Which type of filtration system is specifically designed to remove larger particles from water?

A sand filter is specifically designed to remove larger particles from water due to its physical structure, which consists of a layer of sand that traps sediment, debris, and larger particles as water flows through it. The effectiveness of a sand filter relies on the size and arrangement of the sand grains, which creates spaces for these larger contaminants to be captured and retained while allowing clean water to pass through.

In environmental and water treatment contexts, sand filters are commonly used for various applications, including swimming pool filtration, municipal water treatment, and wastewater treatment. They work by gravitational flow, allowing contaminated water to move through the sand layer, where gravity and the physical properties of the sand facilitate the removal of larger particulates.

In comparison, other filtration systems mentioned—such as micron filters, cartridge filters, and activated alumina filters—serve different purposes and target various contaminant sizes. Micron filters are designed for removing smaller particles, while cartridge filters often have various filter media for different types of contaminants, and activated alumina filters are specialized for adsorbing specific contaminants like fluoride or heavy metals rather than physically removing larger particles.