Sand · Anthracite · GAC · Greensand · Garnet · NSF/ANSI 61
Filter Media
Sand, Anthracite, Activated Carbon, Greensand & Garnet
The foundation of any filtration system — the right media, properly sized and layered, determines filtration efficiency, run length, and effluent quality. Texas-Chem supplies the full range of water treatment filter media in bags, super sacks, and bulk quantities for municipal, industrial, and commercial filtration applications.
Media Types
5 types available
Certification
NSF/ANSI 61
Applications
Municipal & Industrial
Pack Sizes
Bags · Super Sacks · Bulk
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard (dust)
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA (Silica dust)
- PEL 0.05 mg/m³ (respirable crystalline silica)
- DOT Classification
- Not regulated
- NSF/ANSI 61
- Certified grades available for potable water
- Dust Hazard
- Wear N95 respirator when handling dry media
- Disposal
- Non-hazardous — landfill disposal acceptable
Media Types & Packaging
Available Media
Pack Sizes
Media Specifications
| Media | Mesh Size | Density | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Sand | 8×16, 12×20, 16×30, 20×40 | 1.65 g/cm³ | Primary filtration, dual-media beds |
| Anthracite Coal | 8×16, 12×20 | 1.45 g/cm³ | Dual/tri-media beds, turbidity removal |
| Granular Activated Carbon | 8×30, 12×40 | 0.45–0.55 g/cm³ | Taste/odor, chlorine, organics removal |
| Greensand Plus | 16×60 | 1.65 g/cm³ | Iron, manganese, H₂S removal |
| Garnet | 20×40, 30×60 | 4.0 g/cm³ | Bottom layer in tri-media beds |
Applications
Municipal Water Filtration
Dual-media (anthracite over sand) and tri-media (anthracite/sand/garnet) filter beds are the standard for municipal water treatment plant rapid sand filtration. Proper media selection and sizing determines filtration rate, run length, and effluent turbidity.
Industrial Process Water
Multimedia filtration for removing suspended solids, turbidity, and iron from industrial process water. Protects downstream equipment including RO membranes, ion exchange systems, and heat exchangers from fouling.
Iron & Manganese Removal
Greensand Plus and birm media oxidize and filter dissolved iron and manganese from groundwater. Effective for treating well water with iron concentrations up to 10 mg/L and manganese up to 1 mg/L.
Taste & Odor Control
Granular activated carbon (GAC) removes chlorine, chloramines, taste and odor compounds (geosmin, MIB), and trace organic contaminants from drinking water. GAC contactors are used in both pressure and gravity filter configurations.
Wastewater Tertiary Filtration
Multimedia filtration for polishing secondary treated effluent before discharge or reuse. Removes residual suspended solids, BOD, and phosphorus to meet stringent discharge permit requirements.
Swimming Pool & Recreational Water
Filter sand and glass media for commercial pool filtration systems. Proper media sizing and bed depth are critical for achieving the turbidity levels required for swimmer visibility and disinfection effectiveness.
Why Source Filter Media from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying filtration media to Texas water utilities and industry
- Full range: sand, anthracite, GAC, greensand, and garnet
- NSF/ANSI 61 certified grades for potable water applications
- 50-lb bags, super sacks, and bulk truckload quantities
- Technical support for media selection and bed design
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Other Water Treatment Products
Filter Media vs. Alternatives
Filter media removes suspended solids, turbidity, and contaminants from water through physical and adsorptive mechanisms. Here's how common media types compare.
| Attribute | Filter Media | Multimedia (Dual/Triple) | Membrane Filtration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media Type | Sand, anthracite, garnet, activated carbon | Layered sand + anthracite + garnet | MF, UF, NF, RO |
| Particle Removal | 10–100 micron (depth filtration) | 5–20 micron (finer than single media) | 0.001–0.1 micron (much finer) |
| Backwash Required | Yes — periodic backwash | Yes — stratified backwash | Yes — chemical cleaning |
| Capital Cost | Low | Low to moderate | High |
| Operating Cost | Low — media lasts 5–10+ years | Low | High — energy and replacement |
Industries We Supply Filter Media To
Municipal Water Treatment
Granular filter media (sand and anthracite) removes floc, turbidity, and suspended solids after coagulation and sedimentation in conventional water treatment plants.
Filter Media supply in Houston, TXIndustrial Process Water
Multimedia filters provide reliable suspended solids removal for boiler feedwater, cooling tower makeup, and process water in industrial facilities.
Filter Media supply in Beaumont, TXOil & Gas Produced Water
Walnut shell and anthracite media filters remove oil and suspended solids from produced water before reinjection or discharge in oilfield operations.
Filter Media supply in Midland, TXSwimming Pools & Aquatics
Sand filter media provides continuous turbidity and particulate removal in commercial and municipal aquatic facilities, maintaining water clarity and safety.
Filter Media supply in San Antonio, TX