by  Washed quartz sand has been processed further through water washing to remove salt, silt, clay and other impurities trapped within natural sand deposits. This washing process produces sand which has consistent properties required for many industrial applications.
Properties of Washed Quartz Sand
Washed quartz sand retains the angular shape of the natural quartz crystals from which it is derived. This angular shape allows the grains to interlock when compressed, resulting in high strength. It is also chemically inert since quartz is one of the most stable minerals. Washed quartz sand has a high silica (SiO2) content, usually more than 95%, with very low reactivity and durability properties. These properties make it suitable for a variety of construction and industrial uses where high strength, chemical non-reactivity and resistance to weathering are required.
Uses in Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the largest end users of washed quartz sand. It is used as a component in manufacturing concrete blocks and bricks, mortars for rendering and screeding, and plasters. As a fine aggregate in concrete production, washed quartz sand increases workability and strength. It imparts good mechanical properties and durability to finished concrete structures like buildings, roads, dams etc. Washed Silica Sand is also found in airfield runways and railway ballasts due to its strength and resistance to degradation. Other construction uses include filter sand in swimming pools and water treatment facilities.
Applications in Glassmaking
Nearly 75% of commercial silica sand production is used to make glass. Washed quartz sand meets the high purity needs of the glass industry where compositions need to be carefully controlled. Silica exists as amorphous silicon dioxide in glass, providing it with viscosity during manufacture and giving the final product its transparency and strength. Different types of glass like soda-lime, lead crystal, borosilicate etc are made using washed silica sand. End products range from bottles and containers to flat glass for windows, vehicle glass and specialty glass for appliances, light bulbs, laboratory equipment and more.
Industrial Applications
Washed quartz sand finds applications in many areas of general industry apart from glass and construction. It is used as a refractory material in the steel and foundry industries where its high melting point lends heat resistance properties. Coatings and filtration industries utilize washed quartz sand for products like paints, paper coatings, filter paper etc. Foundry molds and cores are prepared using silica sand for its strength and non-reactivity with molten metal alloys. Other miscellaneous industrial applications include abrasive blasting, landscaping, sports surfaces, hydraulic fracturing and more.
Benefits of Using Processed Silica Sand
Using washed/processed silica sand instead of natural sand in various applications can provide several benefits:
– Consistent properties: Washing and processing results in sand with little variance in properties like size, shape, density and purity. This allows for more consistent performance.
– Free of impurities: Removal of common impurities such as clay and silt prevents quality issues in end products. Impurities can cause discoloration, scratching or weakening.
– Durability: Washed sand stands up better to mechanical and environmental stresses over long periods of time compared to natural sand containing impurities.
– Improved chemical resistance: Higher silica purity provides better resistance to chemical attack for demanding applications like glass, refactories etc.
– Increased productivity: Pure, shaped sand particles allow for easier mixing, casting, pressing etc during manufacturing for higher yields and throughput.
– Cost savings: Using consistent, purified sand eliminates costs associated with troubleshooting defective products, rework and quality control in the long run.
Thus, overall performance reliability and product quality can be enhanced in most applications with the use of washed silica sand in place of natural sand straight from the mine.
With such diverse uses across many industries, silica sand mining and processing will continue to play an important role in industrial manufacturing. Proper resource utilization and maintenance of high processing standards are necessary to sustainably meet global demand for this versatile mineral well into the future.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
