What is quartz sand used for? Quartz sand: purpose Quartz sand consists of
Types of quartz sand
There are quartz sands natural and artificial origin. Naturally occurring sand is extracted from quarries mechanically. Artificial - by crushing quartz rocks into fractions of different sizes.
According to the shape of the grains, quartz sand is divided into rounded and crushed. Rounded has a rounded appearance, crushed has an uneven, chipped shape.
Depending on the area in which quartz sand is used, it is classified into sand glass grade, molding and fractional.
Distinctive features
The production features and technical indicators of quartz sand make it quite a valuable raw material for industry. It is not used as a filler for building mixtures, it is not used to level the surface of the earth in construction, or it is not poured into trenches. This will be unprofitable from an economic point of view. The cost of quartz sand is much higher than the price of ordinary construction sand.
If you compare quartz sand with construction sand, it will be distinguished by its monomineral (homogeneous) composition. Intergranular porosity ensures its highest dirt holding capacity compared to other materials, and slight wear of sand grains makes quartz sand quite valuable as a filter material.
Extraction and production of quartz sand
Quartz sand is obtained by mining its deposits, or by crushing rocks containing quartz.
Extraction of natural quartz sand
The extraction of quartz sand in places where it naturally occurs occurs in various ways.
Open way
Used in quarrying, mechanical method production The following is used construction equipment and equipment: excavators, dump trucks, bulldozers, scrapers, overhead cable cars. According to the technology of quartz sand extraction open method First, the upper layers of soil that hide the deposit are removed. Then trenches are laid for the access of transport equipment.
Closed method
It is used in the development of underwater deposits of quartz sand, in river beds and reservoirs. In the closed method, a hydromechanical extraction method is used. In this case, floating installations and dredgers are used. A powerful earth pump is installed on fixed floating platforms.
The rock, loosened with the help of a mechanical loosener, is sucked into the pipe system by a pump and poured into dumps, from where the water that got along with the sand flows back into the river. Subsequently, the dried sand is poured into the bodies of dump trucks using excavators and transported to the site for further processing.
Quartz sand obtained during development open and in a closed way, contains a large amount of foreign impurities, therefore exposed additional processing. It is washed and freed from all kinds of contaminants, then dried to the required moisture level.
The peculiarity of natural quartz sand is the round shape of its grains, which gave it the name – rounded. This sand is often used for playgrounds and various sports arenas, as it is less traumatic and sanitary standards requirements for such structures.
Production of artificial quartz sand
Artificial quartz sand is obtained from rocks containing quartz by crushing them in special stone crushing machines. The processing process also includes washing and further drying.
When crushing quartz, its particles get an uneven shape and have various sizes. To obtain crushed sand that is homogeneous in composition, it is sifted and distributed into fractions.
The following fractions are distinguished depending on the size of its grains of sand:
- dusty – with a particle size of less than 0.1 mm;
- middle fraction - has a diameter from 0.1 to 0.4 mm;
- coarse sand – the size of sand grains is from 0.5 to 1 mm;
- quartz chips are the largest fraction with sand grain sizes over 1 mm.
Artificial crushed quartz sand has a more uniform and pure composition than natural sand, as it is obtained by crushing solid rock. It is not contaminated by foreign impurities that are inevitable when extracting sand from the soil. The price of such sand will be much higher than the cost of natural sand.
An integral feature of crushed quartz sand is its porous structure, which is determined by the technology of its production. This feature gives artificial quartz sand the ability to collect large amounts of dirt on its surface, which is widely used in the production of industrial and household filters.
Characteristics and properties
Grains of quartz sand can have a diameter from 0.05 mm to 3 mm. Depending on the impurities they contain, sand can be of different colors. For example, a high iron content gives it a brown color. Pink sand is obtained from quartz, which contains titanium. Pure quartz, free of impurities, is colorless or may have a milky tint. Sand obtained from such rock is pure white.
Density of quartz sand is not less than 1400 g/cm3
Radioactivity use – class 1
Mohs hardness – 7
Crushingability – 0.3
Abrasion – 0.1
Chemical and physical properties
Quartz has a crystalline structure. This structure gives this mineral and the sand obtained from it exceptional strength and resistance to acids and alkalis. Quartz sand is very hard and refractory material, his chemical composition determines its fire safety and increased fire resistance. Sand obtained from quartz is inert to most chemicals and has dielectric properties.
Requirements for industrial quartz sand
According to the chemical composition, industrial quartz sand must have at least 95% silicon oxide content. The ratio of clay impurities should not exceed 1%. The presence of iron oxide is no more than 1%. The moisture content in dried sand should not be more than 10%.
Special requirements apply to glass grade sand. Depending on its chemical composition, it is divided into brands, having the following letter designations:
- OOVS - especially responsible for high translucency;
- OBC – responsible for high translucency;
- BC – high translucency;
- C – translucent;
- B – colorless;
- PB – semi-white;
- PS – reduced translucency;
- T - dark green glass.
Quartz sand for the silicate industry is divided into classes:
- class A – silicon oxide content more than 70%;
- class B – not less than 60%;
- class C – not less than 50%.
Areas of application of quartz sand
The high physical and chemical properties of quartz sand find their application in a wide variety of industrial fields. Moreover, its use in a specific industry directly depends on the type of sand and its physical characteristics.
Glass grade sand
Used in the glass industry, for the production of fiberglass, glass containers, insulating materials, porcelain and ceramic products. This sand has a fraction from 0.1 to 0.4 mm.
Molding sand
It is used in metallurgy in the manufacture of casting molds. For foundry production, fractions of uniform particle size are used. The uniformity coefficient of molding sands should be between 72 and 80%. Products made from this type of sand are characterized by increased fire resistance and strength.
Fractional sand
Finds its application in a wide variety of industries. Fractions with a particle diameter of less than 0.1 mm (pulverized) are used as a filler for high-quality building mixtures. For example, dusted quartz is included in self-leveling floors based on epoxy or polyurethane, decorative plasters and as a tinting pigment in finishing materials.
Quartz sand with a grain size of 0.2 to 0.8 mm is used for abrasive processing metal, glass and stone surfaces using sandblasting machines. At the same time, metal products get rid of foreign contaminants, rust and scale. This way, you can remove the old paint and prepare the product for repainting. Glass and stone surfaces are ground using quartz sand to the required degree of smoothness.
Large fractions of quartz sand (quartz chips) are used in landscape design
for the construction of embankment paths and paths.
In everyday life, coarse quartz sand is used for decoration. decorative elements interior
Filters for industrial and domestic water purification contain mixed fractions of quartz sand, but not lower than average. This heterogeneity provides better sorption properties of the filler. Quartz sand is also used in the purification of petroleum products from foreign impurities.
As a substrate for aquariums and children's creativity became widespread colored quartz sand. The principle of painting is to apply epoxy or polyurethane paint to the surface of quartz grains. This sand is resistant to physical and chemical influences, does not wear out or fade.
Colored quartz sand used in the production of mosaic plaster and other finishing materials, giving construction mixtures desired color and for road marking of asphalt pavement.
IN Food Industry Quartz sand is used in making brewed coffee.
In the construction industry, quartz sand is used for the production of silicate bricks and refractory concrete.
Quartz sand is used in road works as an anti-slip element of the road surface.
In livestock farming, large fractions of quartz sand are added to feed to facilitate the mechanical grinding of grain feed in the poultry crop.
The dielectric properties of quartz sand are used in the production of electrical fuse elements.
Using quartz sand to filter pool water
Currently, swimming pools with a water purification system using quartz sand as a filtration material are widely used.
Operating principle of quartz sand filters
The pool filter consists of a pump and filtration device, which looks like a round container with a volume that can accommodate up to 50 kg of quartz sand. Using a pump, water is supplied to top part filtration device. After passing through a layer of sand, the water is purified and pours back into the pool through the outlet at the bottom of the filter.
What kind of sand is suitable for filtering?
Crushed quartz sand with a particle fraction of 0.1 to 1 mm is used as a filter filler. Moreover, the purity of the water directly depends on the size of the grains of sand. The smaller the fraction, the more fine particles It can trap dirt and the better the cleaning process will be.
The purity of the water will also be affected by the size of the filter container. The larger the volume, the more quartz sand it will hold, and the cleaner the water will be. A good filter is capable of capturing dirt particles 20-25 microns in size.
Advantages of quartz sand as a pool filter
Replacement of quartz sand occurs no more than 1-2 times a year, depending on the degree of load. Compared to the cartridge cleaning method, a quartz sand filter is much more convenient and economical, since it does not require frequent replacement of the filter element.
Caring for a filter containing quartz sand does not require special knowledge and will not take much time.
The use of quartz sand in sandblasting works
One of the main applications of quartz sand is its use as an abrasive material for mechanical cleaning or grinding various types surfaces and materials using sandblasting machines.
The basic operating principle of a sandblasting machine
The operating principle of sandblasting machines is to supply a stream of air containing abrasive particles to the surface to be cleaned or sanded. The impact of grains of sand knocks down the dirt protruding beyond the surface of the material and grinds it to the required state.
Very often a jet of water is used as a kinetic force. This type of sandblasting is used when it is necessary to obtain a grease-free surface with a minimum dust content.
What surfaces can be sandblasted?
Suitable for sandblasting with quartz sand metal surfaces, stone and glass.
Rust is removed from metal old paint and other types of pollution. Building surfaces made of stone, brick, concrete and reinforced concrete are cleaned using sandblasting machines before final construction work.
Glass surfaces are polished with the finest fractions of quartz sand to the required condition.
What sand is suitable for sandblasting?
Sandblasting machines use sand of various fractions. The diameter of the abrasive depends on the type of sandblasting work and the surface being treated.
For rough cleaning For old and deep dirt and rust, coarse sand is used; its diameter can reach up to 5 mm. Medium and fine fractions are used for final stage cleaning and polishing.
Requirements for quartz sand
There are generally accepted requirements for the quality of quartz sand for sandblasting. For example, the moisture content of sand using the dry cleaning method should not exceed 0.1%. An increase in the total volume of moisture will lead to the adhesion of sand grains to the nozzle wall and will reduce the speed of their departure, and, accordingly, the force of impact.
The specific density is determined by the mass and velocity of the quartz particle. In this case, an increase in mass leads to greater speed and power of impact of a grain of sand on the treated surface.
Another important indicator is the impact strength of the abrasive material. Depends on the composition of quartz sand and the presence of foreign impurities in it. The strength of the particles supplied to the surface to be cleaned and the quality of the work performed depend on the impact strength.
Quartz is the most common mineral found in the earth's crust. Sand obtained as a result of its natural or artificial crushing is called quartz.
Types of quartz sand
There are quartz sands natural and artificial origin. Sand of natural origin is extracted from quarries mechanically. Artificial - by crushing quartz rocks into fractions of different sizes.
According to the shape of the grains, quartz sand is divided into rounded and crushed. Rounded has a rounded appearance, crushed has an uneven, chipped shape.
Depending on the area in which quartz sand is used, it is classified into sand glass grade, molding and fractional.
Distinctive features
The production features and technical indicators of quartz sand make it quite a valuable raw material for industry. It is not used as a filler for building mixtures, it is not used to level the surface of the earth in construction, or it is not poured into trenches. This will be unprofitable from an economic point of view. The cost of quartz sand is much higher than the price of ordinary construction sand.
If you compare quartz sand with construction sand, it will be distinguished by its monomineral (homogeneous) composition. Intergranular porosity ensures its highest dirt holding capacity compared to other materials, and slight wear of sand grains makes quartz sand quite valuable as a filter material.
Extraction and production of quartz sand
Quartz sand is obtained by mining its deposits, or by crushing rocks containing quartz.
Extraction of natural quartz sand
The extraction of quartz sand in places where it naturally occurs occurs in various ways.
Open way
It is used in quarry and mechanical mining methods. The following construction machinery and equipment is used: excavators, dump trucks, bulldozers, scrapers, aerial ropeways. According to the open-pit mining technology for quartz sand, the upper layers of soil that hide the deposit are first removed. Then trenches are laid for the access of transport equipment.
Closed method
It is used in the development of underwater deposits of quartz sand, in river beds and reservoirs. In the closed method, a hydromechanical extraction method is used. In this case, floating installations and dredgers are used. A powerful earth pump is installed on fixed floating platforms. The rock, loosened with the help of a mechanical loosener, is sucked into the pipe system by a pump and poured into dumps, from where the water that got along with the sand flows back into the river. Subsequently, the dried sand is poured into the bodies of dump trucks using excavators and transported to the site for further processing.
Quartz sand obtained during development open and closed method, contains a large amount of foreign impurities, therefore undergoes additional processing. It is washed and freed from all kinds of contaminants, then dried to the required moisture level.
The peculiarity of natural quartz sand is the round shape of its grains, which gave it the name – rounded. This sand is often used for children's playgrounds and various sports arenas, since it is less traumatic and meets the sanitary standards for such structures.
Production of artificial quartz sand
Artificial quartz sand is obtained from rocks containing quartz by crushing them in special stone crushing machines. The processing process also includes washing and further drying.
When crushing quartz, its particles become uneven in shape and have different sizes. To obtain crushed sand that is homogeneous in composition, it is sifted and distributed into fractions.
The following fractions are distinguished depending on the size of its grains of sand:
- dusty – with a particle size of less than 0.1 mm;
- middle fraction - has a diameter from 0.1 to 0.4 mm;
- coarse sand – the size of sand grains is from 0.5 to 1 mm;
- quartz chips are the largest fraction with sand grain sizes over 1 mm.
Artificial crushed quartz sand has a more uniform and pure composition than natural sand, as it is obtained by crushing solid rock. It is not contaminated by foreign impurities that are inevitable when extracting sand from the soil. The price of such sand will be much higher than the cost of natural sand.
An integral feature of crushed quartz sand is its porous structure, which is determined by the technology of its production. This feature gives artificial quartz sand the ability to collect large amounts of dirt on its surface, which is widely used in the production of industrial and household filters.
Characteristics and properties
Grains of quartz sand can have a diameter from 0.05 mm to 3 mm. Depending on the impurities they contain, sand can be of different colors. For example, a high iron content gives it a brown color. Pink sand is obtained from quartz, which contains titanium. Pure quartz, free of impurities, is colorless or may have a milky tint. The sand obtained from this rock is pure white.
Density of quartz sand is not less than 1400 g/cm3
Radioactivity use – class 1
Mohs hardness – 7
Crushingability – 0.3
Abrasion – 0.1
Chemical and physical properties
Quartz has a crystalline structure. This structure gives this mineral and the sand obtained from it exceptional strength and resistance to acids and alkalis. Quartz sand is a very hard and refractory material; its chemical composition determines its fire safety and increased fire resistance. Sand obtained from quartz is inert to most chemicals and has dielectric properties.
Requirements for industrial quartz sand
According to the chemical composition, industrial quartz sand must have at least 95% silicon oxide content. The ratio of clay impurities should not exceed 1%. The presence of iron oxide is no more than 1%. The moisture content in dried sand should not be more than 10%.
Special requirements apply to glass grade sand. Depending on its chemical composition, it is divided into brands, having the following letter designations:
- OOVS - especially responsible for high translucency;
- OBC – responsible for high translucency;
- BC – high translucency;
- C – translucent;
- B – colorless;
- PB – semi-white;
- PS – reduced translucency;
- T – dark green glass.
Quartz sand for the silicate industry is divided into classes:
- class A – silicon oxide content more than 70%;
- class B – not less than 60%;
- class C – not less than 50%.
Areas of application of quartz sand
The high physical and chemical properties of quartz sand find their application in a wide variety of industrial fields. Moreover, its use in a specific industry directly depends on the type of sand and its physical characteristics.
Glass grade sand
Used in the glass industry, for the production of fiberglass, glass containers, insulating materials, porcelain and ceramic products. This sand has a fraction from 0.1 to 0.4 mm. The iron oxide content in the feedstock affects the grade of the resulting glass. To clean sand from iron-containing impurities, magnetic enrichment is used. In this case, the raw materials are subjected to magnetic separation using a dry or wet method.
Molding sand
It is used in metallurgy in the manufacture of casting molds. For foundry production, fractions of uniform particle size are used. The uniformity coefficient of molding sands should be between 72 and 80%. Products made from this type of sand are characterized by increased fire resistance and strength.
Fractional sand
Finds its application in a wide variety of industries.
Fractions with a particle diameter of less than 0.1 mm (pulverized) are used as a filler for high-quality building mixtures. For example, dusted quartz is included in epoxy or polyurethane based self-leveling floors, decorative plasters and as a tinting pigment in finishing materials.
Quartz sand with a grain size of 0.2 to 0.8 mm is used for abrasive processing of metal, glass and stone surfaces using sandblasting machines. At the same time, metal products get rid of foreign contaminants, rust and scale. This way, you can remove the old paint and prepare the product for repainting. Glass and stone surfaces are ground using quartz sand to the required degree of smoothness.
Large fractions of quartz sand (quartz chips) are used in landscape design for the construction of embankment paths and paths.
In everyday life, coarse quartz sand is used to create decorative interior elements.
Filters for industrial and domestic water purification contain mixed fractions of quartz sand, but not lower than average. This heterogeneity provides better sorption properties of the filler. Quartz sand is also used in the purification of petroleum products from foreign impurities.
It is widely used as a substrate for aquariums and in children's art. colored quartz sand. The principle of painting is to apply epoxy or polyurethane paint to the surface of quartz grains. This sand is resistant to physical and chemical influences, does not wear out or fade.
Colored quartz sand It is used in the production of mosaic plaster and other finishing materials, giving building mixtures the desired color and for road marking of asphalt pavement.
In the food industry, quartz sand is used in the preparation of brewed coffee.
In the construction industry, quartz sand is used for the production of silicate bricks and refractory concrete.
Quartz sand is used in road works as an anti-slip element of the road surface.
In livestock farming, large fractions of quartz sand are added to feed to facilitate the mechanical grinding of grain feed in the poultry crop.
The dielectric properties of quartz sand are used in the production of electrical fuse elements.
Using quartz sand to filter pool water
Currently, swimming pools with a water purification system using quartz sand as a filtration material are widely used.
Operating principle of quartz sand filters
A pool filter consists of a pump and a filtration device that looks like a round container with a volume that can accommodate up to 50 kg of quartz sand. Using a pump, water is supplied to the upper part of the filtration device. After passing through a layer of sand, the water is purified and pours back into the pool through the outlet at the bottom of the filter.
What kind of sand is suitable for filtering?
Crushed quartz sand with a particle fraction of 0.1 to 1 mm is used as a filter filler. Moreover, the purity of the water directly depends on the size of the grains of sand. The finer the fraction, the smaller dirt particles it can retain and the better the cleaning process will be. The purity of the water will also be affected by the size of the filter container. The larger the volume, the more quartz sand it will hold, and the cleaner the water will be. A good filter is capable of capturing dirt particles 20-25 microns in size.
Advantages of quartz sand as a pool filter
Replacement of quartz sand occurs no more than 1-2 times a year, depending on the degree of load. Compared to the cartridge cleaning method, a quartz sand filter is much more convenient and economical, since it does not require frequent replacement of the filter element.
Caring for a filter containing quartz sand does not require special knowledge and will not take much time.
Application of quartz sand in sandblasting works
One of the main areas of application of quartz sand is its use as an abrasive material for mechanical cleaning or grinding of various types of surfaces and materials using sandblasting machines.
The basic operating principle of a sandblasting machine
The principle of operation of sandblasting machines is to supply a stream of air containing abrasive particles to the surface to be cleaned or sanded. The impact of grains of sand knocks down the dirt protruding beyond the surface of the material and grinds it to the required state.
Very often a jet of water is used as a kinetic force. This type of sandblasting is used when it is necessary to obtain a grease-free surface with a minimum dust content.
What surfaces can be sandblasted?
Metal, stone and glass surfaces are suitable for sandblasting with quartz sand.
Rust, old paint and other types of contaminants are removed from metal ones.
Building surfaces made of stone, brick, concrete and reinforced concrete are cleaned using sandblasting machines before final construction work.
Glass surfaces are polished with the finest fractions of quartz sand to the required condition.
What sand is suitable for sandblasting?
Sandblasting machines use sand of various fractions. The diameter of the abrasive depends on the type of sandblasting work and the surface being treated. For rough cleaning of old and deep dirt and rust, coarse sand is used; its diameter can reach up to 5 mm. Medium and fine fractions are used at the final stage of cleaning and grinding.
Requirements for quartz sand
There are generally accepted requirements for the quality of quartz sand for sandblasting. For example, the moisture content of sand using the dry cleaning method should not exceed 0.1%. An increase in the total volume of moisture will lead to the adhesion of sand grains to the nozzle wall and will reduce the speed of their departure, and, accordingly, the force of impact.
The specific density is determined by the mass and velocity of the quartz particle. In this case, an increase in mass leads to greater speed and power of impact of a grain of sand on the treated surface.
Another important indicator is the impact strength of the abrasive material. Depends on the composition of quartz sand and the presence of foreign impurities in it. The strength of the particles supplied to the surface to be cleaned and the quality of the work performed depend on the impact strength.
The most famous and widespread mineral, fossil, located in the thickness earth's crust- this is quartz. Silicon dioxide, the formula of this compound is SiO2. Deposits of quartz rock are found in many parts of the planet. There are dozens of its varieties, one of them, white quartz, is most widely used in production, for the production of technical types of glass, and metallic silicon is also obtained from it. It is used as the main component in metal and other alloys. Quartz sand is obtained by crushing and sieving white quartz.
Main properties of quartz sand:
- High resistance to all types of influences, be it physical, chemical, water or atmospheric destructive effects.
- High porosity and density - this characterizes this material as an excellent filter.
- Since quartz sand is a monomineral rock, this is its main advantage in comparison with other sands of natural origin. There are more than a hundred deposits of quartz sand in Russia.
There is such a thing as primary and secondary quartz. Fundamental difference is the place of origin and extraction of mineral rock. The extraction of quartz sand in places of natural origin of the rock is the extraction of primary quartz. This mineral for a long time located in layers of the earth's crust, without access and exposure to air and water.
Crystals of such sand have correct form, resembling a cube, with more or less right angles. The absence of elongated corners and other defects does not prevent compaction. This high-quality sand is used as a filter filler, since high density stacked grains, retains various types of contaminants, or for the sandblasting process. Quartz sand of natural origin has a translucent, white color.
Using special equipment, the extracted sand is transported to processing plants. The mineral is washed out of the kaolin mixture in water. Carrying out processing and thorough analysis, classifies the material according to the quality mark.
Where is secondary quartz sand mined? This is sand of natural origin, the exclusive feature is that this sand is transported from the deposit by water. That is The groundwater or due to faults in the surface of the earth's crust, streams of water enter the depths of fossils and bring them to the surface.
Being outside, the mineral rock is exposed to the elements, which naturally polishes the sand crystals, erasing the corners and edges. Such sand is also subject to chemical attack, and therefore is not environmentally friendly. If the sand consists of impurities, then this can be determined by color, since natural quartz is exclusively white, and the chemical composition paints it in colors that are characteristic of a particular element . Consequently, the area where quartz sand of this grade is used is significantly narrowed. Use for sandblasting or for filling filters is not advisable, since ensuring an effective result is not possible.
In order to melt a product containing quartz, it is necessary to reach a melting temperature of 1050 to 1700 degrees Celsius, depending on the fractions. Such high thermal conductivity of quartz sand and electrical strength allow it to be used as an ideal insulating material in transformers. It is for this purpose that most suitable sand with round crystals. This mineral is mined from quarries or from the bottom of reservoirs.
To obtain crushed quartz sand, rock, large fractions of primary or secondary quartz are used. Crushing is done in order to achieve optimal size sand grains most in demand in most areas of production. Sand crystals obtained by this method have an irregular shape, with elongated corners, or, on the contrary, flat shapes. This sand looks prickly in appearance. Such material can be used, for example, in architectural design. The chemical industry uses in its production this raw material, which is resistant to alkalis and acids. The rock is mined in quarries.
The production of quartz sand is divided into three classes: glass grade sand, molding and fractional grades. The elitism of the material is indicated by the high cost of quartz sand; its use is economically acceptable for technical processes, without which it would be difficult to achieve certain goals.
The true density of quartz sand is in the range of 2600 – 2700 kg/m. cube, and its bulk density reaches 1400 kg/m3. The size of a sand crystal can range from 0.1 to 3 mm. The humidity of sand in its wet state should not exceed 6.0%, the wet state should not exceed 0.4%, after drying, approximately 0.5%. According to the Mohs scale, the hardness index is 7. The maximum melting point of sand reaches temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius.
What is quartz sand used for and its scope of application?
In which area a certain type of sand is used, it all depends on its technical characteristics. The highest requirements for raw materials used in the glass industry. For the production of glass containers, fiberglass, ceramics, porcelain and other products, sand of fractions from 0.1 to 0.4 mm is used. In metallurgy, molding sand is used. Products containing an admixture of quartz sand are highly fire-resistant. Fractional sand is used in the manufacture of finishing materials in construction.
Large fractions are widely used in landscape design. Quartz chips are used for decorative covering tracks. In order to give the landscape a touch of luxury, it should be noted why this expensive material is needed in the design of the territory.
Made from quartz sand at home various elements decor. In creativity, as decoration for an aquarium, quartz sand, colored in various colors. There are many ways to do coloring with my own hands. Filters for domestic use and for cleaning swimming pools are filled with sand of fractions from 0.1 to 1 mm. Why use sand in such small crystals for this purpose? When placed in the tank, the grains of sand form a dense layer through which the water passed through is purified and contaminants remain in the filter.
To understand what type of quartz sand should be used in sandblasting work, it is first important to know what type of surface will be processed.
This application is suitable for quartz of various fractions. What is important is the quality of the abrasive particles. It is better, of course, to use quartz sand for this type of work. best quality, with the least amount of impurities.
The Earth gives us all the best. Quartz sand is natural material, which differs not only in strength and beauty, but also in durability. The best thing anyone who wants to use this noble mineral could do is to use it as a designer decoration for their territory and home, as well as as a safety device that provides high fire protection.
How to choose the right quartz sand
Milky white quartz is a type of quartz mineral. By performing industrial sieving and crushing, quartz sand is obtained, which is distinguished by its homogeneous composition. Quartz is the most common surface rock, with 60% of the earth's crust made up of sand. It is the rock-forming mineral of most rocks of igneous and metamorphic origin. Humanity uses a natural, environmentally friendly element in production, industry and construction. It is the monomineral composition that has the possibility of adsorption, high resistance to physical impact, adhesive properties and powerful temperature resistance.
What is quartz sand? Kinds
SiO 2 is silicon oxide or a decomposition product of granites. It is obtained both naturally and artificially. Regardless of the method of receipt quality material undergoes purification and division into fractions. The smallest species reaches 0.05 mm, the largest up to 3 mm. Best properties sand is observed when it contains the maximum amount of quartz and is distinguished by a whitish or translucent color. Any admixture adds tone or color. As with all granular materials, great importance has a cuboidal shape, roughness, and minimal flakiness. When crushing quartz, a large number of smooth, sharp-angled textures are obtained, which are ineffective both in production and in construction.
When extracting quartz, the seized structure along with clay (kaolin) is supplied to processing plants. Dissolution in water, subsequent dehydration, calcination, and fractionation bring quartz sand to marketable condition.
Requirements to : must contain no more than 10% moisture, admixtures of clay and iron oxide should not exceed 1% of each element. In essence, this is a high-quality pure composition of silicon oxide. Not everything requires 98%. For silicate production, the material is divided into three groups A, B, C, which respectively contain 70, 60, 50 percent SiO 2. The specifics of production of different products also impose different requirements on quartz sand. There is a classification according to purpose:
- 1. T - for production from dark glass;
- 2. C - for production from translucent glass;
- 3. B - colorless products;
- 4. PB - semi-white;
- 5. PS - reduced translucency;
- 6. BC - high translucency;
- 7. OVS and OVS - degrees of high translucency and products.
Application of quartz sand
In construction
Pure SiO 2 composition is used to create reinforced concrete products and mixtures in pastel shades. So concrete blocks, sand-lime brick with a homogeneous substance used for decorative and finishing works.
The same applies to plaster compositions, used for external and interior work. Solutions with crushed quartz are the most reliable and aesthetically pleasing. The fine and pure composition resists the appearance of cracks and promotes smooth surface.
The modern method of leveling the floor is called self-leveling. The peculiarity is that a person does not make any effort to create an even and smooth surface. The mixture contains crushed quartz, which promotes uniform spreading.
Most mixtures for joining and filling on retail shelves are presented in the required mixed proportion. Often by manufacturers building materials a monomineral composition is acquired, which are ideal for creating stable solutions.
Only the most expensive road surfaces To ensure strength and durability, silicon oxide is included in the composition. The emphasis is on roads with increased loads, which require high asphalt strength.
Quartz sand in industry
Most types of cookware are made using pure fine quartz sand. Strength is the main quality that silicon oxide provides to glass, earthenware and porcelain. These are window and technical glass, automobile, laboratory, container, insulators, ceramic tiles.
This specificity flows into the pharmaceutical industry, where the substance is used for optical lenses, both clear and multi-colored. High abrasiveness allows you to create smooth and durable.
In foundry, molds are created on its basis.
The thermal conductivity of sand allows it to maintain heat for a fairly long period of time. The property is used both in production and at home. For example, an electric heated towel rail heats up and maintains its temperature for a long time.
In metal and stone processing it is used for grinding and engraving work. Stations Maintenance, plant for the production of machinery and equipment, stone processing enterprises, jewelry workshops use sandblasting equipment. Technological process consists in the fact that air mixed with sharp grains is supplied under pressure through a hose under strong pressure.
In water treatment plants
Adsorption (concentration of substances on the surface or in volume) is a property that is necessary to create modern filters. The ability to absorb all the smallest impurities is used in wastewater treatment plants, in the food industry and production household appliances. The disadvantage of sand is that it must be constantly changed. Positive side: quartz sand is a useful component that nourishes water with microelements. Less quality material is used to filter water in swimming pools.
– granular material with a particle size from 0.05 to 3 mm, formed during the destruction of quartz-containing rocks. Typically, quartz sands contain various impurities: iron oxides, clay materials, feldspars, carbonates and others. Impurities give the sand a color ranging from yellow to red-brown. Pure quartz sands contain up to 99% silica.
Production of quartz sand
Natural quartz sand, mined in a quarry, goes through a complex processing cycle: it is washed, cleaned of impurities, enriched and then dried, if necessary. Artificial is obtained by crushing and sieving quartz-containing rocks. Quartz sands are sorted into fractions: the 0.1–0.4 mm fraction is considered sand, the coarse sand is 0.5–1.0 mm, and dusted quartz is everything less than 0.1 mm. A mixture with grains larger than 1.0 mm is considered quartz chips.
Application of quartz sand
Due to its high sorption capacity, quartz sand is widely used in cleaning filters for drinking water, wastewater treatment.
Quartz sand is very resistant to atmospheric, chemical and physical actions, is not afraid of aggressive environments and high temperatures, due to which it is common in construction organizations in the production of cement (including Portland cement used in cementation of gas and oil wells), brick, asphalt, for the production of decorative and finishing building materials, when plastering facades and interior interiors, For design works. Concrete blocks made using quartz sand, have a soft pastel color color scheme all kinds of colors.
Quartz sand is also used in earthenware, glass and porcelain production, in the production of paints and varnishes, various filters, in sandblasting machines, in chemistry Industry, foundry. Quartz sand is used as a substitute material for the production of fire-resistant building materials. Due to its good abrasive properties, it is widely used for grinding lenses and other polished materials, and for sawing stone. Quartz sand is also used as an arc-extinguishing element in the production of electrical fuses.
In industry, quartz sand is divided into two main groups. The first of them is aggregate sand, which is produced in various fractional compositions from 0.2 mm to 5 mm and is used for filling into filters, for cleaning, as well as for the production of dry mixes and concrete, and of course for sandblasting. The second group is foundry sands, which are used in the foundry industry. These are sands with a fairly hard fractional composition, for example 0.25 mm or 0.3 mm. They have a high uniformity coefficient, which is 72-80%. These characteristics make it possible to use fractionated sands not only in foundries, but also as an additive in the production of dry mixtures and metal processing (sandblasting).
Characteristics of quartz sand
Humidity less than 10%.
Sand for the production of silicate products is divided into classes: A (SiO2 content not less than 70%), B (SiO2 content not less than 60%), C (SiO2 content not less than 50%).
Quartz sand marking
The marking of quartz sand for the glass industry contains a letter index indicating the scope of application, the mass fraction of iron oxide in thousandths, and the grade of product of this brand (highest, first, second).
Letter indices:
“OOVS” - for especially critical products with high translucency;
“OVS” - for critical products with high translucency;
“BC” - for products with high translucency;
“C” - for translucent products;
“B” - for colorless products;
“PB” - for semi-white products;
“PS” - for products with reduced translucency;
"T" - for products made of dark green glass. Advantages of quartz sand
Uniformity of structure and monominerality (does not contain impurities). High strength and resistance to mechanical, chemical, and atmospheric influences. Possibility of painting in any color. It is characterized by large intergranular porosity, which gives quartz sand greater dirt holding capacity and provides excellent sorption abilities.
