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Iron & Manganese Removal Filters
Pressure vessels packed with natural manganese sand for catalytic oxidation and removal of dissolved iron and manganese from groundwater and well water. Reduces Fe up to 20 mg/L, Mn up to 5 mg/L to drinking-water standards.
Iron Reduction
Up to 20 mg/L → <0.3 mg/L
Mn Reduction
Up to 5 mg/L → <0.05 mg/L
Flow Rate
1 – 100 m³/h
Aeration
Pre-aeration tower or in-vessel air injection
Overview
Iron and manganese are naturally occurring in groundwater and well water. Even at low concentrations they cause red/brown staining, metallic taste, and rapid fouling of downstream membranes, softener resins, and equipment. Manganese sand (birnessite-coated greensand or natural pyrolusite) works by catalytic oxidation: dissolved iron and manganese adsorb to the media surface, oxidize to insoluble hydroxides, and are physically filtered out. The catalyst regenerates continuously with dissolved oxygen.
Engineering Features
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Catalytic Media
Natural manganese sand (or premium greensand plus) provides the catalytic oxidation surface. Long media life — typically 5–10 years with proper management.
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Pre-aeration Option
Packed aeration tower or pressure aerator raises dissolved oxygen to 6–8 mg/L before the filter — the most cost-effective oxidant for most groundwater conditions.
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Robust Vessel
Same 304/316L SS, FRP, or CS+lining vessel options as our multimedia filters. Backwash laterals designed for thorough bed expansion without media loss.
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Continuous Monitoring
Inline iron and manganese analyzers available for effluent quality verification. ORP sensors track oxidation potential.
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Auto Backwash
PLC-controlled automatic backwash removes oxidized precipitates. Backwash waste goes to settling tank or drain.
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Dual-Media Option
For very high iron (>15 mg/L) or colour-forming organics, we use dual-media (manganese sand + anthracite) to increase dirt-holding capacity between backwashes.
Technical Specifications
Typical Applications
- 🏘 Rural & Municipal Drinking Water — Treats well water for villages, schools, and small municipal supplies to WHO/national drinking water standards.
- 🏭 Industrial Process Water — Protects RO membranes, softener resins, and heat exchangers from iron fouling.
- 🌾 Agricultural Irrigation — Removes iron that clogs drip emitters and sprinkler nozzles.
- 🏊 Swimming Pools — Prevents staining and brown discoloration of pool surfaces and fixtures.
- 🏗 Construction / Dewatering — Treats pit dewatering water containing elevated iron before discharge.
- 🏨 Hotels & Resorts — Eliminates iron-related staining of laundry, plumbing, and sanitary ware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum inlet iron concentration you can treat?
With pre-aeration and manganese sand, we routinely treat up to 15–20 mg/L Fe. Above this, a pre-sedimentation or chemical dosing step is recommended to avoid excessive backwash frequency.
Do I need to add chemicals?
In most cases, no. Natural dissolved oxygen (boosted by aeration) is the oxidant. For very high Mn or when DO cannot be raised sufficiently, we add a small potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) dosing system — fully automatic.
Does manganese sand need regeneration or replacement?
Catalytic manganese sand regenerates automatically and does not require chemical regeneration like softener resin. Replace after 5–10 years when catalytic activity declines, or after physical attrition.
How do I know if I need iron and manganese removal?
Have your raw water tested. WHO drinking water guideline: Fe < 0.3 mg/L, Mn < 0.05 mg/L. If your source water exceeds these, downstream membranes and softeners will foul rapidly without treatment.
Lead time?
Standard: 20–30 days. Custom or large diameter: 30–45 days.
Often Specified Together
Multimedia Filters
Water Softeners
Activated Carbon Filters
Need a Custom Iron & Manganese Removal Filters?
Send us your water analysis and required capacity. Our engineers will respond with a sized proposal and budget within 24 hours.
📧 sales@szhrscl.com | 📱 +86 138 2871 5252