Properties and Uses of Washed Quartz Sand
Silica sand, also known as quartz sand, is largely composed of two minerals: quartz and cristobalite. Quartz is the major constituent mineral of sand, accounting for around 95% of all natural sand. However, raw silica sand mined from the earth contains impurities that need to be removed for many industrial applications. This process of removing impurities through washing yields washed quartz sand.
Washed quartz sand has fewer impurities compared to raw sand. The washing process separates impurities like clay, silt, shale, calcium carbonate, iron and alumino-silicates that may be mixed with the sand deposit. This purification results in sand with higher silicon dioxide (SiO2) content, typically above 99%. The higher purity of washed quartz sand makes it suitable for various applications where impurities could interfere.
Glassmaking
The primary use of Washed Silica Sand is in glassmaking, where high purity levels are essential. With silica content above 99%, washed quartz sand is able to melt at high temperatures without introducing imperfections to glass. Around 75% of commercially produced glass requires high-purity silica sand. Impurities in raw sand can cause defects, weak spots and discoloration in glass. Processed quartz sand ensures structural integrity and transparency in glass bottles, windows, mirrors, fiberglass insulation and other glass products.
Foundry Work
A major industrial application of washed sand is in the production of molds and cores in metal casting. Foundries use specialized sand that can withstand the heat generated during pouring and solidification of molten metals. Suitable sands should be chemically inert to avoid impurities in cast parts. The purified silica content of washed sand makes it suitable for reuse in molding. Foundries prefer 99.5% silica washed sand for casting ferrous metals and 99.7% silica sand for non-ferrous metals.
Hydraulic Fracturing
Washed sand also finds extensive use in hydraulic fracturing or fracking operations. During this process of stimulating oil and gas production from shale formations, specially graded and washed sand is pumped deep underground along with water and chemicals. The purpose is to hold open fractures in the rock, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely. High silica content and low impurities make washed quartz sand appropriate for withstanding extreme pressures and temperatures. Its angular grain shape also improves its proppant characteristics.
Concrete and Mortar
Silica sand free of clay, organic matter and other pollutants is an important constituent of concrete mixes. Adding washed sand enhances workability as well as mechanical properties like compressive strength. The high silica content participates in pozzolanic reactions with calcium hydroxide, contributing to concrete strength and durability over the long run. Appropriately graded and washed silica sands help produce cohesive yet permeable mortar for masonry applications too.
Manufacturing Filtration Media
The production of filtration equipment and media relies on high-purity silica sand. Popular uses include silica gel, quartz wool, quartz glass filter cartridges, pool filters and more. High silica content and consistent grain size distribution allow washed sand to separate fine particles from liquids and gases down to molecular scales through depth filtration mechanisms. It forms the basis for diverse filtration products serving sectors like oil and gas, water purification, biopharmaceuticals and chemical processing.
Optics and Electronics
Considerable quantities of ultra-high purity silica sand, with nearly 100% silica, find application in specialty glass for optics. This includes lens elements, optical fiber preforms and other precision glass compositions suited for cameras, microscopes, telescopes and lasers. The semiconductor industry too prefers consistently high-silica washed sand in the production of silicon wafers, which act as the building blocks for chips used in computers, mobile devices and countless electronics.
Quality Considerations for Washed Silica Sand
There are some key quality parameters that make washed quartz sand suitable for various industrial uses:
- Silica (SiO2) content - Minimum 98% for general uses. Higher at 99% or above as required.
- Gradation/grain size distribution - Uniformity and control as per production process specifications.
- Clay and silt content - Impurities below 1% for high purity uses.
- Iron content - Low iron promotes glass and concrete quality.
- Alkali content - sodium and potassium oxides kept below 0.5% each.
- Color - White/translucent appearance desired for glass, optics, fillers.
- pH - Slightly acidic for stability in many applications.
Reliable suppliers conduct extensive washing, filtering and processing to deliver silica sand strictly meeting purity, gradation and contaminant limits for different end-use s. Consistency in quality is important for replacing raw materials in industrial manufacturing.
With growing worldwide demand for construction materials, glass and foundry products, washed quartz sand will continue playing a pivotal role in these vital sectors of the economy. Its unique properties and purification through washing make it an irreplaceable industrial mineral input. Global production and trade of washed sand is set to rise further in the coming years to support industrial development across nations.
Get more insights: Washed Silica Sand
Explore More Related Article On- Amino Acid Market
For More Insights Discover the Report In language that Resonates with you
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_regular.js" type="text/javascript">