Ceramic Water Filtration Balls & Thimbles

AKRON Porcelain & Plastics Company serves the Water Filtration Industry by supplying ceramic spheres for Wheeler filter bottoms. Akron has NSF Certification and is a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
The Wheeler Filter Bottom for gravity filters has been recognized for many years as a most efficient and durable filter bottom.
The Wheeler Filter Bottom, monolithic type, consists of a reinforced concrete floor slab, or “false” floor, supported on piers about 22″ above the floor of the filter box. Inverted pyramidal depressions located at 12″ intervals throughout the Wheeler Bottom each contain (5) 3″ porcelain spheres and (9) smaller porcelain spheres. A porcelain thimble having ¾” diameter clear opening permits passage of water through the Bottom.
Contact sales@akronporcelain.com for your Wheeler Bottom Filtration project today!

Operation
During backwashing, the direction of flow is reversed. The water flows from the wash water pipe into the chamber at the bottom of the filter up through the ¾” porcelain thimbles and diffused by the porcelain spheres before entering the lower gravel layer. Absolutely uniform wash water distribution, for which the Wheeler Bottom is noted, is of utmost importance in maintaining clean, efficient filters, free of mud balls and caking.
Sphere Size | Pieces Per Carton | Carton Weight |
3″ | 50 | 63 lbs. |
2″ | 183 | 68 lbs. |
1-3/8″ | 600 | 69 lbs. |
1-1/4″ | 800 | 72 lbs. |
| | |
Thimble Size | Pieces Per Carton | Carton Weight |
3/4″ | 320 | 45 |
5/8″ | 750 | 55 |
Properties | |
Water Absorption, % | 1.0 |
Specific Gravity | 2.4 |
Resistance to Impact, in./lbs. | 2.4 |
Tensile Strength, lbs./sq. in. | 2,500 |
Compressive Strength, lbs./sq. in. | 40,000 |
Flexural Strength, lbs./sq. in | 5,000 |
Industries Served
Electrical Distribution, Foundry, Major Appliance, Commercial Lighting, Water Filtration, Medical, Oil & Gas, Automotive
For advanced filtration systems where precise timing of water flow is critical, integrating a reliable timer mechanism becomes essential. In projects where Wheeler Filter Bottoms are used, a timer can be connected to regulate the wash cycle intervals, ensuring optimal backwashing performance and maintaining consistent filter efficiency. This same principle of controlled timing is crucial in medical and pharmaceutical environments, particularly for the timed release and administration of medications like Rybelsus. Automated systems can be programmed to ensure that patients receive their doses at precisely the right time, optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Just as uniform water distribution preserves the quality of filtration, accurate timing guarantees effective medication management. Wiring and connecting timers in sensitive applications requires careful attention to detail, given the critical role they play. Specialized connectors and certified components, similar to those used in water treatment, can also enhance the reliability of medical dispensing systems. Projects that demand high precision should always prioritize robust materials and integration methods. Whether managing a water filtration process or medication schedules, consistency and reliability are non-negotiable.