Manganese greensand is one of the most widely used and globally trusted filtration media for removing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from water. Industries around the world choose it for borewell treatment, groundwater purification, municipal water treatment, and industrial filtration.
Because the demand for high-performance iron-removal media is growing rapidly, engineers, EPC contractors, and system designers rely on certified manganese greensand suppliers like Starke Aquacare Technologies to achieve reliable, efficient, and long-lasting filtration performance.
What Is Manganese Greensand?
Manganese greensand is a processed glauconite mineral that is coated with a catalytic layer of manganese dioxide (MnO₂). This coating gives the media a strong ability to oxidize dissolved iron (Fe²⁺), manganese (Mn²⁺), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on contact.
Unlike simple sand or inert media, manganese greensand performs a chemical reaction, not just mechanical filtration.
Because of this catalytic nature, manganese greensand is highly effective even when:
Iron levels are high (up to 25–28 ppm)
Manganese levels exceed 1–2 ppm
Hydrogen sulfide is present
pH needs adjustment
Source water contains organics or turbidity
Thus, the media is ideal for both industrial and municipal water treatment.
How Manganese Greensand Works (Catalytic Reaction)
The core functionality is based on a catalytic oxidation-reduction mechanism.
Step 1: Oxidation Reaction
The MnO₂ coating on the media instantly oxidizes Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ to Mn⁴⁺.
Step 2: Filtration of Precipitates
The oxidized particles become insoluble and get trapped in the filter bed.
Step 3: Regeneration
The catalytic coating is restored using KMnO₄ (Potassium Permanganate).
Because of this catalytic behavior, manganese greensand offers significantly better performance than traditional iron removal media such as birm, sand, or anthracite when iron is in dissolved, reduced form.
Key Benefits of Manganese Greensand
Because manganese greensand is engineered for catalytic performance, it provides multiple advantages:
✔ Removes Iron, Manganese & H₂S in One Unit
It eliminates Fe, Mn, and hydrogen sulfide simultaneously without separate filters.
✔ Suitable for High Iron Content (up to 25 ppm)
This makes it ideal for borewell water and industrial groundwater.
✔ Works with Chlorination & Pre-oxidation
Unlike some media (e.g., Birm), greensand tolerates strong oxidants.
✔ High Catalytic Efficiency
Fast reaction rates ensure stable outlet water quality.
✔ Long Media Life (5–7 Years)
When regenerated correctly, manganese greensand offers excellent durability.
✔ Globally Approved & Recognized
Used in WTPs across the USA, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Applications of Manganese Greensand
Because of its versatility, manganese greensand is used across:
Industrial Applications
Refinery & petrochemical plants
Boiler and power plant feed water
Cooling tower water treatment
Steel and mining industries
Commercial Uses
Hospitals
Hotels
Beverage & food processing
Swimming pool pre-filtration
Municipal & Domestic
Borewell iron removal
Decentralized water supply
Municipal groundwater purification
Special Uses
Removal of iron bacteria
Treatment of iron fouling
RO pretreatment
High-Mn groundwater treatment
As a result, manganese greensand is one of the most adaptable filtration media available.
How to Regenerate Manganese Greensand
Regenerant:
Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄) is used to recharge the MnO₂ coating.
Standard Regeneration Steps
Backwash
Expand bed by 20–30%
Remove trapped solids
KMnO₄ Regeneration
Dose 0.3–0.5 g/L (varies by Fe/Mn loading)
Contact time 10–15 minutes
Rinse Cycle
Flush excess permanganate
Ensure water runs clear
Important Tip:
After regeneration, the media should ideally “rest” for a short period improving oxidation efficiency by up to 20%.
Design Parameters for Manganese Greensand Filters
For optimum performance, the following design parameters must be maintained:
✔ Bed Depth:
900–1200 mm (varies by system)
✔ Service Flow Rate:
8–12 m/h (optimal)
Max: 15–20 m/h (with strong pre-oxidation)
✔ Backwash Flow Rate:
25–30 m/h for proper expansion
✔ EBCT (Empty Bed Contact Time):
6–12 minutes depending on water chemistry
✔ pH Requirements:
Best performance: 6.2–8.0
✔ KMnO₄ Dosage:
Based on Fe/Mn load. Over-dosing may cause purple water.
Manganese Greensand vs Other Iron Removal Medias
Many buyers compare manganese greensand with Birm, Katalox Light, MnO₂ ore, and Manganese Dioxide-coated silica. Here’s how it stands out:
| Property | Manganese Greensand | Birm | MnO₂ Ore | Katalox Light |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works with chlorine | ✔ Yes | ✖ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Removes manganese | ✔ Strong | ✖ Weak | ✔ Strong | ✔ Strong |
| Removes H₂S | ✔ Yes | ✖ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Regeneration needed | ✔ KMnO₄ | ✖ None | ✖ None | ✔ Chemical |
| Weight | Light | Light | Heavy | Medium |
| Removes iron bacteria | ✔ Moderate | ✖ No | ✔ Strong | ✔ Strong |
| Best for variable water | ✔ Excellent | ✖ Poor | ✔ Good | ✔ Good |
Because greensand offers a strong balance of catalytic power, chemical compatibility, and filtration performance, it remains a preferred choice for both industrial and residential systems.
Maintenance Guidelines for Long Media Life
To ensure long-lasting performance:
1. Monitor KMnO₄ Dosage
Low dosage leads to poor regeneration, while high dosage causes purple water.
2. Maintain Correct pH
pH below 6.2 leads to incomplete oxidation.
3. Perform Backwash Regularly
This prevents clogging and channeling.
4. Avoid Organic Overload
Greensand loses efficiency when exposed to organic matter.
5. Check Pressure Drop
Gradual increase means the bed needs backwashing.
Common Troubleshooting Issues
1. Brown Water After Start-Up
Cause: Excess MnO₂ dust or incomplete rinse.
Solution: Perform additional rinse cycles.
2. Purple Water
Cause: Excess KMnO₄ dosage.
Solution: Reduce regeneration dose.
3. Reduced Performance
Cause: Low pH, poor backwash, or iron bacteria.
Solution: Adjust pH, increase backwash frequency.
4. Channeling
Cause: Inadequate backwash expansion.
Solution: Increase backwash flow.
Why Choose Starke as Your Manganese Greensand Supplier?
Starke provides high-purity, export-grade manganese greensand with:
✔ Accurate mesh size
✔ High MnO₂ coating
✔ International standard packaging
✔ Moisture-proof bags
✔ Palletized exports
✔ Technical support for design & regeneration
✔ Fast international shipping
Starke supplies to Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia, and South America with a reputation for consistent quality and engineering-level expertise.
Conclusion
Because iron and manganese contamination affects millions of water systems globally, manganese greensand remains one of the most effective, proven, and versatile filtration technologies available today.
Its catalytic oxidation ability, KMnO₄ regeneration capability, and multi-contaminant removal efficiency make it the top choice for industrial, residential, and municipal filtration systems.
For engineers, EPCs, OEMs, and plant operators looking for a reliable, export-grade manganese greensand supplier, Starke Aquacare Technologies offers unrivaled quality, consistency, and technical expertise.
💧 Buy Manganese Greensand from Starke – Export Packaging Available
Starke supplies premium manganese greensand in:
✔ 25 kg bags
✔ 40 bags/pallet (export ready)
✔ Moisture-proof woven bags
✔ Global shipping