Beach Sand

Transforming raw sand into in-spec beach sand through advanced washing and classification.

Beach sand processing transforms raw sand from land and sea into clean, in-spec sand for beach construction and nourishment. Washing removes broken shell, silt, clay and organic debris, while classification grades particles to the ideal 0.5–2 mm range. CFlo systems recycle up to 95% of process water and can be designed to wash with seawater.

Why beaches need engineered sand

Current beaches are littered with particles of broken shell, microscopic organisms, silt and other tiny debris. As global beach erosion continues and new sea cities are built, the demand for nourishing existing beaches and constructing new, high-quality ones keeps increasing. Washing and classification systems play a crucial role in turning raw sand, from both land and sea, into clean, in-spec beach sand.

What washing and classification deliver

Removal of impurities: raw sand often contains silt, clay and organic matter that damage the aesthetic and structural quality of a beach. Washing removes these unwanted materials
Proper sizing: classification ensures uniform particle size, crucial for stability and the feel of the beach. Sand with particle sizes from 0.5 to 2 mm is ideal for beach applications
Enhanced aesthetics: clean, well-sized sand makes the beach more attractive for tourist spots, hotels and resorts, and helps prevent erosion over time
Environmental sustainability: recycling sand from land and sea sources reduces the need for new sand extraction

The typical process

Initial screening: raw sand is screened to remove large debris and unwanted materials
High-pressure jets: water jets wash the sand, removing coarse impurities
Jet attrition scrubbing: mechanical scrubbing ensures thorough removal of contaminants
Classification: silt and clay are removed, then sand is classified into sizes using hydrocyclones and screening equipment
Water recycling: up to 95% of the process water is recycled, and the system can be designed to wash with seawater

Water and sustainability

CFlo systems recycle up to 95% of process water, and washing circuits can be configured to run on seawater where fresh water is scarce. By upgrading sand recovered from land and sea sources, the plants reduce the need for new extraction and minimise environmental impact. The related CFlo platform for beach sand duty is the Combo all-in-one washing system.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What particle size is ideal for beach sand?

Sand with particle sizes ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm is ideal for beach applications. Uniform sizing within this range is crucial for beach stability, a comfortable and safe surface for visitors, and the overall look and feel that tourist destinations, hotels and resorts demand.

Can seawater be used to wash beach sand?

Yes. CFlo washing and classification systems can be designed to allow the use of seawater for washing, which matters on coastal projects where fresh water is scarce. On top of that, the systems recycle up to 95% of the process water, keeping overall water consumption low.

What impurities does beach sand washing remove?

Raw sand carries broken shell particles, microscopic organisms, silt, clay and organic matter. Screening removes large debris, high-pressure jets and jet attrition scrubbing strip contaminants from the grains, and hydrocyclone classification removes silt and clay, leaving clean, visually appealing, structurally sound beach sand.

Can dredged or marine sand be used for beach nourishment?

Yes. CFlo systems transform raw sand from both land and sea sources into clean, in-spec beach sand. Washing and classification bring variable dredged feeds up to specification, which reduces the need for new sand extraction and supports beach nourishment and new beach construction sustainably.

How much water does a beach sand washing plant recycle?

Up to 95% of the process water is recycled within the CFlo system. Combined with the option to wash using seawater, this makes the plants suitable for coastal locations where water supply is constrained and environmental conditions on discharge are strict.

Have a project?

Talk to our engineers about plant configuration, capacity and payback for your site.