: Made from natural quartz, carefully selected and finely processed.
Applications: Used in glass production, refractory materials, ferrosilicon smelting, ceramics, and mold sand. It has excellent acid resistance and is suitable for acid-resistant concrete and mortar.
Fused Silica Sand
Features: Is quartz sand processed by electric fusion, with high purity and uniform particle distribution.
Production Method: Oxidize quartz sand using an electric method, followed by mechanical processing.
Applications: Used as a filler in paints, chemical industry, ceramics, and fire-resistant materials.
Fused silica sand is used as a filler in paints and the chemical industry
Silica Fume
Features: Is a very fine powder with particle sizes smaller than 0.001mm, containing over 80% particles with an average size of 0.1-0.3 μm.
Production Method: Processed from natural quartz with very large particle sizes.
Applications: Added to concrete, refractory materials, adhesives, and in the electronics industry to improve performance of these materials.
Silica fume in powder form
>>> Learn More: Quartz Sand for Water Filtration
Applications of Quartz Sand in Water Filtration
Quartz sand and gravel are essential materials in water filtration systems, helping to produce clean and safe water for health. Specifically:
Quartz sand can retain dirt, silt, and small particles in water, allowing only clean water to pass through.
On the surface of the sand, there is iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), which, as water flows through, will absorb harmful substances like arsenic into the tiny pores on the surface of the sand.
Quartz sand is made from strong quartz rock, which is not easily broken and is not damaged by water. Therefore, the quality of the water is not contaminated when using quartz sand in the water supply system.
Some specific applications of quartz sand in daily life include:
In household water tanks, pre-filtration systems, and well water filters.
Used to filter water for fish tanks, aquariums, and aquatic environments.
Used by domestic and industrial wastewater treatment systems.
A water filtration system using quartz sand to clean water
Water Filtration Technologies That Can Replace Quartz Sand
Although quartz sand is an effective water filtration material, there are many other technologies that can replace or supplement it in water filtration systems. Below are some commonly used technologies:
RO (Reverse Osmosis) Technology
Working Principle: RO water filtration technology works based on the principle of reverse osmosis, where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane (RO membrane) to remove impurities.
Filtration Efficiency: This system can remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic), bacteria, and viruses.
Benefits: RO technology is particularly suitable for polluted water sources, especially tap water, well water, and surface water with high levels of impurities. Using this technology ensures clean and safe water for health, meeting the needs of the entire family.
RO membranes are widely used in modern water filtration systems
Ultrafiltration (UF) Technology
Working Principle: UF filtration technology uses pressure to push water through ultra-small membrane holes (about 0.01 microns).
Filtration Efficiency: UF membranes can remove dirt, bacteria, large organic matter, and some viruses, which quartz sand cannot do. This technology is highly effective in improving water quality without the need for chemicals.
Applications: UF technology is commonly used in domestic water treatment and wastewater treatment, as well as in industrial processes where clean water is needed.
UF technology is commonly used in domestic and wastewater treatment
Although quartz sand is a traditional and effective water filtration material, RO and UF technologies offer more advantages, especially in the context of increasing water pollution.
In summary, quartz sand is a natural and cost-effective filtration material that is widely used in water treatment. Understanding its properties and applications will help you choose and use this material effectively. If you want to learn more about different types of quartz sand or effective water treatment methods, please contact Môi TrÆ°á»ng Song Phụng for detailed support and consultation.
