DESIGN OF SAND FILTER

Insert introduction

Sand filter systems are used for secondary wastewater treatment. In a sand filter system,
wastewater enters from DAF-Aerated Basin-Sedimentation, is filtered and then dispersed. Figure
__ shows a typical sand filter. It enters the tank by active pumping or the action of gravity.

Figure __. A Typical Sand Filter

A sand filter contains an open box filled with a sand layer of a depth of about 0.8 to 1.0
meter. The upper part of the filter box is filled with water flowing by gravity through the sand
bed. The filtered water is then collected by an underdrain system and conveyed to the clear water
tank. The well-graded sand of the filter bed is relatively fine; i.e., its effective size ranges
between 0.15 to 0.30 mm, but based on modern researches gathered, coarser sand can be used.
The sand layer treats the wastewater through physical and biological processes. The sand
prevents suspended solids from passing through the outlet. The sand also becomes coated by a
thin biofilm as time passes, which contains microorganisms that decompose the organic matter
and nutrients. The biofilm usually develops in several days and is most prevalent in an above the
top few centimeters of sand, although it might be present as high as 40 cm. High-surface-area
mediums other than sand can also be used.
The gravel layer acts as the barrier to prevent the sand from moving to the outlet. The gravel
layer can be replaced by a geotextile layer, which is thinner and hence reduces the systems total
depth height. The secondary-treated water exits the sump by active pumping or via gravity and is
either dispersed or routed to an irrigation or reuse system.

Sand filter systems are bets at processing suspended solids and bacteria in relatively clear
wastewater. Sand filters can function well at relatively steady loading, but their slow action can
also result in impaired function if there is an occurrence of heavy and shock loading.
Accordingly, sand filter may require an input control system, such as through the help of timed
pump.

Detail of Calculation
The following are the bases and assumptions in designing the sand filter most suitable for this
WWTF:
1. The media used would be sand-gravel system.
2. Per cent COD and BOD removal is 70 ()
3. TSS removal is at 70% ()
Definition of Variables
Variables
hs
hg
L
W
A
H
H
Q
vF

Units
m
m
m
m
m2
m2
m
m3/h
m/h

Definition
Sand Depth
Gravel Depth
Filter Length
Filter Width
Filter Bed Area
Total Height
Headloss
Flow Rate
Filtration Rate

The primary design parameter for slow sand filtration is the filtration rate. Design filtration
rates typically range from 0.1 to 0.2 m/h although it could be of higher values but for shorter
periods during filter scraping.
v F=

Q
Q
=
L .W A

v F=

51.2 m3 1 day 1
m
x
x =0.1
day
24 hrs A
h

A=21.33m2 22m2
With regard to the shape of the filters, the following considerations must be borne in mind.

It is preferable to make the bed of equal size and rectangular in shape for convenience in
mechanical cleaning.
Easy access to the filter is desirable to facilitate easier cleaning.

To determine the dimension, the following are chosen:

Length = 4.0 m, Width = 5.5 m
The supernatant water reservoir consists essentially of an upward extension of the walls of
the filter box from the sand-bed surface. The depth of water in the unit will be determined
according to the maximum resistance anticipated. But in practice, a head of between 1.0 m and
1.5 m is usually preferred. It can also be as exceptionally as high as 2.0 m. Also, take into
account a freeboard of 20-30 cm high above the water level.
Filter bed
The medium through which the wastewater is passed is normally a combination of gravel and
sand. Some degree of uniformity is, however, desirable in order to ensure that pore sizes are
reasonably regular and there is sufficient porosity. The thickness or height of the gravel, h g, is
around 0.2 0.3 m. The thickness of the sand zone, hs, is around 0.8 0.9 m.
Therefore the total height can be calculated,
H=h s +h g+ H +freeboard
H=0.9 m+0.3 m+1.0 m+ 0.3 m
H=2.5 m

Equipment Name:

Sand Filter

EQUIPMENT DIMENSIONS
Length

(m)

4.0

Width

(m)

5.5

Tank Area

(m2)

21. 22

Overall Height

(m)

2.5

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Filter medium
Material
Effective size
Height of system underdrain + gravel/sand
Height of Filter bed
Height of supernatant water

Washed sand/gravel with rounded grains

0.25 mm
0.6 m
0.9 m
1.0 m

To calculate for the amount of reduced suspended solids, BOD and COD reduction,

TSS remaining= 2,350

TSS remaining=705

mg
x ( 0.30)
m3

mg
3
m

COD remaining= 97,000

COD remaining=29,100

mg
3
m

BOD remaining= 14,950

BOD remaining=4,485

mg
x ( 0.30 )
m3

mg
x ( 0.30 )
m3

mg
3
m

The effluent has the following characteristics:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Parameters
BOD, mg/m3
Total Suspended Solids, mg/m3
COD, mg/m3
pH
Wastewater Flow Rate, m3/day

Typical Value
4,485
705
29100
7.2
51.2