Sand separator

[[File:Piaskownik - miejska oczyszczalnia scieków w Wieluniu.jpg|thumb|Sand separator in sewage treatment plant in Wieluń.]] A '''sand separator''' is a device that separates sand or other solids from water.<ref>{{Cite book |first1=Gulf Publishing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M8LbOAw9sykC&dq=%22Sand+separator%22&pg=PA86 |title=Shale Shakers and Drilling Fluid Systems: Techniques and Technology for Improving Solids Control Management |author1=American Association of Drilling Engineers |date=1999 |publisher=Gulf Professional Publishing |isbn=978-0-88415-948-3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5fiyXI-DFSsC&dq=%22Sand+separator%22&pg=PA141 |title=Groundwater, 3rd Edition |date=2003 |publisher=American Water Works Association |isbn=978-1-61300-175-2 |language=en}}</ref>

One version of sand separator utilizes centrifugal force to separate sand or other heavy particles out of the water. The separated material drops down into a tank or reservoir where it can be removed later or in the case of in-well separators, the separated sand drops into the bottom of the well. It is not a true filter, since there is no physical barrier to separate out the particles, but it is often used upstream of a filter to first remove the bulk of the contaminant, where the filter does the final cleaning. This type of design reduces the time required to flush and clean the filter.

== Applications == * Used in micro-irrigation systems to remove sand and silt particles from irrigation water. * Grinding circuits within the mineral processing industry and micro-irrigation. The coarse particles return to the mill for re-grinding while the finer products are passed on to a subsequent stage of treatment.

== References == {{Reflist}}

== See also == * Hydrocyclone * Cyclonic separation

Category:Water filters Category:Irrigation