American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA B101-94
(First Edition)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

All changes specified in the erratum to AWWA B101-94 are incorporated into this standard.
Effective date: Oct. 1, 1995.
This edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors June 23, 1994.
Approved by American National Standards Institute May 10, 1995.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA publication of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional materials
or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American National
Standards.
CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY
10036; (212) 642-4900.

Copyright 1995 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

ii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Subcommittee on Media for Precoat Filtration, which
developed this standard, had the following personnel:
Edward A. Bryant, Chair
G.J. Black
Daniel McCartney
W.G. Blunt
R.W. McIndoe
J.L. Cleasby
R.L. Meadows
K.R. Fox
R.D. Newby
V.R. Godsey
The AWWA Standards Committee on Filtering Materials, which reviewed and
approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:
Richard H. Moser, Chair
R. Lee Roberts, Vice-Chair
W. Kirk Corliss Jr., Secretary
Consumer Members
J.E. Durrant, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia, Pa.
T.L. Gloriod, St. Louis County Water Company, St. Louis, Mo.
J.R. McQueen, Connecticut Water Company, Clinton, Conn.
R.H. Moser, American Waterworks Service Company, Voorhees, N.J.
F.W. Pogge, Kansas City Water Department, Kansas City, Mo.
G.F. Stolarik, Los Angeles Aquaduct Filtration Plant, Sylmar, Calif.
C.E. Stringer, Dallas Water Utilities, Dallas, Texas

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(NEWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

General Interest Members

E.E. Baruth,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
S.L. Bishop, Metcalf & Eddy Inc., Woburn, Mass.
E.A. Bryant, Consultant, New York, N.Y.
J.L. Cleasby, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
W.K. Corliss Jr., Gannett Fleming Inc., Harrisburg, Pa.
K.R. Fox, USEPA-RREL Drinking Water Research Division,
Cincinnati, Ohio
G.L. Hoffman,* Council Liaison, Finkbeiner, Pettis & Strout,
Akron, Ohio
P.H. Kreft, Montgomery Watson, Portland, Ore.
I.M. Markwood, Alvord, Burdick and Howson, Springfield, Ill.
K.J. Roberts, Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Ont.

*Liaison, nonvoting

iii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

(AWWA)
(NEWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(USEPA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

Producer Members
M.S. Chopra, Minerals Research & Recovery, Tucson, Ariz.
C.E. Edlund, MMEI, Peachtree City, Ga.
J.W. Guptill, The Taulman Company, Atlanta, Ga.
L.K. Noble, Northern Gravel Company, Muscatine, Iowa
R.L. Roberts, Roberts Filter Company, Darby, Pa.
T.P. Walter, Carbon Sales Inc., Wilkes Barre, Pa.

iv

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)
(AWWA)

Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may
be found in a particular standard.
SEC.

PAGE

SEC.

PAGE

Foreword

Verification

I
I.A
I.B
I.C
II
II.A

5.1
5.2

Sampling ............................................ 4
Test Procedures General .............. 4

Delivery

6.1
6.2
6.3

Marking.............................................. 8
Packaging and Shipping ................... 8
Affidavit of Compliance..................... 9

III
III.A
III.B
IV
V

Introduction....................................... vi
Background ....................................... vi
History............................................... vi
Acceptance......................................... vi
Special Issues.................................. vii
Storage and Handling
Precautions ................................... vii
Use of This Standard .................... viii
Purchaser Options and
Alternatives ................................. viii
Modification of Standard .............. viii
Major Revisions ............................. viii
Comments ...................................... viii

Appendix
A

Figures
1

Standard

General

1.1
1.2
1.3

Scope................................................... 1
Purpose............................................... 1
Application ......................................... 1

References........................................ 1

Definitions ....................................... 2

Requirements

4.1
4.2
4.3

Physical Requirements...................... 3
Chemical Requirements .................... 3
Impurities........................................... 3

Bibliography.................................... 10

Schematic of Bomb Filter

Assembly ......................................... 6
Schematic of Bomb Filter
Element ............................................. 7

Tables
1

Typical Physical Properties of

Precoat Media Used in Water
Treatment........................................ 3
Typical Chemical Properties of
Precoat Media Used in Water
Treatment (Percent) ....................... 4

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA B101.

I. Introduction
I.A. Background. Precoat media filtration is a process in which a filter
medium, typically diatomite or perlite, is applied to filters, and then run, removed,
and disposed of on a cyclic basis. This process is unlike granular-media filtration, in
which graduated layers of granules installed in granular-media filters are more or
less permanently placed in the filters and periodically backwashed or mechanically
cleaned and reused.
In precoat media filtration, a thin layer of the filter medium or precoat is
applied to specially designed media-support structures, or septa, within the filter
vessel or structure, by recirculating a slurry of the filtering medium through the
filter. After the precoat layer is established and filtration begun, additional precoat
filter-medium material is continually added as the raw water is passed through the
filter. This is done to disperse the accumulation of solids from the source water on
the precoat surface and throughout the media depth. The addition of filtering
medium is called bodyfeeding. Using bodyfeeding reduces or eliminates premature
clogging or fouling of the surface of the precoat layer. At the completion of the
filtration cycle, the filter septa and the vessel are flushed. The spent filteringmedium material and the collected particulates from the source water are drained to
the waste disposal facility. The clean filter is precoated again and a new filtration
cycle begun.
I.B. History. AWWA B101-94 was approved as a new standard by the AWWA
Board of Directors on June 23, 1994.
I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a certification program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members of
the original consortium included the American Water Works Association Research
Foundation (AWWARF) and the Conference of State Health and Environmental
Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.

*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.

vi

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF: ANSI*/NSF 60,

Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking Water System Components Health Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex, and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Appendix A, Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures, to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The
MALs of an unspecified list of unregulated contaminants are based on toxicity
testing guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens). Use of Appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the
certifier.
AWWA B101 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction to
1. Determine additives requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify products for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues
II.A. Storage and Handling Precautions. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a silica
product, and prolonged breathing of excessive concentrations of its dust may cause
lung damage. DE contains crystalline silica, which may cause lung cancer (silicosis)
when inhaled on a long-term basis, and has been classified as a probable cause of
cancer (group 2N by IARC). As a result, proper precautions, including the wearing of
respirators, should be taken in handling and disposing of the material to control
inhalation of the dust.
Perlite is an alumina silicate and may contain small quantities of crystalline
silica ranging from zero to 3 percent. A crystalline silica content above the threshold
limit of 0.1 percent must be labeled as a cancer-causing hazard. It is possible to
obtain a product with silica levels below 0.1 percent, but any product with levels in
excess of this concentration should be labeled in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200,
Hazard Communication.
Neither DE nor perlite is considered explosive or corrosive. There is no concern
for a chemical reaction caused by accidental exposure of these products to other
chemicals because the media are relatively inert.

*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.
Code of Federal Regulations. Available from Superintendent of Documents, US
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

vii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

Suppliers of these products should provide all purchasers with proper safety
literature and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
III. Use of This Standard
It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA standard to determine that the
products described in that standard are suitable for use in the particular application
being considered.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be covered in the purchasers specifications:
1. Standard used that is, AWWA B101, Standard for Precoat Filter Media,
of latest revision.
2. Product name(s).
3. Generic characteristics (Table 1) that the purchaser may wish to require
based on tests included in this standard follow:
Bulk densities

Permeability

Dry, expressed in pounds per cubic foot (ASTM* B527-85,

Standard Test Method for Tap Density of Powders of
Refractory Metals and Compounds by Tap-Pak Voltmeter)
(Sec. 5.2.2).

Wet, expressed in pounds per cubic foot (Sec. 5.2.3).

(Sec. 5.2.4.)

Portion retained
on 150 mesh

Percent (ASTM D422-63, Standard Test Method for

Particle-Size Analysis of Soils) (Sec. 5.2.5).

4. Packaging units desired (bulk, bags, semibulk containers, pallets, or shrink

wrap) and transportation options (truck or rail).
5. Source of supply. Precoat media (processed grades of DE and/or perlite
suitable for use in water treatment) are readily available from many producers. DE
production in the United States is mainly in California, Oregon, and Nevada. Most
perlite processed in the United States originates in Arizona, Oregon, Colorado,
Washington, or New Mexico. Perlite manufacturing plants are located throughout
the United States.
6. Point of delivery (on truck or unloaded).
7. Whether or not an affidavit of compliance is required (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Modification of Standard. Any modification of the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchasers specifications.
IV. Major Revisions
This standard has no applicable information for this section.
V. Comments
If you have any comments or questions about this standard, please call the
AWWA Standards Department, (303) 794-7711 ext. 2201, FAX (303) 795-1440, or
write to the department at 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235.

*American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.

viii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

American Water Works Association

R

ANSI/AWWA B101-94
(First Edition)

AWWA STANDARD FOR

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers diatomaceous earth (DE), perlite, and other disposable
filter materials used to precoat filters for water supply service application.

Sec. 1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide a guide for evaluating precoat filtration media. The criteria herein should be used to determine if such media is similar
to the product currently being used to produce potable water in a specific water
treatment plant or pilot project. Extensive use of DE and perlite by the water industry supports the need for this standard.

Sec. 1.3 Application

This standard can be referenced in specifications for evaluating precoat filter
media and can be used as a guide for testing the physical and chemical properties of
filtering materials used to precoat filters. The stipulations of this standard apply
when this document has been referenced and apply only to precoat filter media for
water supply service application.

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they
form a part of this standard to the extent specified in this standard. In any case of
conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

AWWA B101-94

ASTM* B527-85 Standard Test Method for Tap Density of Powders of

Refractory Metals and Compounds by Tap-Pak Volumeter.
ASTM D422-63 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis for Soils.
ASTM D4164-88 Standard Test Method for Mechanically Tapped Packing
Density of Formed Catalyst and Catalyst Carriers.
CFR 29-1910-1200 Hazard Communication.
ANSI/NSF Standard No. 61 Drinking Water System Components
Particle-Size Analysis for Soils.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
In this standard, the following definitions shall apply:
1. Bag: The industry standard is a multiwall paper bag containing approximately 2.1 to 2.3 ft3 (0.06 to 0.07 m3) of wet compacted filter-media equivalent
volume. This volume results in a diatomite bag weight of 50 lb (22.5 kg) and generally lower perlite bag weights of 16 to 45 lb (7 to 20 kg), depending on manufacturer
and grade.
2. Bulk: Filter media may be shipped in rail hopper cars or tanker trucks.
Rail or truck vehicles may be pressure-differential or air-fluidized gravity-flow units,
discharging into pneumatic conveying systems. Railcars have capacities as great as
6,000 ft3 (170 m3), while truck capacities typically range from 1,500 to 3,000 ft3 (40
to 85 m3).
3. Constructor: The party that furnishes the work and materials for placement or installation.
4. Diatomite (diatomaceous earth): Diatomite is a siliceous, sedimentary rock
consisting primarily of the fossilized skeletal remains of diatoms, which are unicellular aquatic plants related to algae. Diatomite deposits were formed from marine and
freshwater species of diatoms and are found worldwide.
5. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces materials or products.
6. Perlite: Perlite originates from rock formed by the solidification of magma
and is primarily composed of alumina silicate. Deposits of perlite are generally
found in or near areas of past volcanic activity. The perlite ore expands at 2,400F
(1,300C), at which temperature the silicate liquifies, and combined water vaporizes
forming multicellular, irregular, glass-like shapes.
7. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
8. Semibulk Container: The semibulk container is usually a fabric container
made of woven polypropylene fabric, which may be fitted with lifting sleeves or
loops. The containers may be palletized or shipped as is. Special designs that are
compatible with sophisticated unloading systems are available. Sizes may be negotiated with filter-media suppliers, but typically range from 40 to 90 ft3 (1 to 2.5 m3) in

*American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Code of Federal Regulations, US Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

capacity. The dense diatomite is normally shipped in semibulk containers of 1,000 lb

(454 kg) capacity or less. Less dense media may be packaged in larger semibulk
containers without reaching 1,000 lb (454 kg) gross weight.
9. Supplier: The party who supplies materials or services. A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Each manufacturer of precoat media produces one or more product grades
shown to be satisfactory for use in potable water treatment. Laboratory and field
studies should be carried out to determine the most economical and effective precoat
product or products for the specific site characteristics, such as water quality, filter
type, and allowable pressure buildup. Products deemed by other suppliers to be
equal should also be evaluated to enable competitive proposals.

Sec. 4.1 Physical Requirements

Table 1 lists physical properties that should be met by the product specified.

Sec. 4.2 Chemical Requirements

Table 2 lists typical chemical properties that shall be met by the product specified.

Sec. 4.3 Impurities

Refer to the acceptance section (Sec. I.C) in the foreword.

Table 1 Typical physical properties of precoat media used in water treatment

Diatomite

Color

Perlite

Calcined

Flux Calcined

Expanded and Milled

Pink

White

White

True specific gravity

2.15

pH

Relative permeability
range, mL 100

18

928

335

Bulk density, dry

lb\ft3
kg\m3

810
125160

928
145450

412
65190

Bulk density, wet

lb\ft3
kg\m3

1718
270290

1622
250350

417
65270

37

612

Portion retained
on 150 mesh, percent

2.3
10

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

2.3
6.97.3

122

AWWA B101-94

Table 2 Typical chemical properties of precoat media used in water treatment (percent)
Diatomite
Calcined
Silica (SiO2)

8093

Perlite
Flux
Calcined
8095

Expanded
Grades
7077

Alumina (Al2O3)

45

4.04.2

1320

Iron oxide (Fe2O3)

1.32

1.32

00.1

Calcium oxide (CaO)

0.50.8

0.50.8

0.10.8

Magnesia (MgO)

0.30.75

0.60.75

00.2

Ignition loss

02.75

02.75

03.0

Moisture content

00.75

00.75

0.32.0

Other compounds (maximum)*

*Other compounds are oxides, such as potassium monoxide, sodium monoxide, sulphur trioxide, and titanium dioxide.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Sampling
Manufacturers or suppliers of filter media normally provide the details of the
chemical and physical properties of their products. If local regulatory agency or
water plant procedures require certification of the product quality, the filter-media
purchaser may choose from among several options. The purchaser may require written certification from the manufacturer or supplier that all material shipped meets
specifications (affidavit of compliance) or may require the filter-media supplier to
provide certificates of analysis on each shipment of filter media. Some manufacturers have statistical process control (SPC) systems in place, and would have no
problem providing SPC information with shipments. As a less desirable option, the
purchaser could sample each shipment and test the samples for density, porosity,
cleanliness, and/or any chemical content or solubility characteristics of concern to
his or her plant.

Sec. 5.2 Test ProceduresGeneral

5.2.1 Introduction. The product or products to be purchased should be selected
based on field tests. An affidavit of compliance should be required from the supplier
to ensure that the material supplied is the same as the material tested or previously
in use. Generic characteristics, tested by the purchaser, may be useful in the following two ways:
1. To confirm that the product received is equivalent to the product specified.
2. As a guideline for selecting products for field testing. Generic characteristics should not be used as the sole basis for determining that another product
will perform similarly to the product field tested.
The following procedures shall be followed to determine these generic characteristics when required by the purchaser.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

5.2.2 Bulk densitydry (tap compaction test). This test procedure is described
in ASTM B527-85.
5.2.2.1 Apparatus.
1. Tap-Pak Volumeter,* dual autotap, or equivalent commercial unit with operating specifications as described in ASTM B527-85 and ASTM D4164-88,
paragraphs 2 and 4, respectively.
2. 250-mL graduated cylinder.
3. Digital electric or manual balance.
5.2.2.2 Quantity. Quantity of disposable medium to be evaluated (at least
15 g, per ASTM B527-85).
5.2.2.3 Procedure.
1. Place a weighed sample of 15 g into the 250-mL graduated cylinder. Set
the tap counter for 1,000 taps and start the device.
2. When the apparatus has stopped, read the volume of material in the cylinder in millilitres.
3. Calculate the tapped density in grams per millilitre by dividing 15 g by the
tapped volume read in step 2 above. This metric value may be converted to pounds
per cubic foot by multiplying by 62.4 (e.g., tapped volume from step 2 above = 45 mL,
15 g/45 mL = 0.33 g/mL, 0.33 g/mL x 62.4 = 20.6 lb/ft3).
5.2.3 Densitywet (centrifuge method). The comparison of wet density between similar products may be of assistance in selecting doses when running tests
and to determine the reproducibility of tests.
5.2.3.1 Procedure.
1. Place 1.0 g of media in 15 mL of water in a 15-mL centrifuge tube and
shake well. Spin at 3,000 rpm for 5 min.
2. The spun sample provides an easily read visual measurement of the relative volume of filter media solids per unit of weight. A slightly understated
approximation of wet compacted bulk density in pounds per cubic foot may be obtained by dividing the constant 62.4 by the centrifuge reading in millilitres per gram
(e.g., 62.4/3.1 mL/g DE = 20.1 lb/ft3 wet cake density).
5.2.4 Permeability. The permeability measurement procedure described in this
section may be used to predict the potential performance of alternative filter-media
products, or to confirm the uniformity of sequential shipments of the same media
product. These relative permeability readings are not absolute indicators of media
clarification capabilities nor of media-filter, cycle-length characteristics in the plant,
but the user may infer that significant differences in these test results may be used
to predict differences in filtrate clarity and/or filter cycle lengths.
5.2.4.1 Apparatus.
1. 500-mL graduated cylinder.
2. 1,000-mL graduated cylinder.
3. Electric timer.
4. Milligram balances (digital electric or manual).
5. 4-tube, 15-mL clinical centrifuge.
6. Bomb filter with air-pressure source, vessel temperature gauge, filter element, pressure gauge, and drain and control valves (see Figures 1 and 2).

*The Tap-Pak Volumeter model Jel ST2 is manufactured by J. Englesmann, A.G. of West
Germany. It is available through Shandon Southern Instruments Inc., Sewickley, Pa. The
Dual Autotap apparatus is manufactured by Quantachrome Corporation, 5 Aerial Way,
Syosset, NY 11791.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

AWWA B101-94

Quarter-turn
Quarter turnvalve
valvefor
Forfree
free
flow
flowofofwater
waterto
to beaker
beaker

Water out

cross-section
1/4-in. Cross-section
O-ring to
toseal
sealunit
unit
o-ring

8.00-in. ID

Thermometer

Air in

Valve to drain and

clean out filter
Drain

Swingover clamp for cover

O-15 psi gauge to maintain

5 psi in unit for test
Microadjusting needle
Microadjusting
needlevalve
valve
to set and
in unit
to
and maintain
maintainpsi
5 psi
in unit

Glass tank gauge

Air out

Level
17 1/4-in.

Welded stainless-steel
construction must be
watertight under pressure.

Source: Harborlite Corporation.

NOTE: To convert inches to millimetres, multiply by 25.4. To convert pounds per square inch to kilopascals, multiply
by 6.89.

Figure 1 Schematic of bomb filter assembly

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

1 8 -in.

NPT
tap for tubing

1 3 4 -in. thread

in. wide 3 16 in. deep

grooves as shown
1 3 4 -in. thread

1 16

1 4 -in.

diameter
through opening

4 in.

1 4 -in.

diameter as shown

Insert 100200 CFM (ft3/min)

polypropylene cloth and
rubber seal on this surface

Knurled surface

Source: Harborlite Corporation.

NOTE: To convert inches to millimetres, multiply by 25.4.

Figure 2 Schematic of bomb filter element

5.2.4.2 Quantity. Quantity of filter media to be evaluatedat least 75 mL
(dry measure).
5.2.4.3 Procedure.
1. Weigh out 1 g of filter medium to be evaluated. Place weighed medium in
centrifuge tube and fill tube to the 15-mL mark with distilled water. Shake well and
centrifuge at 3,000 rpm for 5 min. Read the quantity of centrifuged solids in the
tube and record in millilitres per gram.
2. Calculate the weight of medium to use for filter charge by dividing the
3.5-mL/g arbitrary standard by the millilitre-per-gram reading obtained in step 1
above, and then multiplying the percentage thus obtained by the weight of the
standard filter charge for the bomb-filter apparatus being used. For example, if the
standard filter charge using 3.5-mL/g material is 15 g, then a sample charge of the
medium that tested at 6.0 mL/g would be (3.5/6.0 = 58.3 percent) 15 g = 8.75 g.
3. Fill the bomb filter with the standard volume of clean water at 38C (100F).
Place the charge of medium in the water and stir to mix thoroughly. Close the filter
vessel with the element submerged in the liquid slurry and begin agitation.
4. Pressurize bomb-filter vessel to 5 psi (34 kPa) and open the element-outflow valve, allowing filtrate to flow into 500-mL graduated cylinder. When the
cylinder fills to the 500-mL mark, start a 4-min timer, remove the 500-mL cylinder,
and place the 1,000-mL graduated cylinder under the element-outflow valve. Balance the 500-mL cylinder contents to exactly 500 mL by pouring any excess into the
1,000-mL cylinder. Discard the original 500 mL (discarding the first 500 mL allows
the filter cake to form on the element and disposes of any filtrate clouded by initial
bleed through the medium).
5. Note the quantity of filtrate in millilitres in the 1,000-mL cylinder at 2
min and 4 min using additional cylinders if necessary. Shut off the discharge valve
on the bomb filter at 4 min and drain the filter. Clean and reassemble the filter
head, and wash down the filter chamber. Note all results for comparison with results from evaluations of other samples on the same apparatus. Total volume of
filtrate in 4 min at 38C (100F) at 5 psi (34 kPa) is the permeability value of the
sample tested. This permeability value has a linear relationship to all samples similarly run on the same apparatus.
5.2.5 Particle size distributionhydrometer method. This procedure, described
in ASTM D422-63, yields results for particles smaller than 75 m and gives equivalent spherical diameter based on settling velocity.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

AWWA B101-94

5.2.6 pH.
5.2.6.1 Procedure.
1. Standardize the pH meter with National Bureau of Standards reference
material or equivalent.
2. Add a 10-g sample of filter medium to 200 mL of warm 32C (90F) distilled or deionized water, freshly boiled to remove carbon dioxide, and shake for 1 min.
Filter and cool to 25C (77F).
3. Read and report pH with the standardized meter.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY
Sec. 6.1 Marking
6.1.1 Required. Each shipment of precoat filter media shall be identified as to
product, grade, net weight, name and address of manufacturer, and brand name.
Packages or containers shall show a lot number and identification of manufacturer.
All markings on packaged, containerized, or bulk shipments shall conform to applicable laws and regulations, including requirements established by US,* Canadian,
or Mexican authorities.
6.1.2 Optional. Each package, drum, or other container of material may also
bear the statement, This material meets the requirements of AWWA B101, Standard
for Precoat Filter Media, provided that the requirements of this standard are met
and the material is not of a different quality in separate agreement between the
supplier or constructor, and purchaser.

Sec. 6.2 Packaging and Shipping

Shipments shall be made in bags or semibulk containers or in clean railcars or
trucks with tight closure to avoid loss or contamination of material in transit.
6.2.1 Bags. When bag shipments are specified, shipment shall be made in
suitable new unused heavy-duty cloth, multiwalled paper, or plastic bags of approximately 2.1 to 2.3 ft3 (0.06 to 0.07 m3) of compacted, wet-cake-equivalent-volume,
filter media. Each bag should be clearly marked with the name of the manufacturer,
the generic material, the brand name of the product, the grade name of the material, the net bag weight in inchpound and SI units, any hazard communication
information required by OSHA, and coded manufacturing batch information for
quality-control purposes.
To prepare for shipment, the bags shall be loaded on pallets and may be covered with a blanket or a shrink-film bag. This provides for stabilization of the load,
minimizes bag damage, and allows for limited outdoor storage with tarp covers.
6.2.2 Semibulk containers. When semibulk containers are specified, shipment
shall be made in suitable new unused heavy-duty, woven fabric, rubberized fabric,
or rigid metal semibulk containers. Each semibulk container should be clearly
marked with the same information specified for bags in Sec. 6.2.1. The purchaser

*For US regulations, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,

Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20210; 202-523-8151.
International System of Units, as described in International Standard ISO 1000.
Available from International Organization for Standardization CH-1211, Geneva,
Switzerland.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

PRECOAT FILTER MEDIA

should investigate and use the most advantageous of the several container options
that may be available through the (filter media) supplier.
6.2.3 Bulk. When bulk shipment is specified, shipment shall be made in clean
trucks having tight closures to avoid loss and provisions for covering to prevent
contamination.
6.2.4 Shipment notice. The supplier shall notify the constructor or purchaser
of the shipment date with specified lead time and if required shall provide a product
affidavit of compliance.

Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance

When required by the purchaser, the supplier shall provide an affidavit of compliance stating that the filter materials furnished comply with the applicable
provisions of this standard.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

APPENDIX A
Bibliography
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA B101.
American Filtration Society. 1990. Advances in Filtration and Separation Technology, Volume 1.
. Fluid/Particle Separation Journal (current issues).
American Water Works Association. 1988. AWWA Manual M30, Precoat Filtration.
Denver, Colo.: AWWA.
Eagle-Picher Minerals Inc. Celatom Filtration with Diatomite Filter Aids. Filtration
Brochure, Form A50.
Filtered Aid Application Procedures for Pressure Leaf Filters. Harborlite Technical
Bulletins.
Grefco Inc., Dicalite Div. Filtration Bulletin B-16.
Kadey, F.L. Jr. 1975. Diatomite. Industrial Minerals and Rocks. 4th ed.
Logsdon, G.S., J.M. Symons, R.L. Hoye Jr., and M.M. Arozarena. 1981. Alternative
Filtration Methods for Removal of Giardia Cysts and Cyst Models. Jour.
AWWA, 73(2):111.
Manville Filtration. Celite Filter Aids for Maximum Clarity at Lowest Cost, FA-84A.
Military Standard MIL-F52637A(ME), Sec. 3.4, page 2, Index Value.
Patterson, J.W. 1985. Industrial Wastewater Treatment Technology. 2nd ed.
Ris, J.L.; I.A. Cooper; and W.R. Goddard. 1984. Pilot Testing and Predesign of Two
Water Treatment Processes for Removal of Giardia Lamblia in Palisade, Colo.
In Proc. 1984 AWWA Annual Conference. Denver, Colo.: AWWA.
Svarovsky, L. 1981. Solid-Liquid Separation. 2nd ed.
Task Group 2710P. 1965. Diatomite Filters for Municipal Use. Jour. AWWA,
57(2):157.
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological
Exposure Indices (1990-91 or current year). ACGIH.
U.S. Army. 1944. Report Project WSS 346. Efficiency of Standard Army Water Purification Equipment and of Diatomite Filters in Removing CYSTS of Entamoeba
Histolytica from Water.
Van Arnam, D.G., and M.J. Dent. 1989. Diatomaceous Earth Water Filtration.
Water/Engineering & Management. (October 1989.)

11

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

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Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.

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