Clack BIRM Media
Key Features
| Brand | : | Birm |
| Origin | : | USA |
| Packing | : | 28.82/Bag (1cft) |
| Bulk Density | : | 35-40 lbs./cu. ft. |
| Mesh Size | : | 10 x 40 |
| Specific Gravity | : | 2.0 gm/cc |
| Effective Size | : | 0.48 mm |
| Uniformity Coefficient | : | 2.7 |
| View More Info | ||
Clack BIRM® Media – High-Performance Filter Media for Iron &
Manganese Removal
Clack BIRM® is a premium
granular filter media manufactured by Clack Corporation, designed specifically
for the efficient, economical, and reliable removal of dissolved iron and
manganese from raw water supplies. It stands out as a catalyst-type media that
does not require chemical regeneration under proper operating
conditions—making it a cost-saving choice for residential, commercial, and industrial
water treatment systems.
What Is Clack BIRM®?
Clack BIRM® is a manganese
dioxide-coated granular media. It serves as an insoluble catalyst,
facilitating the oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) and certain forms of dissolved
manganese into insoluble forms (e.g. ferric hydroxide or manganese oxides) that
can be removed by filtration. Because BIRM® does not get consumed in the
oxidation process, it provides long service life, low maintenance, high
durability, and relatively minimal operating cost compared to some alternative
media or chemical treatments. (systematixusa.com)
How It Works
- Catalysis of Oxidation
BIRM’s surface helps accelerate the reaction between dissolved oxygen (from aeration or from natural dissolved oxygen in the water) and dissolved iron (Fe²⁺) or manganese, converting them into insoluble precipitates (ferric hydroxide or manganese oxides). These insoluble particles are then trapped in the media bed. (systematixusa.com) - Filtration
After oxidation, the oxidized particles are physically filtered out as water passes through the media bed. Accumulated precipitates are removed periodically via backwashing. (systematixusa.com) - No Chemical Regeneration
Under correct water conditions, BIRM doesn’t require chemical regeneration (unlike many ion exchange or chemical oxidation methods). Maintenance is limited to backwashing and ensuring operational parameters (pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, etc.) are within the required range. (Clack)
Technical Specifications & Physical Properties
Here are the key technical
details and physical properties of Clack BIRM®:
- Color:
Black (dark media) (Clack)
- Bulk Density:
Approximately 36-38 lbs/ft³ (~700 kg/m³ in some sources) (Clack)
- Specific Gravity:
~ 2.0 g/cc (systematixusa.com)
- Effective Size:
~0.48 mm (Clack)
- Uniformity Coefficient: ~2.7 (Clack)
- Mesh Size:
Commonly 10 × 40 or 12 × 50 meshes depending on supplier and batch. (Clack)
- Temperature Range:
Up to about 100 °F (38 °C) (systematixusa.com)
Conditions for Best Operation
For BIRM® to perform
optimally, certain water quality and operational conditions must be met:
- pH Range:
Between 6.8 and 9.0 for iron removal; for manganese removal,
preferably at 8.0 to 9.0. If both iron and manganese are present,
keep pH below ~8.5 to avoid problems with colloidal forms. (systematixusa.com)
- Alkalinity:
Should be greater than two times the combined concentration of
sulfate and chloride. This helps buffer the pH and supports the oxidation
process. (Clack)
- Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.): Water must contain enough dissolved oxygen: at least 15%
of the iron content (or combined iron/manganese content) for the
oxidation reaction to proceed effectively. (Clack)
- Bed Depth:
Typically 30-36 inches deep media bed is recommended. (Clack)
- Backwash & Freeboard: Freeboard (the space above the media bed in the
vessel) minimum ~50% of media bed depth; backwash bed expansion 20-40%;
backwash rate typically ~10-12 gallons per minute per square foot
(gpm/ft²) depending on media size and system design. (AquafitBD)
Advantages
Clack BIRM® offers manyadvantages that make it a favorable choice for iron/manganese removal:
- No Need for Chemicals in Regeneration: When water meets required conditions, chemical
regenerants are not needed. This reduces chemical purchase, handling,
costs, and environmental concerns. (Clack)
- High Removal Efficiency: It can remove dissolved iron and manganese to low
levels when operating under correct conditions. (Clack)
- Durability & Long Lifespan: Lower attrition (wear) loss, stable over many cycles,
wide temperature range. (Clack)
- Low Operational & Labour Cost: Only backwashing is required; minimal maintenance is
necessary if operating correctly. Labor and oversight costs are low. (Clack)
- Economic Advantages:
Because the media isn’t “used up” in the process, media replacement costs
are less frequent compared to expendable chemical treatments or media that
degrade rapidly. (systematixusa.com)
Limitations & Things to Watch
Despite its many
strengths, BIRM® media has a few limitations and conditions that must be
respected for successful performance:
- Water Chemistry Sensitivity: If water pH is too low (< ~6.8), or if dissolved
oxygen is insufficient, the oxidation process will be slower or may not
occur effectively. Pre-treatment (e.g. aeration or pH correction) may be
needed. (systematixusa.com)
- Free Chlorine, Hydrogen Sulfide, Oils, and
Polyphosphates: These chemicals or
contaminants can damage or interfere with the BIRM media. In particular,
high chlorine or hydrogen sulfide may degrade the catalytic coating; oil
or polyphosphates may coat media particles and reduce activity. (systematixusa.com)
- Manganese Removal Demands: For manganese reduction, more stringent pH and
dissolved oxygen conditions are needed. If both iron and manganese are
present, the system needs to be designed with care. (systematixusa.com)
- Backwashing Required:
Accumulated precipitates must be removed periodically by backwashing. If
backwash is insufficient, performance degrades. Also, freeboard must be
sufficient to avoid loss of media during backwash. (AquafitBD)
Typical Applications
Clack BIRM® media is well
suited for many water purification situations, including:
- Well Water Treatment:
Especially where wells produce water with high dissolved iron and/or
manganese.
- Municipal Water Systems: To ensure potable water standards for iron &
manganese are met.
- Industrial Process Water: In industries where iron/manganese cause fouling,
staining, or process interference.
- Pretreatment for Membrane Systems: Before RO, UF, or other filtration to reduce
iron/manganese load and protect membranes.
- Commercial/Institutional Applications: For hotels, hospitals, schools etc., particularly
when using high-capacity filters.
Design & Operational Guidance
To get the best
performance out of Clack BIRM®, systems should be designed and operated as
follows:
- Pre-treatment if Needed
- Raise pH using calcite, Corosex®, soda ash etc., if
influent pH is too low. (systematixusa.com)
- Remove hydrogen sulfide and excessive chlorine or
organics that may poison the catalyst. (systematixusa.com)
- Ensure Proper Dissolved Oxygen
Aeration or agitation may be needed to increase dissolved oxygen in feed water if naturally low. - Media Bed Depth & Vessel Sizing
Bed depth of around 30-36 inches recommended for most installations. Vessel freeboard should be at least 50% of bed depth to allow proper backwash expansion. (AquafitBD) - Flow Rates & Backwash Regime
Service flow rate depends on system size and design, commonly 3.5-5 gpm/sq. ft. in many cases. Backwash isn't frequent but must be sufficient to remove precipitates—use recommended backwash rate (~10-12 gpm/sq. ft.) and expansion (20-40%) to properly clean the bed without media loss. (systematixusa.com) - Monitoring
Test influent & effluent iron and manganese concentrations regularly to verify removal efficiency. Also monitor pH, DO, alkalinity. If treated water shows elevated manganese or iron just before backwash, that may be a sign that bed capacity is approaching limit or media is being coated or degraded. (Clack) - Replacement & Lifetime
Although durable, after many years of service and many cycles, BIRM media may lose efficacy (due to physical attrition or gradual coating). Lifespan depends on water quality, load, and operating discipline, but many users can expect several years of useful service under favorable conditions.
| Brand | Birm |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Packing | 28.82/Bag (1cft) |
| Bulk Density | 35-40 lbs./cu. ft. |
| Mesh Size | 10 x 40 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.0 gm/cc |
| Effective Size | 0.48 mm |
| Uniformity Coefficient | 2.7 |
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