Glass Pearl Media sets new benchmark for backwash performance
20 May 2025 — Australia and New Zealand — Independent performance testing conducted by one of Australia’s most respected hydraulic research facilities has verified Waterco’s Glass Pearl filter media delivers faster and more efficient backwashing than competing products. Waterco is unveiling the findings this week at Ozwater’25, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The trials were carried out by the University of New South Wales’ Water Research Laboratory (WRL) — a globally recognised centre for excellence in water engineering research and innovation.
“To assess filtration media performance, Waterco Glass Pearl, AFM® (Activated Filter Media), and Waterco EcoPure were subjected to rigorous, side-by-side testing,” says Andy Gale, Commercial Business Unit Manager at Waterco. “The evaluation focused on three key indicators: hydraulic performance, filtration efficiency, and backwash effectiveness.”
To verify the results, an electromagnetic flow meter was installed and monitored throughout the test, to ensure a consistent discharge (m 3/h) of water passing through the test samples. Pressure gauges were located on both the upstream and downstream plumbing of the filter to record the pressure differential.
“Samples upstream and downstream of the filter unit were analysed using a Malvern Mastersizer, an industry best practice device for measuring the quantity of each particle size in the water,” Gale explains. “This provides a robust measure of the removal efficiency across particle sizes and the total removal efficiency.”
Glass Pearl filter media provides outstanding hydraulic efficiency results
The spherical shape of the Glass Pearl media reduced water flow resistance by 37 per cent compared to AFM®, easing the workload on circulation pumps — typically the largest energy users in a system.
“With less pressure needed to move water, you get real efficiency gains,” says Gale.
All glass filter media tested demonstrated high filtration performance
“This confirms that Glass Pearl filter media is just as effective as regenerative filters in a nominal sense,” he explains.
In practical terms, this level of filtration means improved water clarity and fewer contaminants circulating through the system — without the added complexity or cost associated with regenerative systems. It reinforces the value of glass media as a reliable, high-performance option for both commercial and residential applications.
Glass Pearl effectively reduces water use by up to one-third
Glass Pearl can be effectively backwashed at a rate of 12 m³/m²/hr — at least one-third the rate required by other filter media — enabling potential water savings of up to 66 per cent for the same backwash duration.
“The result is more efficient backwash cycles, less water wasted, and lower running costs overall,” says Gale.
Across all three tests, Glass Pearl emerged as the most efficient media in terms of energy and water consumption.
“Waterco’s Glass Pearl filter media not only delivers excellent clarity and reliable performance but also helps reduce energy, water and chemical usage,” Gale concludes. “With long-term savings and reduced environmental impact, this media stands out as the smart, sustainable choice for filtration management.”