IS 8419 (Part 1) : 2000Requirements for filtration equipment, Part 1: Filtration media - sand and gravel

Q: What is the recommended ratio of orifice area to filter bed area?

The total area of perforations or orifices should be between 0.2 to 0.3 percent of the filter bed area (Clause 5.2.1).

Q: What is the maximum allowable head loss through the underdrain system during backwash?

The head loss should not exceed 1.0 meter of water at the maximum backwash rate (Clause 5.2.2).

Q: What are the maximum permitted water velocities in the manifold and laterals?

Velocity should not exceed 1.8 m/s in the manifold and 2.4 m/s in the laterals during maximum discharge (Clause 5.2.3).

Q: What is the typical spacing for laterals in a pipe grid underdrain system?

The laterals are typically spaced between 15 cm and 30 cm from centre to centre (Clause 5.3.1).

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AWWA B100 · EN 12904 · JWWA A 103

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IS 8419:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for requirements for filtration equipment, part 1: filtration media - sand and gravel. This standard specifies the requirements for the underdrainage system of rapid sand gravity filters used in water treatment. It covers pipe-and-nozzle grid systems and false bottom with nozzle systems, outlining design criteria, material specifications, and construction requirements to ensure uniform collection of filtered water and efficient distribution of backwash water.

Requirements for filtration equipment, Part 1: Filtration media - sand and gravel

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Specialized
Domain: Water Resources — Public Health Engineering
Type: Specification
Amendments: Amendment 1 (August 2003)

International equivalents

AWWA B100-22 · American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA EN 12904:2005 · European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe JWWA A 103:2020 · Japan Water Works Association (JWWA), Japan ASTM E11 - 22 · ASTM International, USA

Typically used with

IS 1536 IS 4985 IS 2527

Also on InfraLens for IS 8419

6Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Proper leveling of the underdrain system is critical to ensure uniform filtration and backwashing; even minor deviations can lead to channeling and poor filter performance.

! The choice between a pipe grid and a false bottom system depends on the plant scale, cost, and maintenance. False bottom systems generally provide better backwash distribution but can be more expensive.

! Clogging of orifices or nozzles is a common operational issue. Ensure the design facilitates easy inspection and cleaning where possible.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 3Materials Cl. 4Types of Underdrainage System Cl. 5Design Requirements Cl. 5.2Hydraulic Design Cl. 5.3Spacing

Updates & Amendments1 amendment

Amendment 1 (August 2003)

Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.

sandgravelfilter media

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

AWWA B100-22American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA

HighCurrent

Granular Filter Material

Covers physical, chemical, and testing requirements for granular media used in water filters.

EN 12904:2005European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe

HighCurrent

Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Sand and gravel

Specifies characteristics and requirements for sand and gravel in drinking water treatment.

JWWA A 103:2020Japan Water Works Association (JWWA), Japan

HighCurrent

Filter Materials for Water Works

Defines quality standards for sand, gravel, and anthracite used in Japanese water treatment plants.

ASTM E11 - 22ASTM International, USA

LowCurrent

Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Does not specify filter media properties, but is a referenced standard for the sieve analysis method used by all.

Key Differences

≠IS 8419 defines three specific grades of sand (Fine, Medium, Coarse) and three sizes of gravel, whereas AWWA B100 and EN 12904 provide a framework for the purchaser to specify any custom Effective Size (ES) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC) required by the filter design.

≠EN 12904 includes specific requirements for testing the release of hazardous substances (e.g., heavy metals, arsenic) from the media into the water, a requirement not explicitly quantified in IS 8419.

≠IS 8419 specifies a qualitative requirement for media to be 'free from clay, loam...', while international standards like AWWA B100 and EN 12904 often impose a quantitative limit, such as 'less than 1% material passing the 75-micron sieve'.

≠While all standards specify acid solubility tests, the exact procedure, type of acid, and temperature can vary slightly, potentially leading to different results for the same material.

Key Similarities

≈All standards use Effective Size (ES) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC) as the fundamental parameters to define the grading and performance characteristics of the filter sand.

≈There is a common requirement for the filter media to be hard, durable, and siliceous (quartz-based), with limits on the content of soft or soluble materials like limestone or shale.

≈All include a requirement for an acid solubility test to limit the amount of carbonate material that could dissolve and adversely affect the pH and hardness of the treated water.

≈The underlying methodology for determining the particle size distribution, using a standardized set of laboratory test sieves (sieve analysis), is a common foundation across all standards.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Effective Size (Sand)	Prescribed ranges for 3 Grades (e.g., Grade 1: 0.45-0.70 mm)	Not prescribed; specified by purchaser based on filter design. Common range 0.45-0.55 mm.	AWWA B100-22
Uniformity Coefficient (Sand)	≤ 1.6 for all grades	Generally specified as < 1.7, with < 1.5 often preferred	AWWA B100-22
Acid Solubility	≤ 5.0% by weight	≤ 5.0% by weight (though purchasers may specify lower values like ≤ 2.0%)	AWWA B100-22
Specific Gravity (Sand & Gravel)	≥ 2.50	≥ 2.5	AWWA B100-22
Gravel Sizing	Defined in three fixed sizes (e.g., Size I: 3-6 mm)	Specified in multiple layers with defined size ranges (e.g., 3 mm x 6 mm, 6 mm x 12 mm, etc.)	EN 12904:2005
Fines / Clay Content	Qualitative: 'shall be free from clay, loam...'	Quantitative: 'Material passing 0.063 mm sieve shall not exceed 1% by weight'	EN 12904:2005
Hardness	Not explicitly quantified with a value.	Mohs hardness scale value of not less than 6 (often specified as 7).	AWWA B100-22

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values

Ratio of total orifice area to filter area0.2 to 0.3 percent

Maximum head loss during backwash1.0 m of water

Maximum velocity in manifold1.8 m/s

Maximum velocity in laterals2.4 m/s

Centre to centre spacing of laterals15 to 30 cm

Centre to centre spacing of nozzles on false bottom15 to 30 cm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Requirements for Sand

Table 2 - Requirements for Gravel

Key Clauses

Clause 3 - Materials

Clause 4 - Types of Underdrainage System

Clause 5 - Design Requirements

Clause 5.2 - Hydraulic Design

Clause 5.3 - Spacing

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the recommended ratio of orifice area to filter bed area?+

The total area of perforations or orifices should be between 0.2 to 0.3 percent of the filter bed area (Clause 5.2.1).

What is the maximum allowable head loss through the underdrain system during backwash?+

The head loss should not exceed 1.0 meter of water at the maximum backwash rate (Clause 5.2.2).

What are the maximum permitted water velocities in the manifold and laterals?+

Velocity should not exceed 1.8 m/s in the manifold and 2.4 m/s in the laterals during maximum discharge (Clause 5.2.3).

What is the typical spacing for laterals in a pipe grid underdrain system?+

The laterals are typically spaced between 15 cm and 30 cm from centre to centre (Clause 5.3.1).

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IS 8419 (Part 1) : 2000Requirements for filtration equipment, Part 1: Filtration media - sand and gravel

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

AWWA B100 · EN 12904 · JWWA A 103

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMWater Resources · Public Health Engineering

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

Requirements for filtration equipment, Part 1: Filtration media - sand and gravel

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Specialized
Domain: Water Resources — Public Health Engineering
Type: Specification
Amendments: Amendment 1 (August 2003)

International equivalents

Typically used with

IS 1536 IS 4985 IS 2527

Also on InfraLens for IS 8419

6Key values 2Tables 4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Proper leveling of the underdrain system is critical to ensure uniform filtration and backwashing; even minor deviations can lead to channeling and poor filter performance.

! Clogging of orifices or nozzles is a common operational issue. Ensure the design facilitates easy inspection and cleaning where possible.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 3Materials Cl. 4Types of Underdrainage System Cl. 5Design Requirements Cl. 5.2Hydraulic Design Cl. 5.3Spacing

Updates & Amendments1 amendment

Amendment 1 (August 2003)

Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.

sandgravelfilter media

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

AWWA B100-22American Water Works Association (AWWA), USA

HighCurrent

Granular Filter Material

Covers physical, chemical, and testing requirements for granular media used in water filters.

EN 12904:2005European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe

HighCurrent

Products used for treatment of water intended for human consumption - Sand and gravel

Specifies characteristics and requirements for sand and gravel in drinking water treatment.

JWWA A 103:2020Japan Water Works Association (JWWA), Japan

HighCurrent

Filter Materials for Water Works

Defines quality standards for sand, gravel, and anthracite used in Japanese water treatment plants.

ASTM E11 - 22ASTM International, USA

LowCurrent

Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Does not specify filter media properties, but is a referenced standard for the sieve analysis method used by all.

Key Differences

≠While all standards specify acid solubility tests, the exact procedure, type of acid, and temperature can vary slightly, potentially leading to different results for the same material.

Key Similarities

≈All standards use Effective Size (ES) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC) as the fundamental parameters to define the grading and performance characteristics of the filter sand.

≈There is a common requirement for the filter media to be hard, durable, and siliceous (quartz-based), with limits on the content of soft or soluble materials like limestone or shale.

≈All include a requirement for an acid solubility test to limit the amount of carbonate material that could dissolve and adversely affect the pH and hardness of the treated water.

≈The underlying methodology for determining the particle size distribution, using a standardized set of laboratory test sieves (sieve analysis), is a common foundation across all standards.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Effective Size (Sand)	Prescribed ranges for 3 Grades (e.g., Grade 1: 0.45-0.70 mm)	Not prescribed; specified by purchaser based on filter design. Common range 0.45-0.55 mm.	AWWA B100-22
Uniformity Coefficient (Sand)	≤ 1.6 for all grades	Generally specified as < 1.7, with < 1.5 often preferred	AWWA B100-22
Acid Solubility	≤ 5.0% by weight	≤ 5.0% by weight (though purchasers may specify lower values like ≤ 2.0%)	AWWA B100-22
Specific Gravity (Sand & Gravel)	≥ 2.50	≥ 2.5	AWWA B100-22
Gravel Sizing	Defined in three fixed sizes (e.g., Size I: 3-6 mm)	Specified in multiple layers with defined size ranges (e.g., 3 mm x 6 mm, 6 mm x 12 mm, etc.)	EN 12904:2005
Fines / Clay Content	Qualitative: 'shall be free from clay, loam...'	Quantitative: 'Material passing 0.063 mm sieve shall not exceed 1% by weight'	EN 12904:2005
Hardness	Not explicitly quantified with a value.	Mohs hardness scale value of not less than 6 (often specified as 7).	AWWA B100-22