Dryden Aqua Activated Glass Filter Media (AFM) – Grade 2

Drydan Aqua Activated Filter Media

Drydan Aqua Activated Filter Media is also referred to as AFM©

Dryden Aqua AFM® (Activated Filter Media) is a highly engineered filtration media made from recycled green glass. It is designed as a direct replacement for sand in all types of sand filters, offering superior filtration performance. AFM is widely used in swimming pools, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and industrial applications.

Key Features of Dryden Aqua AFM®

1. Self-Sterilizing – AFM is bio-resistant, preventing bacterial growth and biofilm formation, which reduces the risk of filter channeling and improves water clarity.
2. Superior Filtration – It filters particles down to 1 micron without flocculants and even finer with proper pre-treatment.
3. Longer Lifespan – Unlike traditional sand, AFM does not degrade over time and can last the lifetime of the filter.
4. Chemical Reduction – Reduces chlorine consumption, trihalomethane (THM) formation, and other disinfection by-products.
5. Eco-Friendly – Made from 100% recycled glass and requires less backwashing, leading to water and energy savings.
6. Higher Filtration Efficiency – Provides up to 30% better filtration than sand, ensuring improved water clarity and quality.

AFM® Grades

AFM comes in different grades depending on the application:

• AFM Grade 0 – 0.25mm – 0.50mm – Ultra-fine filtration for critical applications.
• AFM Grade 1 – 0.40mm – 1.0mm – Filters down to 1 micron, ideal for swimming pools and high-performance filtration.
• AFM Grade 2 – 1.00mm – 2.00mm – General filtration media.
• AFM Grade 3 – 2.00mm – 4.00mm – Coarser media used as a base layer in filters.

Applications

• Swimming Pools & Spas – Reduces chlorine demand and improves water clarity.
• Drinking Water Treatment – Ensures high purity and reduces chemical usage.
• Wastewater Treatment – Improves effluent quality and reduces sludge production.
• Aquariums & Aquaculture – Provides safe, clear water for fish and marine life.
• Industrial Water Treatment – Used in cooling towers and process water filtration.

Comparison of AFM vs Silica Sand vs Standard Glass Media

Filtration Performance:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – Filters down to 1 micron (without flocculants).
• Silica Sand – Typically filters 20-40 microns.
• Standard Glass Media – Filters 5-15 microns.

Bacteria Resistance:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – Self-sterilizing, prevents biofilm formation.
• Silica Sand – Bacteria & biofilm can develop.
• Standard Glass Media – Somewhat resistant but not as effective as AFM®.

Longevity:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – Indefinite lifespan (does not degrade).
• Silica Sand – 5-7 years before replacement.
• Standard Glass Media – 8-10 years before replacement.

Backwashing Efficiency:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – Requires less backwashing, saving water and energy.
• Silica Sand – Requires frequent backwashing.
• Standard Glass Media – Moderate backwashing needs.

Chemical Demand:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – Reduces chlorine demand by 50%.
• Silica Sand – High chlorine demand due to biofilm formation.
• Standard Glass Media – Moderate chlorine demand.

Environmental Impact:

• Drydan Aqua AFM – 100% recycled glass, eco-friendly.
• Silica Sand – Extracted from natural resources.
• Standard Glass Media – Recycled glass, but lower performance than AFM®.

AFM® vs. Silica Sand: AFM® offers far superior filtration (1 micron vs. 20-40 microns), lasts longer, and prevents biofilm formation, reducing chlorine consumption and maintenance.

AFM® vs. Standard Glass Media: While both are made from recycled glass, AFM® is chemically activated for better performance, offering self-sterilization and finer filtration.