Birm Filter Media for Iron Removal
Birm is a granular water filter media widely used for the removal of iron and manganese from feed water supplies.

Birm is an efficient and economical filter media used in the reduction of dissolved iron and manganese ions from raw water supplies such as ground water and industrial use water. Birm Filter Media can be used in both gravity feed and pressure vessel water treatment and purification systems. Birm iron and manganese removal water filter media acts as an insoluble catalyst that enhances the reaction between dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and the iron (Fe) compounds. In borehole water the dissolved iron is normally found in its ferrous bicarbonate form due to an excess of free carbon dioxide and is not easily filtered from water. Birm, acts as a catalyst between the oxygen and the soluble iron ions, and enhances the oxidation reaction of Fe to Fe and produces ferric hydroxide which easily precipitates and can then be filtered out of the water. Physical characteristics of Birm Filter Media provides an excellent water filter media which is easily cleaned by backwashing to remove the precipitant. Birm is not consumed in the iron removal operation and therefore offers a tremendous economic advantage over many other iron removal filter media systems.

Furthermore advantages of Birm Heavy Metal Removal Filter Media include: prolonged material life with relatively low attrition loss, a wide temperature performance range and extremely high iron and manganese removal abilities. Negligible labour costs are involved because Birm Media does not require chemicals for regeneration, only periodic backwashing is required. Feed water having a low D.O. level may be pre-treated with aeration.

Raw or untreated water should be periodically monitored for raw water parameter compatibility. The treated water should be periodically monitored for manganese and if present iron shortly before a regeneration and immediately after a regeneration to monitor how the filter system is functioning. Elevated treated water manganese concentrations before regeneration may mean that the filter media is being destroyed or bed reduction capacity has been exceeded. Take corrective actions as necessary. If chlorine and hydrogen sulfide are not present, low pH or lack of oxygen are the most likely conditions leading to media destruction.

Dosing of chemicals to influent or backwash water which contacts Birm media may inhibit iron or manganese removal or may break down or coat Birm media. Chlorination greatly reduces Birm’s ability. Higher concentrations of chlorine compounds can deplete the catalytic coating on Birm Filter Media. Polyphosphates are known to coat Birm and reduce Birm’s ability to remove iron or manganese. Prior to adding any chemical to the influent or backwash water, the chemical’s compatibility with Birm Filter Media should be properly tested.

Birm Clack water filter media may also be used for manganese reduction with a similar dependability as iron removal. In the manganese removal application the water to be purified must have a pH of 8.0-9.0 for the absolute best results. If the untreated water also contains iron, the pH should be below 8.5. Higher pH conditions can cause the formulation of colloidal iron which is very difficult to filter out. All other conditions remain the same for either manganese or iron removal.

Birm Filter Media Advantages

Under the proper conditions, no chemicals to purchase for maintenance. Regeneration not required.
Iron removal efficiency is extremely high.
Negligible labour cost: only periodic backwashing required.
Durable material with a long life and wide temperature range.
Weighs only 40-45 lbs./cu.ft

Birm Media Physical Properties

Colour: Black
Bulk Density: 40-45 lbs. cu.ft
Mesh Size: 10 x 40
Specific Gravity: 2.0gm/cc
Effective Size: 0.48 mm
Uniformity Coefficient: 2.

Birm Conditions for Operation

Alkalinity must be greater than 2x the combined sulfate and chloride concentration levels.
Water Temp (Max): 100°F/38°C
Water pH Range: 6.8-9.0
Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) content must be equal to at least 15% of the iron (or iron and manganese) content.
Bed depth: 77-92 cm.
Freeboard: 50% of bed depth (min.)
Backwash rate: 10-12 gpm/sq.ft.
Backwash Bed Expansion: 20-40% of bed depth (min.)
Service flow rate: 3.5-5 gpm/sq.ft. intermittent flow rates and/or favourable local conditions may allow higher flow rates

Birm Media Backwashing and Influent Limitations

Free chlorine concentrate less than 0.5 ppm
Hydrogen Sulfide: should be removed prior to Birm filter media system
Oil: Not Detected
Polyphosphates: Not Detected

Birm Filter Media Packaging Details

Description: Birm Iron and Manganese Removal Water Filter Media
Cu/ft (Bag): 1
Weight: 18Kg
Bags per Pallet: 40
Weight per Pallet: 750Kg