Filtralite® Pure filter media has a unique porous structure that creates ideal conditions for water to flow through the filter bed, enhancing its ability to retain contaminants. This characteristic, inherent to the lightweight expanded clay material, allows for larger volumes of water to be filtered through the same space by increasing the contact area.
Background
Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is home to over 3.2 million people in its metropolitan area.
Metropolitana Milanese S.p.A. (MM Spa) manages the city’s entire drinking water cycle — from groundwater extraction to distribution and treatment.
The Challenge
Groundwater in Milan contains chemical contaminants, particularly nitrates.
The newly built water treatment plant on Via Feltre was designed to address this issue with state-of-the-art treatment technology.
The Chosen Solution: Biological Denitrification
MM Spa selected biological denitrification, a process in which bacteria oxidize organic matter using nitrates or nitrites as an oxygen substitute.
This step is carried out inside a single-stage anaerobic biofilter filled with Filtralite® Pure, a high-performance filter media that provides the ideal surface for biofilm growth.
The technology offers a simple design, high reliability, strong performance, and low operating costs.
Technology in Action
The system is based on Nitrazur® — a patented process by SUEZ — operating with a vertical downflow and fitted with special underdrains.
Filtralite® Pure HC 2.5–5 provides an exceptionally large contact surface, enabling highly efficient nitrate removal.
Logistics & Installation
A total of 360 m³ of Filtralite® Pure HC 2.5–5 was shipped from Norway to Milan in big-bags.
Given the plant’s central urban location, on-site storage and handling presented logistical challenges.
Specialist company Palm Environnement was brought in to carry out the installation using hydro-ejectors, ensuring precise placement within the complex filter design.
Mohammed Kastawy Area Sales Manager – MENA Region Mobile: +971565503535 Email : mohammed.kastawy@saint-gobain.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
