8 kinds of water filters: the pros and cons, features

The water from the central water pipe prior to use is subjected to purification to remove impurities, heavy metals and microorganisms. For this procedure, use filters.

Filter jugs

Filtering jug consists of three elements:

• jar with a lid;
• receiving bowl - funnel;
• cartridge.

Pitcher - a transparent plastic container with 1.5-4 liters of volume scale-drawn. Some models have lids with flaps that prevents dust and microorganisms when filling the cup.

Half pitcher takes a funnel, which is located at the bottom of the cartridge for cleaning. The volume of the funnel also varies for purifying water total volume in the jug funnel gaining twice.

Some cartridges are equipped with counter treated liquid that allows the replacement time. filtration rate at the beginning of exploitation of 35 liters per hour, at least use it slows down.
To clean the cartridge such layers include:

• activated carbon interspersed removes chlorine and blocks the development of microorganisms in the purified liquid;
• ion exchange resin softens water and reduces mineralization delaying magnesium, calcium, iron;
• porous activated carbon improves taste, odor due to the removal of organic compounds;
• polypropylene fiber delays inside the cartridge mechanical impurities.

The quality of the purified water with the jug varies and depends on the hardness of the incoming fluid and the duration of use of the cartridge. The advantage of these filters - low cost, this is a budget option.

They are designed for use in the home, where they live 1-3 people. If the number of family members more, the frequent change of cartridges will increase the costs of cleaning. Pitchers are easy to use, easy to transport, so they are used at home and in the suburban areas.

The low degree of purification in comparison with other filtration systems and frequent changes of print cartridges - are the main disadvantages of this method.

Strainers

Strainers mounted on the tubes for removing liquid from a large insoluble particles. Actual use of such devices for country homes, where water flows directly from the well, then they retain dirt, sand, clay and organic compounds. The flat operated to clean rust, lime deposits, scale.

All coarse filters having the same operating principle. The purification process is simple: the water passes through the mesh, which prevents the passage of particles greater in size than the cells. Depending on the model, it varies body material (metal, Polypropylene), and assembling the inner contents.
The following types:

• mesh and cartridge;
• flange and coupling;
• direct and oblique;
• nepromyvnye and washings.

The most common option - a strainer, which is installed stainless mesh with a mesh of 50-400 microns. Replacing the filter element takes place in the case of damage, the warranty period of such models is 30 years old. The competing acts cartridge filter with a transparent bulb in which a replaceable element of polypropylene fibers or filaments.

Filters direct or oblique type characterized by having inlet and outlet pipes and the tank, wherein the purification occurs. In direct-type reservoir model is perpendicular ceiling, obliquely - at an angle to the incoming flow. Using devices of this design improves the filtering process due to sedimentation of large particles in the vessel, and fine grid.

By nepromyvnym models include oblique, some direct and cartridge filters. To remove the accumulated dirt spun special cover, take out the mesh and washed, then placed back. Cartridge models are not cleaned, the inner member is regularly changed to a new one.

The washings device equipped with an additional outlet valve, through which the wash accumulated dirt by means of direct and reverse flow of water. To wash models include direct filters.

Installation of a direct-type coarse models produced only in horizontal pipe so that the tank was sent down. Skew model can be installed both on the horizontal and on the vertical pipe sections (if water moves downward).

Precleaner

pre-filters are designed to remove large particles of sand and rust. Such devices are designed for mechanical cleaning and removed from the liquid the heavy metals, chlorine and microorganisms.

Pre-treatment of water before it enters the washing machine and dishwasher, heating and plumbing equipment - this is the main problem of this type of filters.
Installation of devices occurs in cold and hot pipes after overlapping the crane, but counters. Inside the set:

• metal net with fine mesh which retains particles of 30-50 microns;
• cartridge nonwoven material - polypropylene which traps debris over 5-20 microns.

Metal mesh is removed every 1-2 months, the accumulated particles are washed rust, sand and mounted in place. In addition, some models are equipped with a grid flush system that requires no dismantling of conduct Device overlap with water occurs and the automatic flushing of contaminants from the grid in the terminal drain.

Certain models are equipped with valves that regulate the fluid pressure. Gauges - pressure measurement device in such models is set to the filter and then, while conservative figure shows the device after the need for flushing the grid. Device dimensions correspond to the diameter of pipes.

To install pre-treatment devices impose a number of requirements:

• corresponding flow according productivity;
• heavily polluted water with metal mesh is set at a relatively clean - with cartridges;
• installation made by a qualified specialist.

prefilter set if already installed or planned fine cleaning device with a fine meshed membranes. Since ingress of coarse particles in the membrane of the cell scores, and often change cartridges.
Benefits of a pre-treatment system are as follows:

• It removes from the stream of large insoluble particles;
• Device with a metal grid does not require regular replacement, easy to clean, thus reducing the maintenance costs;
• small size;
• simple design;
• increase the duration of the devices that consume water.

Removing only large debris from the water - the main disadvantage of pre-cleaning devices.

In-line filters

A filter which is directly connected to a water pipe, called trunk. It consists of steel or plastic collapsible bulb, inside which the cleaning member is installed.

Capacity is 20-50 liters per minute. Depending on the set replaceable cartridge main device purified liquid from large particles, contaminants, chlorine, improve taste and soften it.
The correct choice of the main filter is based on the following parameters:

• line type;
• degree of purification;
• type of shell;
• type of cartridge;
• performance;
• hydraulic losses.

Is set such models on the pipe with the hot and cold water supply, paying attention to the temperature characteristics. Device for hot water can be mounted on the cold and hot piping.
In-line filters operate several degrees of purification.

• Single-stage models of clean sand, rust and fine waste sludge.
• Two-stage purification is carried out first and extent, as well as remove chlorine, organics and unpleasant odor.
• Three-stage model, in addition to the two powers of the previous soften water and remove iron.

preliminarily analyze the incoming fluid because the universal cartridge asked for selection of the main filter. They vary depending on the problem:

• BS for hard water;
• BA to remove iron;
• activated carbon to remove chlorine;
• polyphosphate for purification of magnesium and calcium.

Depending on the cartridge are the following types:

• mesh;
• corrugated;
• propylene;
• winding.

If the home water consumption is insignificant, the body taken diameter 114-130 mm (SL), otherwise - the shell is designed with a diameter of 184 mm (BB) for middle and large flow.

Storey apartment location also influences the choice. The higher the level, the smaller should be the rate of hydraulic losses, which varies in the range of 0.1-0.6 bar.

Bulk filter with granular media used for the Comprehensive Management of chemical and biological contaminants, but it also acts as water softener. The filter layer is filled with grains of quartz sand, expanded clay, rock, polymer, anthracite, marble chips of different size.

Filter for purifying iron

To install a filter for purifying water produce iron pre-analysis and determining the presence of iron ions, pH, alkalinity, oxygen content. Iron, as the most common metal can be in the liquid in the 4 states:

• colloid;
• ferrous;
• trivalent;
• bacterial.

After the passage of water through the main thoroughfares as impurities occurs divalent and trivalent iron. With purification by ferric copes prefilter, an ultrafilter and a garbage dump and backwashing the membranes.

Ferrous iron is removed from the water by means of ion exchange and reverse osmosis filter systems. Ion exchanger comprises a cation exchange resin and calcite. These elements replace iron sodium. The fluid passing therethrough is purified from iron, chromium and strontium.

Ion exchange devices are effective when the iron component content is less than 2 mg / l. In the process of purification of the ferrous iron is converted to ferric. Its coarse particles clog the pores of the resin, making it unsuitable for further purification. To maintain the filtration performance regularly replace the cartridge.

This is because the iron ions exceed the size of the cell membrane. Sorted trash system is drained into the sewer without clogging the cells and stopping the operation of the device. At a pH of 7, the system purifies water with an iron content of up to 20 mg / l, at pH values

Filtered Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis systems - are devices of which the water free from impurities to 99%. Due to the presence of a multi-stage liquid purification system - the output is water, similar in its parameters bottled.
The process of the filter includes the following steps:

• pre-treatment;
• passing through the membrane;
• tank filling;
• purified water delivery tap.

pre-cleaning step is to remove large particles from the liquid, and chlorine, which is detrimental effect on the state of the membrane.

First kolba- prefilter is designed for mechanical cleaning liquid from the sand, dirt, rust with sizes above 5 microns. The basis of the second flask is a granulated activated carbon which retards the further passage of chlorine and organic compounds. The third bulb - a mechanical prefilter inlet openings with a diameter down to 1 micron, wherein the delay function and the removal of residual contaminants.

The second stage of purification - a fluid passing through the membrane. Membrane - a porous synthetic material rolled into a roll. The pore size of 0.0001 microns.

It is this characteristic of the membrane allows to pass only through the material of the water molecule and its constituent gases (oxygen, hydrogen). All other connections that exceed the size of 0.0001 microns, derived by vented to the sewer by forced fluid.

Performance household reverse osmosis systems ranging in the range of 150-300 liters per day. Purified water is supplied to the collecting tank 4-12 liters, which is made of sheet steel and coated with enamel. In use, the water from the tank, the system automatically fills it.

Reverse osmosis systems are equipped with an additional valve, which cuts into the sink. Water from the tank passes through the post-filter filled with activated charcoal, and enters the valve.

After passing the liquid through the filters of this type are lost beneficial minerals, however with order to enrich the clean liquid magnesium, sodium and calcium mineralizer further adjusted. To restore the natural water patterns set bioceramic cartridge filled with tourmaline.

Options reverse osmosis system is as follows:

• System of 4-6 flasks;
• removable cartridges and membrane;
• tank for purified liquid;
• drinking tap;
• Tool kit for assembly.

Install under the sink reverse osmosis system. But it is possible and different setting to the additional hose and withdrawal of clean and dirty water. System performance depends on the pressure, osmosis is operated at 6.2 bars. If the figures are different from those stated, the pressure is increased by installing a pump or reduced.

The disadvantages of this system include low and high purification rate of flow of fluid (2/3 volume leaves the impurities in the sewage system).

Filters under the sink

Filters are unified under a sink system, consisting of filter sections 3-5. Water coming from the tap goes through several purification steps. Each section - it's plastic, steel or -glass bulb with cartridge. Such a construction is connected to the cold water pipe under the sink with the withdrawal of purified water through a separate valve.
Of filters under the sink include:

• flow;
• reverse osmosis.

The flow filter modules consists of:

• mechanical removal of impurities from the sand, rust, sludge;
• carbon sorbent removes chlorine, salts, organic compounds and heavy metals;
• ion exchange resins, which soften water removed iron, magnesium and potassium.

Flow-through devices have high capacity and efficiency in the consumption of water in contrast to osmotic back models.

Reverse osmosis systems are additionally equipped with a membrane tank for collecting and storing purified water, as well as a mineralizer and bioceramic cartridge.

Choose a filter under the sink, examining specific indicators of water in the house. This will install the cartridges with the excipients which are necessary for the production of drinking water. Then move to the study of technical specifications: the number of purification steps, performance, resource replaceable elements, the dimensions of the installation, the presence of additional options.

The advantages of the device under the sink include:

• ergonomics of the installation;
• ease of operation;
• interchangeability of filtration systems;
• long work replaceable elements (in flow devices produce a replaceable cartridge after 6 months, a year reverse osmosis);
• saving the cost of clean water.

Disadvantages - high price of equipment and fixed installation.

water softeners

For softening devices using the principle of operation of substitution of heavy calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions or potassium. Many species spend filters softening process, these include:

• pitchers;
• Trunk ion exchange;
• reverse osmosis;
• electromagnetic;
• ultrasound.

Common type softeners are the regenerative ion-exchange filters. They consist of a filter section, which is filled with an ion exchange resin and the mechanism backwash tank for regeneration solution.

Over time, the ion exchange resin capacity decreases and it must be restored. For this purpose, the regenerant - tabletiziruemuyu table salt, it replaces the accumulated resin hardness ions by sodium ions.

This backwash process can be manual or automatic. To regenerate the resin filter properties device stops 0.3-2 hours at about 2-3 times a week. System comprising one ion exchange filter, considered alternating action.

A continuous apparatus 2 are ion-exchange sections which are alternately restored without stopping the softening function.

Depending on the design identify several types:

• balloon-type apparatus;
• compact where element 2 (the filter and the tank) are joined into a single body;
• automatic systems.

Compact models for softening act magnetic filters. They are presented in the form of a housing with built-in magnets. Such a device is installed directly in the water supply pipe. The principle of operation is as follows: to an aqueous stream always affects the magnetic field, resulting in a salt rigidity cease to crystallize and settle on the heating devices and the tube walls of home technology.

To protect the household appliances of the scum and softening water supplied to the washing machines and dishwashers, boilers and radiators set before softeners devices in the form of flasks. This transparent container filled with polyphosphate crystals or filter material - ecozones, with a service life of about 6 months.

Water subjected to the procedure of softening, for human consumption must be further filtered by other joints.