Crystal Quest Eagle Arsenic Oxide (Iron Hydroxide) Based Granules
Eagle Arsenic Oxide is a highly effective filtration media designed to remove harmful contaminants such as arsenic, chromium, copper, and others from drinking water. This media, made from iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), possesses a strong chemical affinity for binding arsenate, phosphate, and sulfide ions in water.
Utilizing a patented process, Crystal Quest transforms ferric hydroxide into durable granules of varying bead sizes through advanced crushing and sieving techniques. This granular form is suitable for a wide range of water treatment applications and enhances overall performance.
The media features an amorphous (non-crystalline) structure and contains approximately 40% ferric ions by weight. Its highly porous design offers a large surface area for adsorption, enabling high contaminant removal capacity while remaining cost-effective.
Applications
- Drinking Water
- Surface Water
- Seawater (Verify Feasibility)
- Wastewater
- Industrial Water
- Drinking Water Treatment
- RO Pre/Post-Treatment
- RO Concentrate Treatment
- Aquarium Water
Operation Principles
Arsenic and Phosphate Removal
In the initial stage, arsenate and phosphate ions in water are adsorbed onto the surface of the Eagle Arsenic Oxide media. Subsequently, these ions undergo a chemical reaction on the media's surface, converting into stable compounds—ferric arsenate or ferric phosphate—which are securely bound to the media.
The chemical reactions are represented as:
Fe(OH)3 + H3AsO4 → FeAsO4 + 3H2O
Fe(OH)3 + H3PO4 → FePO4 + 3H2O
Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
Hydrogen sulfide in water breaks down into sulfide ions, which are then removed by the Eagle Arsenic Oxide media. These ions react with the iron hydroxide to form ferric sulfide, a stable and insoluble compound that is effectively filtered out.
The chemical reaction is represented as:
2 Fe(OH)3 + 3H2S → Fe2S3 + 6H2O
Water Treatment
Eagle Arsenic Oxide media is applicable in a broad spectrum of water treatment processes, ranging from large-scale municipal systems to small-scale residential treatment units. Regardless of system size, specific operational design parameters are crucial for ensuring effective and trouble-free performance.
Groundwater or surface water is typically pumped in an up-flow mode through single or multiple up-flow pressure vessels containing the Eagle Arsenic Oxide media. It can also be used in down-flow filtration, where oxygen dosing is recommended for better oxidation. The media is also employed in systems for removing Chromium, Copper, and Selenium.
Multiple pressure vessel designs can be configured in either "Parallel Flow" or "Series Flow" arrangements. Flow to each vessel is measured and totalized to record the volume of water treated, and pressure differential across each vessel is monitored. Periodic backwashing is usually performed at start-up and after each pressure drop of 0.5-1.0 Bar, depending on usage and water quality.
Contaminant Information
Arsenic
Arsenic in drinking water and food significantly impacts long-term health, potentially causing cancer and skin lesions. It has also been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Chromium (Hexavalent Chromium)
Hexavalent Chromium, described as a "slow poison," is an industrial chemical toxin found in the water supplies of many major cities and small communities. Standard consumer filters typically do not remove it, unlike Granulated Ferric Hydroxide Eagle Arsenic Oxide. The National Toxicology Program links hexavalent chromium to gastrointestinal tumors and other cancers. International governing bodies have declared it toxic when inhaled.
Copper
Long-term exposure to copper can cause irritation of the nose, mouth, and eyes, leading to headaches, stomach-aches, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Scientific articles suggest a correlation between prolonged exposure to high copper concentrations and a decline in intelligence among young adolescents.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Brief exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (>500 ppm) can result in loss of consciousness and potentially death. While individuals may recover without lasting effects, some may experience long-term issues like headaches, poor attention span, memory impairment, and motor function difficulties. Low-level exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, and fatigue, and may exacerbate breathing difficulties for asthmatics.
Phosphates
The addition of sodium phosphate to drinking water by municipalities is a common practice to prevent pipe scaling and corrosion. However, this can pose serious health risks. Some individuals may develop kidney problems rapidly, and those with pre-existing conditions might require dialysis. Phosphate in water can be particularly detrimental to vulnerable individuals.
Chemical Element Information
- Arsenic (As): Atomic number 33, Atomic weight 74.92. Known for its toxicity.
- Phosphorus (P): Atomic number 15, Atomic weight 30.97. Essential nutrient but can cause issues in excess.
- Sulfur (S): Atomic number 16, Atomic weight 32.06. Component of hydrogen sulfide.
- Selenium (Se): Atomic number 34, Atomic weight 78.97. Essential trace element, toxic in high doses.
Crystal Quest UP-FLOW Adsorption System
The Crystal Quest UP-FLOW Adsorption system is an advanced design that leverages Crystal Quest's extensive adsorption experience to deliver a very compact system. Compared to conventional filter systems, this up-flow system offers several advantages.
Compact Design
The construction of Crystal Quest UP-FLOW Adsorbers allows for very smooth flow rates up to 2000 liters per minute in a single pressure vessel (1200 m3/hr). Few pressure vessels are needed to meet flow requirements, with the Crystal Quest UP-FLOW Adsorbers requiring 50% fewer tanks. This reduces the required building size for conventional down-flow systems, resulting in lower capital investment costs.
Image Description: Two cylindrical water filter tanks connected by pipes, suggesting a water filtration system.
Ease of Use
Crystal Quest UP-FLOW Adsorber systems are designed for simplicity and efficiency, requiring no special tools, complex setup, or skilled labor. These systems require:
- No valves
- No electricity
- No backwash
- No chemicals
To replace the media, simply open the tank from the top, allow the used media to flow out, and refill with new media—a quick and hassle-free process. UP-FLOW systems also reduce operating costs by minimizing labor, maintenance, and water waste. The pressure vessels are up to 50% smaller than traditional down-flow systems.
Disposal of Spent Media
Spent Eagle Arsenic Oxide media is a non-toxic solid waste that does not leach arsenic under normal environmental conditions, making disposal simple and safe. Unlike ion-exchange or reverse osmosis systems that generate problematic waste streams, this media poses no disposal concerns. After use, the exhausted media can be repurposed in brick manufacturing, adding environmental value.
Eagle Arsenic Oxide is recognized as one of the safest and most effective technologies for removing arsenic, copper, chromium, phosphates, and hydrogen sulfide from water and wastewater. Operating in a UP-FLOW design allows the media to be used to 100% of its capacity, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.
This technology is suitable for point-of-entry residential systems in rural areas (e.g., hand tube-wells) and large-scale municipal applications. UP-FLOW systems utilizing Eagle Arsenic Oxide are operational in Argentina, Vietnam, Portugal, India, Bangladesh, Chile, and other countries worldwide.
Important Information
Contaminant concentrations, such as Arsenic and others, can be expressed in various units:
- Micrograms per liter (µg/L) = 1 part per billion (ppb)
- Milligram per liter (mg/L) = 1 part per million (ppm)
- 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L or ppb) is equivalent to 0.01 milligram per liter (mg/L or ppm)
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Loading Instruction
- Initial Water Filling: Fill the pressure vessel with water up to one-third of its height to prevent damage to the bottom distributor and the media. Ensure the water level remains at least 15 cm above the media at all times, as the media should never be allowed to dry.
- Quartz Sand Underbed: Use high-quality quartz sand as the underbed. The sand should completely cover the bottom distributor and extend 3 cm above it.
- Media Loading: Load EAGLE ARSENIC OXIDE media from the top of the vessel, leaving a 30 cm freeboard to allow the media to expand and fluidize easily during operation.
- Inert Resin Layer: Place a layer of inert resin on top of the media, with a maximum height of 20 cm. This layer should cover the top distributor to prevent clogging.
- Tank Preparation: Close the top of the tank with the distributor and fill the vessel with water from the bottom to the top. Allow the media to soak for at least 4 hours before performing any backwash.
- Backwashing: Begin backwashing at a very slow rate for 15 minutes. Ensure the outlet valve is closed and the drain valve is open during this process.
Material Properties
- Chemical Formula and Composition: Amorphous Fe(OH)3
- Mineralogical Composition: Ferric ions up to (40%) by weight
Physical Properties
- Bulk Weight: 630 - 640 kg/m³
- Porosity: min. 75%
- Humidity: 08%
- Fe(OH)3: min. 75%
- Specific Surface: 290 m²/gram
- Mesh Size: 0.5-2.0mm x 2.0-4.0mm
- Color: Dark Brown
Physical Properties (Continued)
- Bed Depth: 420 - 1500mm
- Freeboard (Up Flow): 10-20%
- Freeboard (Down Flow): 30-40%
- Service Flow Rate: 10 - 20 m/h
- Back Wash Flow Rate: 25 - 30 m/h
- Total Adsorption for P: 16 g/kg
- Total Adsorption for As5+: 13 g/kg
- Total Adsorption for Zn: 30 - 40 g/kg
- Oxidation Capacity for H2S: Up to 22% of its dry weight
- pH: 5 - 9.5
Disclaimer
The information provided in this publication is based on reliable data and is offered in good faith, without warranty or performance guarantee, as product use conditions are beyond our control. Crystal Quest does not offer express or implied warranties, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Users should assess product suitability and performance with their equipment. Specifications may change without notice. Please note that the filter media described in this brochure does not eliminate bacteria. Do not use these products with microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water without appropriate disinfection. Crystal Quest is not liable for consequential or incidental damages, including but not limited to lost profits resulting from product use.
Quest Technologies Inc.
55 Chastain Rd NW #100
Kennesaw, GA 30144
www.crystalquest.com
