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Overview
RhinoSand™ is a natural, high-purity clinoptilolite zeolite — mined, crushed, screened and kiln-dried into a granular depth-filtration media for pressure and gravity systems. Its micro-porous crystalline structure captures particles by inertial impaction through the granule, not merely across its surface — delivering nominal filtration below 5 µm with higher solids-loading capacity and roughly half the backwash demand of conventional media.
Physical Properties
| Composition | Natural high-purity clinoptilolite (≥85%), opaline-silica binder |
|---|---|
| Mesh size | 14 × 40 (≈ 0.4–1.4 mm) |
| Colour | Pale green-grey (darkens when wet) |
| Bulk density | 55 lb/ft³ (0.88 kg/L) |
| Specific gravity | 2.1–2.2 |
| Surface area | ≈ 25 m²/g |
| Surface charge | Net negative |
| Bed void volume | 55–58% |
| Uniformity coefficient | ≈ 1.7 |
| Thermal stability | Stable to 500 °C |
| pH stability | Inert across pH 1–12 |
Performance
| Nominal filtration | 3–5 µm (<5 µm) |
|---|---|
| Service flow — pressure | 12–20 gpm/ft² |
| Service flow — gravity | 2–4 gpm/ft² |
| Backwash flow | 13–22 gpm/ft² |
| Backwash expansion | 40–50% |
| Backwash duration | 5–15 min |
| Bed depth | 30–48″ (per application) |
| Solids loading capacity | 2.6–2.8× vs. 20×40 sand |
| Media life | >5–10 yrs — not consumed |
RhinoSand™ vs. conventional media
| Media | Nominal rating | Solids loading |
|---|---|---|
| Sand — 20×40 mesh | ~20 µm | 1× |
| Sand / Anthracite | ~15 µm | ~1.4× |
| Multimedia (sand/garnet/anthracite) | ~12 µm | ~1.6× |
| RhinoSand™ — 14×40 mesh | <5 µm | 2.6–2.8× |
Applications
RO pre-treatment · Cooling-tower make-up · Municipal drinking water · Wastewater polishing (TSS) · Precipitated-metals removal · Swimming-pool filtration · Carwash reclaim · Irrigation & process water.
Quality & Compliance
- Listed to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 (drinking-water media)
- Clinoptilolite GRAS — 21 CFR 182.2729 & 40 CFR 180
- DOT: non-hazardous
- No free crystalline silica (unlike quartz sand)
- Independent ICP analysis (EPA 6010C): arsenic, cadmium and chromium below detection limits
Field Validation
In a 2022 commissioning trial, a single RhinoSand™ bed (200–250 gpm) cut turbidity 55% — from 0.35 to 0.16 NTU — over five weeks of continuous duty, with differential pressure rising only 1.1 → 3 psi before its first backwash. One RhinoSand™ filter did the work of six.
Packaging
25 kg (55 lb) bags · 1 ft³ bags · 1 m³ super-sacks. Direct volume-for-volume replacement for sand, sand/anthracite, garnet or multimedia.
Documents
Questions, answered
How fast will I get a price?
Send the quote request and a specialist replies within 4 business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 ET.
Can we pay on account or by purchase order?
Yes. With established credit, terms are Net 30 days, and you can send your purchase order with the quote request. We also accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
How is shipping charged?
On quotes and account orders, freight is F.O.B. Montréal: the carrier charge is worked out at shipment from the packed weight and dimensions, and added to your invoice. In-stock items can also be picked up the same day in Montréal (8605 rue du Champ-d'Eau).
Can I return it?
Yes, within 30 days of purchase, with a return authorization number from customer service first. A 25% restocking fee applies, unless it is a defect covered by the warranty. Special orders, hazardous materials, flammable liquids and gases can't be returned. Return policy
Related equipment we stock
Filter Sand NSF 0.45–0.55 mm (½ cu. ft., 50 lb Bag)
UltraSorber™ Plus Media
50/50 organoclay + coconut GAC | 8x30 mesh | Iodine ≥1150 mg/g | Density 43-45 lb/ft³ | pH 4-10 | 50 lb
Activated Alumina for Fluoride Removal
Granular activated alumina | Al2O3 93% | Surface area 330 m²/g | Bulk density 48 lb/ft³ | Mesh 14x28 & 28x48
Activated Alumina for Arsenic Removal
Iron-enhanced activated alumina | Surface area 280 m²/g | Bulk density 66 lb/ft³ | Mesh 14x28 & 28x48 | NSF/ANSI 61