Silica sand (SiO₂) is one of the most consumed raw materials of modern industry. Thanks to its high hardness, chemical resistance and high melting point, it is actively used in more than 12 different industries — from water treatment to the foundry industry, from precast production to railway systems.
As Seyman Maden, our silica and quartz products manufactured at our 3 facilities — Ergene (Tekirdağ), Çatalca (İstanbul) and Kırklareli — are shipped with the TS EN 12904 certificate in a granulometry suited to the needs of every sector.
Quick Fact: From construction chemicals to water treatment, from precast production to equestrian arena tracks, every application has its own specification, granulometry and purity expectation. Choosing the right product directly determines field performance.
1. Filter & Treatment Sand
One of the most critical application areas of silica sand is water treatment and filtration. It is used as filter media in drinking water, wastewater and pool water treatment plants. Silica sand adds no chemicals to the water; it performs purely mechanical filtration.
Areas of use:
- Municipal drinking water treatment plants
- Swimming pool filters
- Industrial process water treatment
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Boiler filters
Required properties: TS EN 12904 certificate, controlled granulometry, low dust content
Preferred grain size: 0.4 - 1.2 mm (filter sand) + 2-26 mm (filter gravel support layer)
2. Construction Chemicals Sand
It is used as filler and aggregate in the production of mortar, plaster, joint grout, adhesive and waterproofing materials. Controlled granulometry improves the homogeneity of the mix and reduces the risk of cracking.
Areas of use:
- Ready-mixed dry mortar production
- Tile and ceramic adhesives
- Joint grout materials
- Plaster and screed mixes
- Surface hardeners
Required properties: Washed, screened, low moisture content, homogeneous grain distribution
3. Precast & GRC Sand
It is used as fine aggregate in the production of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) panels and in precast structural elements. It directly affects surface quality and strength.
Areas of use:
- GRC panel production
- Precast garden walls, curbs
- Architectural decorative elements
- Bridge and viaduct elements
- Sanitary ware casting
Required properties: Controlled granulometry, low clay/organic content, homogeneous surface
4. Sandblasting & Abrasive Sand
Silica sand sprayed at high pressure to remove rust, paint, dirt and the oxide layer from metal surfaces is known as sandblasting sand.
Areas of use:
- Ship and shipyard maintenance
- Steel structure cleaning
- Automotive restoration
- Concrete surface preparation
- Glass decoration (frosted glass production)
Preferred grain size: 0.5 - 2 mm
5. Foundry Sand
It is used to prepare molds and cores in iron, steel, aluminum, brass and bronze casting processes. The high melting point of silica sand enables it to withstand the temperature of the molten metal.
Areas of use:
- Automotive spare part casting
- Machinery industry castings
- Heavy industry (bearings, gears)
- Art casting (sculpture, decorative objects)
- Refractory material production
Required properties: Low clay content, high SiO₂ purity, AFS value
Preferred grain size: AFS 50-60 grit (0.2 - 0.8 mm)
6. Equestrian Arena & Racecourse Sand
On horse tracks, equestrian arenas and racecourses, washed silica sand of a special granulometry is used. It provides the appropriate softness-hardness balance on the track for horse health and performance.
Areas of use:
- Outdoor equestrian arenas
- Indoor riding facilities
- Racecourse tracks
- Show-jumping courses
- Horse farm training areas
Required properties: Washed, screened, rounded grain structure, optimum moisture retention
7. Beach & Shore Sand
It is used as aesthetic and hygienic beach sand in tourism facilities and landscaping applications. Washed silica sand cleared of organic content provides a natural appearance.
Areas of use:
- Hotel and holiday resort beaches
- Beach volleyball courts
- Garden and landscaping applications
- Ornamental pool surroundings
- Decorative terrarium bases
Required properties: Washed, light color, low dust content
8. Children's Playground Sand
This is specially prepared hygienic silica sand used in children's parks, kindergartens and playgrounds. Bacteria, organic residue and dust content are minimized.
Areas of use:
- Kindergarten sandpits
- Municipal children's parks
- Residential complex playgrounds
- Educational institutions
- Private nurseries and daycare centers
Required properties: Washed, sterilized, hygienic, free of hard grains
9. Epoxy Flooring Sand
In epoxy primer and epoxy floor applications used on industrial floors, car parks and factories, silica sand gives the surface slip resistance and durability.
Areas of use:
- Factory and warehouse floors
- Car parks and service areas
- Hospital and laboratory floors
- Logistics center floors
- Cold storage floors
Required properties: Very low moisture (below 0.1%), controlled grain size
10. Façade Molding & Architectural Sand
It is used as filler material in building façade moldings, architectural decorative elements and exterior stone imitations.
Areas of use:
- EPS molding production
- Exterior façade decoration
- Architectural profiles and trim
- Restoration applications
- Sculpture and decorative element production
11. Traction Sand (Railway)
This is a special high-SiO₂ quartz sand used to prevent train, tram and metro wheels from slipping on the rail. By increasing the friction between wheel and rail, it raises traction power.
Areas of use:
- TCDD locomotives and wagons
- Urban tram lines
- Metro vehicles
- Heavy freight trains
- Rail safety in winter conditions
Critical advantages:
- Increased traction during departure and acceleration
- Reduced braking distance
- Safety in rainy, snowy and icy weather
- Rail cleaning during leaf-fall periods
Required properties: Washed, screened, low moisture content, homogeneous grain distribution, high mechanical strength
Preferred grain size: 0.5 - 2 mm (controlled granular structure)
12. GRP Pipe Production
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipes are produced by the filament winding method and silica sand is used as a raw material. It increases the pipe's strength, surface quality and chemical resistance.
Areas of use:
- Drinking water main transmission lines
- Sewage and wastewater pipes
- Industrial chemical transport pipes
- Irrigation systems
- Fire water lines
Required properties: High purity, controlled granulometry, low moisture content, homogeneous surface
Which Grain Size Is Used in Which Sector?
| Sector | Grain Size | Purity (SiO₂) | Special Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter & Treatment | 0.4 - 1.2 mm | 96%+ | TS EN 12904 |
| Construction Chemicals | 0.1 - 0.8 mm | 95%+ | Low moisture |
| Precast & GRC | 0.2 - 1.0 mm | 96%+ | Controlled granule |
| Sandblasting | 0.5 - 2 mm | 95%+ | High strength |
| Foundry | 0.2 - 0.8 mm | 96%+ | AFS 50-60 |
| Equestrian Arena | 0.3 - 0.8 mm | 92%+ | Washed |
| Beach & Shore | 0.3 - 1.0 mm | 92%+ | Low dust |
| Children's Playground | 0.3 - 0.8 mm | 95%+ | Hygienic |
| Epoxy | 0.1 - 0.8 mm | 95%+ | Very low moisture |
| Façade Molding & Architectural | 0.1 - 0.5 mm | 95%+ | Fine filler |
| Traction Sand | 0.5 - 2 mm | 95%+ | Mechanical strength |
| GRP Pipe | 0.1 - 0.5 mm | 96%+ | High purity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certificate is required for filter sand?
Silica sand to be used in drinking water treatment systems must have the TS EN 12904 certificate. This standard defines the chemical and physical safety criteria for the sand.
What is the difference between traction sand and ordinary silica sand?
Traction sand is specially prepared as washed, screened and with a low moisture content. Its grain size is controlled and its mechanical strength is high. It does not damage locomotive equipment.
Which silica sand is used in GRP pipe production?
In GRP pipe production, high-purity (SiO₂ 96%+), fine-granulometry and low-moisture silica sand is preferred. Its interaction with the resin is critical.
How is children's playground sand selected?
Hygienic, washed silica sand free of hard/sharp grains and with a low dust content should be selected. It must be sourced from a certified manufacturer.
Does equestrian arena sand require special preparation?
Yes, equestrian arena sand must be washed and have a rounded grain structure. Optimum moisture-retention capacity and an appropriate hardness balance are essential for the health of the horse.
Why is special sand needed for epoxy floors?
Because epoxy resin reacts with moisture, silica sand with a very low moisture content (below 0.1%) must be used. Otherwise, floor blistering and adhesion problems occur.
Conclusion
Silica sand is the versatile raw material of modern industry. It is actively used in 12 different sectors — from water treatment to casting, from precast to railway safety. Each sector has its own specification, granulometry and purity expectation.
As Seyman Maden, we carry out TS EN 12904 certified production at our 3 facilities. We provide wholesale supply to every point in Turkey for all industrial needs, including filter sand, foundry sand, sandblasting sand, equestrian arena sand, precast sand, traction sand, epoxy sand and GRP pipe sand.
For a product and price quote specific to your sector, get in touch.