JAMES CUMMING & SONS
James Cumming & Sons is your trusted supplier of Australian Silica Filter Sand, a clean, hard, and durable filtration media composed of high-purity siliceous material.
Product description
Engineered for high-performance filtration in multi-media water treatment systems, our silica sand delivers reliable and consistent results across municipal and industrial applications.
With over a century of manufacturing expertise, James Cumming & Sons is committed to providing premium filtration materials that meet stringent quality and performance standards. Choose Silica Filter Sand for dependable and effective filtration.
Specification(s) - Granular
Effective Size
Manufactured to Customer Order
Uniformity Coefficient
Manufactured to Customer Order
Bulk Density
1,500 kg/m³ ± 3%
Specific Gravity
2.6 ± 3%
Acid Solubility (10% HCl)
1.5% maximum
Quartz Content
98% minimum (XRD)
Friability
0.3% maximum
Impurities
0.5% maximum
Packaging
Our Silica Filter Sand is available in:
- 20kg HDPE Sacks: Shrink-wrapped onto pallets for easy storage and handling.
- Bulk Bags: 1000kg or 1500kg woven polypropylene (WPP) bulk bags with lifting loops.
- Custom Packaging: Available upon request for large-scale or export projects.
Product Compliance
At James Cumming & Sons, our Silica Filter Sand is sourced and processed to deliver consistent particle sizing, low impurity levels, and dependable filtration performance. Tested to exceed industry benchmarks, it’s a proven choice for water treatment professionals seeking longevity, efficiency, and quality assurance.
Backed by decades of field use across Australia and internationally, our Silica Sand supports better filtration outcomes and long-term operational efficiency.
Projects
Sydney Desalination
Plant
In response to declining water levels, Sydney Water obtained approval for a Seawater Desalination Plant. Pilot testing favoured coarse dual-media filtration. We supplied C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal, on time and to exact specification.
Qurayyat Desalination
Plant
This plant is in operation to address water shortages in Muscat, Oman and surrounds. We supplied 2,210 cubic metres of C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal, delivered on time, to exact specifications.
Dungog WTP
This was the first contact filtration plant in Australia to use large effective size media, after pilot plant work by the Hunter Water Corporation. It was also the first to use C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal and remains an industry frontrunner with long-term results, durability and consistency.
Barangaroo Lendlease
Grand Casino
We supplied premium C&S Brand Australian Activated Carbon while transforming a former gas works site into a modern casino and hotel, effectively eliminating odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and adding to Sydney’s evolving skyline.
Mt Crosby
Eastbank
This refurbishment project included converting 20 mono-media sand filters to dual-media filters with C&S Brand Australian Filter Coal. It extended filter run times, reduced backwashing frequency and improved plant performance, surpassing client expectations.
FAQs
What makes garnet filtration media more effective than silica filtration media?
While both garnet and silica filtration media are effective as support medias, garnet’s unique properties make it a superior choice for many water filtration applications, especially those requiring high-quality water and efficient operation. Our Garnet Gravels have smaller and denser particles than silica gravel that enables our operators to have more volume of filtration media above the layers of Garnet Gravel, improving capacity and throughput of the system.
Due to its stability and efficient filtration, garnet filtration media can extend filter run times and reduce the frequency of backwashing. Its resistance to stratification minimises water waste during backwashing, promoting water conservation.
How does garnet filtration media support backwashing operations in water treatment systems?
During backwashing, water is forced upward through the filter bed, loosening and removing trapped particles. Garnet’s high density prevents it from being easily displaced during this process, so that the filter bed remains stable, and the media layers do not mix. This stability allows for efficient backwashing, where the finer media can be effectively cleaned without being lost or migrating to other layers. By maintaining the integrity of the filter bed, garnet helps to prolong the filter’s lifespan and optimise its performance.
What are the practical applications of garnet filtration media?
Our Garnet Gravels can be applied in various water treatment systems, including:
- Municipal water treatment
- Industrial water treatment
- Swimming pool filtration
- Aquarium filtration
Finer Garnet filtration media removes suspended solids, turbidity and contaminants, making it beneficial for drinking water treatments in municipal systems. Additionally, its durability and chemical stability help maintain water clarity and hygiene in swimming pools and aquariums.
Our Garnet Gravels can be applied in various water treatment systems, including:
- Municipal water treatment
- Industrial water treatment
- Swimming pool filtration
- Aquarium filtration
Finer Garnet filtration media removes suspended solids, turbidity and contaminants, making it beneficial for drinking water treatments in municipal systems. Additionally, its durability and chemical stability help maintain water clarity and hygiene in swimming pools and aquariums.
Generally, garnet filtration media should last for indefinitely without needing replacement. Regular monitoring and inspections of your filter gallery should ensure you’re running your filtration system and optimising it’s performance.. Consult with water treatment professionals or process engineers to determine the optimal replacement schedule for your specific filtration system.
How often should garnet filtration media be replaced in a filtration system?
Generally, garnet filtration media should last for indefinitely without needing replacement. Regular monitoring and inspections of your filter gallery should ensure you’re running your filtration system and optimising it’s performance.. Consult with water treatment professionals or process engineers to determine the optimal replacement schedule for your specific filtration system.
Does garnet filtration media affect the taste or quality of the treated water?
Garnet media, like our Garnet Gravels, does not affect the taste or quality of treated water. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with the water or the chemicals used in the filtration process. Garnet’s primary function is to physically remove impurities without altering the water’s chemical composition or taste. In fact, by improving water clarity and removing undesirable particles, garnet can contribute to a more pleasant drinking experience.
Contact us
for your Filter Coal, Activated Carbon and Carbon additive needs
Reach us through
James Cumming & Sons
319 Parramatta Road,
Auburn NSW 2144 Australia
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