M-sand, also known as Manufactured Sand, is a type of sand produced from crushing hard granite or basalt rocks. It is a substitute for river sand in construction activities. M-sand has gained popularity as an alternative to natural sand due to the increasing scarcity of river sand and the environmental concerns associated with sand mining.
The process of manufacturing M-sand involves crushing the rocks into fine particles using vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers. The resulting material is then screened to remove any impurities and ensure uniformity in particle size. M-sand has a cubical shape and is free of silt and organic impurities.
Washing of M-sand, or manufactured sand, is done primarily to remove any impurities and ensure the quality of the sand used in construction and other applications. Here are the main reasons why M-sand is washed:
- Removal of impurities: M-sand is produced by crushing hard granite rocks into sand-sized particles. During this process, some impurities such as clay, silt, dust, and organic matter may be present in the sand. Washing helps to remove these impurities and improve the quality of the sand.
- Elimination of contaminants: The washing process helps in eliminating various contaminants present in the raw materials used to produce m-sand. These contaminants can include organic matter, vegetation, dirt, and other substances that may affect the quality of the sand. By washing the m-sand, these contaminants are removed, ensuring a cleaner and more consistent product.
- Reduced Shrinkage and Cracking: Impurities present in M-sand can contribute to shrinkage and cracking of concrete. Washing helps eliminate these impurities, minimizing the potential for such issues and improving the long-term integrity of structures.
- Improved gradation: Washing M-sand helps to achieve a more consistent and uniform gradation. By removing finer particles and unwanted materials, the sand particles can be better distributed and graded, leading to improved workability and strength of the concrete or mortar made with M-sand.
- Enhanced durability: Washing M-sand can help enhance the durability of concrete structures. Impurities like clay and silt can adversely affect the properties of concrete, such as its strength, durability, and resistance to cracking. Washing helps to minimize these negative effects and ensures the longevity of the structures.
- Compliance with standards: In many regions, there are specific standards and guidelines for M-sand quality. Washing is often a requirement to meet these standards and ensure that the M-sand complies with the specifications for use in construction projects.
Overall, washing M-sand plays a crucial role in improving its quality, removing impurities, enhancing durability, and meeting the required standards. It’s important to note that the need for washing M-sand may vary depending on the source and quality of the sand. Some M-sand suppliers may already provide washed sand, while others may require additional washing to meet specific project needs. Consulting with experts or following recommended guidelines is crucial to determine the appropriate washing process for a particular application.
At Proman Infrastructure Services, we provide crushers of all types and sizes that enable the manufacturing of m-sand. We also provide customised crusher parts for crushing plants for more efficient crushing of rocks according to your needs. Reach out to us for best-in-class products and services for your construction business.