Zeolite Filter Media

Posted October 22nd, 2016

Natural Zeolite Media for Fine Sediment Filtration

For many years the standard granular media used to reduce sediment were “multi media” combinations featuring such ingredients as garnet, anthracite, and sand. These mixed bed filters usually resulted in filtration down to 10 to 15 microns.

More recently, high purity zeolite has become the medium of choice for sediment filtration. Modern zeolite filters achieve a 5µ nominal rating, with a couple of brands claiming to be even tighter.

There are some 40 known types of natural zeolites. The most common is clinoptilolite.

Clinoptilolite is classified as “a crystalline, aluminum, silicon, oxide mineral.” It is most commonly used in a 14 X 40 mesh format and weighs about 55 pounds per cubic foot. Clinoptilolite resists abrasion and has a very high surface area. Most clinoptilolite used in water treatment is mined in the western United States.

Commercially, clinoptilolite is marketed for residential filtration under such brand names as Micro Z and Turbidex. It has a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) classification and most brands have NSF Standard 61 certification to assure that they are adding nothing objectionable to the water.

Tests have shown natural zeolites to consistently outperform “multi-media” filters in terms of dirt holding capacity, service flow rate, and ease of backwash.

Zeolites can be used to treat almost any sediment or precipitated contaminant, like iron rust. Zeolite can be backwashed with a moderate amount of water and it supports generous service flow rates. Studies have shown it to have 2.5 the solids loading capacity of sand. It can go longer between backwash sessions.

Turbidex Clinoptilolite Filters in Popular Residential Sizes

Mineral Tank	Cubic Feet of Turbidex	Control Valve	Average Maximum Service Flow in GPM	Backwash Required in GPM	Price
10″ X 54″ Vortech	1.5	Fleck 5600 SXT	9	7	$764
12″ X 52″ Vortech	2	Fleck 2510 SXT	14	8	$849
13″ X 54″ Vortech	2.5	Fleck 2510 SXT	17	10	$1029