Sand replacement — Activated Filter Media
AFM
® , or Activated Filter Media, is a direct replacement for sand and is said to double the performance of sand filters without any additional infrastructure. AFM resists biofouling, biocoagulation and transient wormhole channeling of unfiltered water and never needs to be recharged or replaced.
AFM is a highly engineered product manufactured from a specific glass type, processed to obtain the optimum particle size and shape. It is then exposed to a 3-step activation process to increase its surface area by up to 300 times for superior mechanical and electrostatic filtration performance.
The activated surface of AFM is self-sterilizing, and that prevents bacteria mud-balling, coagulation and channeling of unfiltered water through the filter bed. Activation increases the surface area by up to 300 times for catalysis and adsorption reactions. Similar to activated carbon, the surface nano-structure adsorbs pollutants from the water but unlike carbon, AFM is recharged by backwashing with water.
AFM reduces the biological risk of bacteria and parasites, as well as the chemical risk. AFM does not channel so it is an effective barrier against Cryptosporidium and giardia. AFM does not incubate or discharge bacteria and will reduce the bacterial load of the product water. Also because of the better filtration performance, there are lower concentrations of toxic trihalomethanes. AFM also provides an excellent solution to remove metals and heavy metals from water.
AFM is manufactured in a stateof- the-art hygienic factory designed by Dr. Howard Dryden, CEO and inventor of AFM. AFM contains metal oxide catalysts that dissociate oxygen and water to create a zone of high oxidation potential to prevent bacteria growing on the surface of AFM. In addition, the huge activated surface area has a strong negative charge for the adsorption of sub-micron particles and dissolved organic molecules. This makes AFM far superior to any other filtration media because AFM does not need to be replaced and is recharged by a simple back-wash.
Benefits at a glance
•.more than doubles the performance of an existing filtration system without the need for additional investments
• is not subject to biodynamic instability and will never allow untreated water to pass the filter.
• substantially lowers chlorine oxidation demand up to 50%.
• lowers backwash water demand on average by 50%.
• is expected to last for the life of the filtration system.
• provides quick return on investment.
How to use
Replacing sand with AFM is simple, but its not a matter of just dumping it into the filter chamber.
First, check how much sand is required for the filter in question. Next calculate how much AFM is needed – because AFM has a lower bulk density, the quantity needed is reduced by 15%, or 85% of sand required.
For example, if a filter requires 100 pounds of sand, add 85 pounds of AFM.
For filters with a diameter smaller than 31 inches, add AFM in the following quantities: 50% AFM Grade 1 and 50% of AFM Grade 2. See accompanying graphic.
For filters of diameter larger than 31 inches, add 50% Grade 1, 25% Grade 2, and 25% Grade 3.
Before filling the filter, check for damaged filter laterals. Half fill the filter with water to protect the laterals. Fill up the filter with AFM grades as determined above. The filter is ready.
After installation, allow AFM to soak to get it wet or run pool equipment on filtration for 24 hours.
Backwash after 24 hours. Backwash filter at least once a week.
