Filtration Media for Wastewater
A white paper by Wastech Controls & Engineering, Inc.

Macrolite® Filtration Medium

Macrolite®

Macrolite, a processed mineral oxide manufactured exclusively by Kinetico, is used as a highly efficient filter media for the removal of oxidized iron and suspended matter. 40-60 mesh ceramic media has a tremendous loading capacity and an extremely fast cleanup time when backwashing at 6-7 gpm/ft². This ceramic media is chemically inert and is not affected by acids and bases. Tests have shown that its attrition rate is nearly zero. This media typically removes suspended solids down to the 5 micron range.

Carbon

Carbon is used for the removal of taste, odor and color. Granular activated carbon used in Kinetico equipment is an excellent filtration medium with efficient adsorption characteristics. The most common application is the removal of chlorine from the water supply. Activated carbon requires only periodic backwashing to eliminate accumulated suspended matter and re-grade the filter bed. When the filter bed loses the capacity for chlorine, the bed must be replaced. If the unit is used in conjunction with a chlorine feed system for the removal of oxidized iron, the unit should be set to backwash 1-2 times per week of operation.

Limestone

A crushed and screened white marble material, calcium carbonate is used to neutralize acidic or low pH waters. Limestone, on contact with acidic waters, slowly dissolves the calcium carbonate media to raise the pH. This effectively neutralizes the water and reduces the potential corrosion of copper and other metals found in plumbing systems. Periodic backwashing is necessary to maintain high service flow rates and prevent packing the filter bed. Since limestone dissolves, it must be replaced. The frequency depends on the pH and water demands. As limestone neutralizes the water, it will increase the water’s hardness, and a softener may need to be added after the filter. Disc selection is partially dependent upon the amount of water being used on a daily basis

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is an all-natural granular filtration medium capable of adsorbing approximately 70% of its weight in hydrocarbons. It also absorbs a wide range of other contaminants, including suspended solids and toxic compounds.