High-speed shallow sand filter

Product Overview

The high-speed shallow sand filter is a state-of-the-art filtration system engineered for applications requiring

 high-flow-rate, high-efficiency particle removal with minimal operational intervention. Featuring exceptionally high

 filtration flow rates—typically 40 m/h under normal conditions and up to 60 m/h depending on influent water 

quality—this system delivers superior effluent clarity with turbidity levels below 0.5 NTU and impurity retention down

 to 0.10 mm. Its innovative design utilizes product water for filter backwashing, eliminating the need for dedicated booster 

pumps or backwash pumps. The backwash cycle lasts only 2–3 minutes and consumes less than 3 m³ of water, making

 this one of the most water-efficient filtration systems available for industrial and municipal applications.

Filtration Mechanism and System Configuration

The high-speed shallow sand filter operates on a proven deep-bed filtration principle, where water passes downward 

through a layered sand bed that captures suspended solids, particulates, and turbidity-causing materials. The

 filtration system is configured from standard unit sand tanks, offering modular scalability from 30.6 m³/h to 2,500 m³/h to 

accommodate a wide range of flow requirements.

Advanced Water Distribution and Collection: The system incorporates precision-engineered water distribution and 

collection devices that ensure uniform flow distribution across the entire filter bed surface. This uniform distribution 

prevents channeling, maintains a level sand bed plane throughout the filtration cycle, and ensures consistently

 high effluent quality.

Continuous Filtration During Backwash: The filtration process is uninterrupted during backwash cycles. The system's 

intelligent control sequencer ensures that when one filter tank undergoes backwashing, the remaining tanks continue 

normal filtration, maintaining continuous water supply to downstream processes.

Intelligent Backwash System

The high-speed shallow sand filter features a fully automated backwash system that sets it apart from conventional filters:

Automatic Self-Diagnosis and Control: Backwashing is initiated automatically by the intelligent control system, which

 monitors filter performance and triggers cleaning cycles without any manual intervention. The system adapts to 

fluctuations in influent suspended solids concentrations, automatically adjusting backwash frequency to maintain optimal 

filtration efficiency.

Sequential Backwash with Product Water: Backwashing is performed using filtered product water, eliminating the need

 for a separate backwash pump. The backwash process is carried out sequentially—one tank at a time—while the 

remaining tanks continue normal operation. This design ensures that the system supplies water without interruption, 

even during cleaning cycles.

Efficient Backwash Duration and Water Consumption: Each backwash cycle lasts only 2–3 minutes and consumes less 

than 3 m³ of water, representing minimal water loss compared to conventional sand filters that may require significantly 

higher backwash volumes and longer durations.

Key Performance Characteristics

Parameter Specification

Normal Filtration Rate 40 m/h

Maximum Filtration Rate 60 m/h

Filtration Accuracy (Impurity Retention) ≤ 0.10 mm

Effluent Turbidity ≤ 0.5 NTU

Backwash Duration 2 – 3 minutes

Backwash Water Consumption < 3 m³ per cycle

Flow Capacity Range 30.6 – 2,500 m³/h

Application Scope

The high-speed shallow sand filter is a versatile solution suitable for a broad spectrum of water treatment applications:

Industrial Water Filtration

· Steel and Metallurgy: Filtration of oxygen lance cooling water, continuous casting spray water, and rolling mill cooling 

systems to prevent nozzle clogging

· Power Generation: Boiler feedwater pre-treatment and heat exchanger cooling water filtration

· Chemical Processing: Process water clarification and cooling circuit purification

Municipal and Domestic Water Treatment

· Industrial water, domestic water, and municipal water supply systems requiring effluent turbidity ≤ 5 mg/L to meet

 drinking water quality standards

· Urban subdivision water supply systems treating surface river water, lake water, seawater, reservoir water, well water, 

and municipal tap water

Wastewater and Reuse Systems

· Removal of suspended solids from industrial sewage prior to discharge or reuse

· Pretreatment for ion exchange softening and desalination systems

· Rough filtration for industrial water supply where ultra-high water quality is not required

Specialized Applications

· Swimming pool circulation treatment systems

· Cooling circulating water purification systems

· Aquaculture and fish farming water treatment

· Agricultural irrigation water pre-filtration

Operational Advantages

Energy Efficiency: The system operates without the need for backwash booster pumps, reducing energy consumption and 

simplifying system design.

Water Conservation: With backwash water consumption under 3 m³ per cycle, the system offers significant water savings 

compared to conventional filters.

Reduced Maintenance: The automatic control system minimizes operator involvement, while the modular design simplifies

 inspection and maintenance.

Space-Saving Design: The shallow bed design allows for a lower profile compared to deep-bed filters, reducing civil works

 and installation costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a shallow sand filter and a conventional deep-bed sand filter?

Shallow sand filters operate at higher flow rates (40–60 m/h) with a shallower sand bed depth, while deep-bed filters typically 

run at 5–15 m/h. The shallow bed design reduces head loss, enables higher throughput, and allows for smaller footprint 

systems. However, shallow sand filters are more dependent on uniform water distribution and precise media grading.

Q2: Does the filter require manual intervention for backwashing?

No. The intelligent control system automatically monitors filter performance and initiates backwashing when needed.

 The system adapts to changes in influent quality, so manual intervention is not required for routine operation.

Q3: Can the filter maintain continuous water supply during backwashing?

Yes. The system's sequential backwash design ensures that when one tank is being cleaned, the other tanks continue 

normal filtration, providing uninterrupted water supply.

Q4: What is the typical backwash frequency?

Backwash frequency depends on influent suspended solids concentration and flow rate. Under normal conditions, 

backwashing may occur once or twice per day. The control system automatically adjusts the frequency based on actual

 operating conditions.

Q5: What water quality can be achieved with this filter?

Effluent turbidity can be reduced to ≤ 0.5 NTU, and suspended solids retention is effective down to 0.10 mm. 

This makes the system suitable for applications requiring high clarity, including potable water production.

Q6: What is the sand media specification for this filter?

The filter uses specially graded sand media with a specific effective size and uniformity coefficient to achieve optimal

 filtration performance. Our engineering team will provide the media specification based on your specific application 

and water quality.

Q7: Can the filter handle variable flow rates?

Yes. The system is designed to accommodate flow variations. The modular configuration allows operators to bring tanks 

online or offline as demand changes, maintaining efficient operation across a broad flow range.

Q8: Is the filter suitable for seawater filtration?

Yes, with appropriate materials of construction (corrosion-resistant coatings or stainless steel components), the filter can

 be used for seawater pre-treatment. Please specify seawater application when ordering.

Q9: What maintenance is required for the control system?

The control system requires minimal maintenance. Periodic inspection of sensors, valves, and electrical connections is 

recommended. Annual calibration of pressure transmitters and level sensors will ensure optimal control system performance.

Q10: Can the filter be used for tertiary wastewater treatment?

Yes. The high-speed shallow sand filter is an effective tertiary treatment option for removing residual suspended solids 

from secondary effluent, enabling water reuse or discharge compliance.

Q11: What is the typical sand replacement interval?

With proper operation and backwash management, the sand media can last 5–10 years. Sand loss during backwashing is

 minimal when the system is correctly configured and operated.

Q12: Do you offer custom configurations for specific applications?

Yes. We provide custom solutions including special materials of construction, custom tank sizes, and integrated control

 systems to meet your specific application requirements. Please contact our engineering team with your process parameters.

For technical support, custom configurations, or application-specific recommendations, please contact our technical team. 

We provide complete solutions including design, supply, installation supervision, and after-sales service.

Product Details