Northumbrian Water Streamlines Sand Washing with Terex Washing Systems

Northumbrian Water has enhanced filter sand processing at Layer Treatment Works using a Terex Washing Systems solution, cutting cycle times, reducing water waste, and delivering high-efficiency single-pass sand cleaning.
Northumbrian Water Case Study

Problem

Northumbrian Water’s Layer Water Treatment Works in Essex, which serves over 300,000 residents, faced growing limitations with its aging sand-washing infrastructure. Challenges included:

 

  • Multiple wash cycles needed to clean sand effectively
  • Frequent maintenance and downtime caused by system inefficiencies
  • Higher operational costs and increased vehicle movements on site
  • Pressure to modernise infrastructure in line with sustainability and climate resilience goals

 

Northumbrian Water Case Study 2

Solution

In January 2025, Terex Washing Systems and Duo Group installed a compact sand washing system at Layer Water Treatment Works, part of a larger site upgrade that included a new 9,000m² washing yard. The installed system included:

 

  • H12 Feeder
  • 12x5 double-deck rinsing screen
  • FM120C compact sand plant with onboard pre-wash
  • Radial product conveyor
  • Pre-wash tank with cyclones and dewatering screen
  • Primary and backup pumps

 

Results

The new system has delivered strong results:

 

  • Efficient single-pass sand cleaning removes without the need for reprocessing
  • Shorter washing cycles have improved overall throughput and productivity
  • Supports water quality, long-term supply resilience, and sustainability targets in Essex
  • Reduced wear and servicing have lowered maintenance and operational costs
  • Fewer vehicle movements improve on-site safety and reduce environmental impact

 

 

layer-water-treatment-works-hero

“The new Terex Washing Systems solution allows us to clean sand in a single pass—saving time, improving quality, and reducing our environmental impact at Layer Treatment Works.”

Northumbrian Water