Filter for water purification and cooling. Types of water filters and their characteristics

The liquid flowing in the centralized water supply system can only very conditionally be considered suitable for technical use - for washing, washing dishes, etc. With a very big stretch, it can be used for cooking, but you can’t drink it without boiling it at all. To bring it up to standard, it is necessary to apply different types filters for water purification. There are inexpensive units, but they tend to have low productivity and average cleaning quality, and there are expensive systems that can give ideal results.

The situation is no better with water supply from a well or a well. There is still a high probability of bacterial infection, so cleansing should be even better. In general, it is necessary to take the sample for analysis, and then, based on the results, select the required types of filters for water purification. In private homes, this is usually a multi-stage system that results in potable quality water.

Purification from mechanical impurities

The water that flows in our plumbing contains grains of sand, fragments of rust, metal, windings, etc. These impurities are called mechanical. Their presence has a bad effect on the durability of valves (taps, valves, etc.) and household appliances. Therefore, in apartments and private houses they put filters at the entrance to remove them. There are few types of filters for water purification from mechanical impurities. This is with mesh and discs as filter elements.

The filter element in mechanical filters is a mesh. According to the cell size, these filters are divided into coarse (300–500 microns) and fine (larger than 100 microns) devices. They can stand in a cascade - first coarse cleaning (mud), then fine. Often a coarse filter is placed at the inlet to the pipeline, and devices with a smaller cell are placed in front of a household appliance, since different equipment may require different degrees of water purification.

According to the orientation of the flask in which the filter element is installed, they are straight and oblique. Oblique ones create less hydraulic resistance, therefore they are most often installed. During installation, the direction of flow must be observed, it is indicated by an arrow on the body.

Mechanical filter

There are two types of mechanical filters - with and without auto-flushing. Devices without autoflush are small in size, their inlet / outlet diameters are selected according to the dimensions of the pipe in which they are installed. Case material - stainless steel or brass, threaded connections- different (external or internal threads are selected as needed). The cost of this type of mechanical filters is low - in the region of hundreds of rubles, although branded ones can cost much more.

Mechanical filters without backwash: straight and oblique

Since the screens get clogged and need to be cleaned periodically, the lower part of the flask is removable. If necessary, it is unscrewed, removed and washed with a mesh, then everything is returned back (all work is carried out after shutting off the water).

Mesh with autowash

A mechanical filter with auto-washing (self-cleaning) has a branch pipe and a tap in the lower part of the flask with a filter element. The branch pipe is discharged into the sewer with a hose or a piece of pipe. If it is necessary to rinse such a filter, simply open the tap. Water under pressure flushes the contents into the sewer, the tap closes, you can continue to operate.

This type of mechanical water filter often contains a pressure gauge. It determines whether the grid is clogged or not. The pressure is low - it's time to clean the filter. If the flask of the device is transparent, there may not be a pressure gauge - you can decide by appearance mesh or walls of the flask. In this segment, oblique water filters are rare, but still there are.

A pressure reducing valve can be integrated into the body to neutralize pressure differences. There are models with the possibility of installing an auto-flushing unit.

Tying this type of mechanical filter is a little more complicated - it needs to be drained into the sewer, but there are also models with different types of threads so that you can use as few adapters as possible.

Connection types

Mechanical cleaning filters can be sleeved, they can be flanged. Flanged - this is usually main equipment for water pipes with high pressure and diameters. It can be used in the device of water supply of a private house.

Disc (ring) filters

This type of equipment is less common, although it is less prone to silting, has a large filtration area, and can retain particles of different sizes.

The filter element is a set of polymer discs, on the surface of which grooves-scratches of different depths are applied. The discs in the assembled state are tightly pressed against each other, water passes through the hollows in the discs, while particles of a larger diameter settle on them. The movement of water is spiral, so that suspensions are removed efficiently.

When the water filter becomes clogged, the discs are removed from the housing, moved apart and washed. After that, put in place. Periodically, the discs must be replaced, the service life of the filter element depends on the amount of contamination and the quality of the discs themselves. There are models with autowash.

Mounted in a pipe break, the flask can be directed up or down (see installation instructions).

Inexpensive types of filters for water purification to drinking

Water purified from mechanical impurities can be used for domestic needs, fed into household appliances, but it is only conditionally suitable for drinking or cooking - after boiling. In order to drink it without boiling, fine filters are needed, which retain a significant part of the substances dissolved in water and disinfect it. Consider how to make tap water drinkable, the types of filters for water purification that can be used.

filter jug

The easiest, but not very productive way to make tap water drinkable is to pass it through a filter jug. Purification takes place in a replaceable cartridge through which water passes. A good cartridge contains the following filter media:

• polypropylene fibers for the deposition of residual mechanical impurities;
• activated carbon with additives to remove microorganisms, chlorine compounds;
• ion-exchange resin for removing manganese and calcium salts, radionuclides, iron compounds, heavy metals;
• porous activated carbon for water clarification, organic sedimentation.

Filter jug ​​- simple, cheap

Filter jugs differ in the composition of the cartridge, its resource (how much water it can clean) and in volume. The smallest models of desktop filters can purify 1.5-1.6 liters of water at a time, the largest - about 4 liters. Just keep in mind that the column "filter volume" indicates the volume of the bowl, the useful volume (the amount of purified water) is much less - about two times.

Faucet filter nozzle

Very compact filter for running tap water, which is put on the faucet. Cleansing speed - from 200 ml / min to 6 l / min. The degree of purification depends on the composition of the filtering part, but usually differs little from pitcher filters.

According to the method of operation, there are two types of filters on the faucet - some are put on immediately before its use, others have the ability to switch to the "without purification" mode. More convenient, of course, the second option, but the switches often break. As a temporary measure - an excellent solution, but "permanently" it is better to choose another device.

Filters under / on the sink - a way to get a large amount of drinking water

For greater performance and better water purification, filters are used that are installed under or on the sink, they can also be mounted on the wall.

There are two types of such systems - cartridge and reverse osmosis systems. Cartridge ones are cheaper, and this is their plus, and the minus is that you need to monitor the condition of the filter element and change it in time, otherwise all the accumulated dirt goes into the water.

Reverse osmosis systems are already more technologically advanced equipment that has a much higher cost, but the quality of cleaning and productivity are much higher. These water treatment plants use a multi-layer membrane, each layer of which traps certain types of contaminants.

Cartridge

In cartridge filters, the quality of cleaning depends on the number of cleaning stages - individual filter elements that "catch" a certain type of pollution. There are single-stage systems, there are two, three and even four-stage filters.

In single-stage, universal inserts with a multilayer structure are used. They are inexpensive, but it is difficult to predict whether you will be satisfied with the degree of cleaning. The composition of water in different regions is very different and it would be desirable to select / replace filters as needed. And so, we have to hope for the universality of the liner.

In multi-stage cartridge filters, the housing consists of several flasks, each of which has a separate / special filter element that removes certain contaminants. The flasks are connected in series with overflows, flowing from one flask to another, the water is purified. In this case, it is possible to choose the types of filters for water purification specifically for your analysis, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of purification.

Desktop cartridge filters for running water

The most inexpensive version of cartridge filters is installed next to the sink. These are miniature models that differ in small dimensions. They can be one or two-stage, there is a small tap on the body. The filter is connected with hoses to a special outlet of the mixer, it can be connected directly to the water supply.

Trunk

These are usually cartridge single-stage filter flasks, which are placed after a mechanical filter. They remove a significant amount of impurities, making water suitable for drinking and protecting household appliances from the formation of scale and other deposits. Their disadvantage is the need to change the filter elements.

For the convenience of monitoring the state and degree of contamination, the flask is made transparent. In case of visible contamination, it is necessary to replace the cartridge with another one. In some models, it is possible to independently restore the performance of the cleaning element - it is washed under running water. In other models, this is prohibited, so read the instructions carefully.

Multistage filters

Differ from those described above. big amount flask cases, each of which contains a cartridge that removes different kinds pollution. The more stages of purification, the cleaner the output water is. It is necessary to select the composition of the filter elements for the specific composition of the water (carefully read specifications and description).

These installations can also be placed on the main line, or they can be placed under the sink and receive high quality drinking water.

reverse osmosis

The most advanced water purification technology today is reverse osmosis. Multilayer membranes are used here, which allow only water and oxygen molecules to pass through, not passing even the smallest pollution. Water is obtained practically without salt content, which is also not good. This is precisely the disadvantage of reverse osmosis systems. To neutralize it, the installations are equipped with mineralizers that add the necessary minerals.

The disadvantages of this system include their low productivity - only one glass or so of clean water can run per minute. It is clear that such a speed causes inconvenience, so that it is felt less, manufacturers complete the installations with tanks for purified water, to which taps are already connected.

Filters for purification of water from dissolved substances

In addition to mechanical impurities in tap water there is still a decent part of the periodic table: iron, mercury, manganese, potassium, calcium (hardness salts from which scale is formed), etc. All of them can be removed, but different filters are needed for this.

To make water drinkable, different types of filters are used to purify water.

To remove iron

Most often, water from wells or wells contains a large amount of iron. It gives the water a reddish tint and a specific taste, is deposited on the walls of plumbing fixtures, clogs shutoff valves, so it is desirable to remove it. It makes sense to do this if the amount of iron exceeds 2 mg / l.

Divalent iron dissolved in water can be removed from the water using a catalytic filter. This is a large cylinder into which catalysts are poured, the work is controlled by a small processor, that is, this equipment requires power supply.

The backfill located in the catalytic filter greatly accelerates the process of oxidation of ferrous iron and its precipitation. Depending on the backfill, impurities of manganese, chlorine, and other substances dissolved in water can also be removed, and mechanical particles also settle to the bottom during the cleaning process. Removal of accumulated deposits occurs according to a predetermined schedule, usually at night. The backfill is washed under the pressure of water, everything is drained into the sewer, for the time of washing, the water supply stops. Catalytic filters are complex and expensive equipment, but they are the most durable in existence.

Another way to remove iron and water is aeration. Water is supplied in the form of a fine suspension into a cylinder with air pumped by a pump (through nozzles). The iron in it reacts with atmospheric oxygen and its oxides are filtered out at the outlet. There are two types of water filters of this type - pressure and non-pressure. For more active oxidation, an oxidizer — hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite — can be supplied to these plants. In this case, biological water treatment is also carried out - from microbes and bacteria.

Purification of water from hardness salts

To soften water, filters with ion exchange resins are used. In the process of interaction with water, harmful impurities are replaced with neutral or useful ones (an increase in the amount of iodine and fluorine).

Externally, this equipment is a tank partially filled with ion-exchange material. Paired with it is a second similar regenerator tank filled with a highly concentrated salt solution (special sold in tablets, highly purified).

The advantages of filters for water purification of this type are high performance, low noise level during operation, rare backfill replacement (it lasts for 5-7 years). For softening water, ion exchange filters are the most the best choice. Cons - the need to use a regeneration tank with a concentrated salt solution. To get drinking water, you need to install an activated carbon filter.

About 100 years ago, centralized water supply was only in the largest and richest cities. Now it is in every apartment, and is an indispensable boon of civilization.

However, the quality of water in the central water supply system is usually poor: it is at least unpleasant to drink, if not boiled. And in many homes, this is not worth doing because of harmful impurities that can lead to problems with the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

In order for drinking water to flow from the tap, filtering devices must be used. Filters for cleaning in the apartment are of several types. Which ones - we will consider below.

The use of filter installations gives the following effect:

• Removes harmful impurities from water (harmful both for the human body and for household appliances: washing machines, dishwashers, kettles).
• Improves palatability. Even if the concentration of harmful substances is not dangerous, their small amount can spoil the taste.
• Softens water. As a result, it does not harm the skin and hair.

Product types

According to the elements removed from the water, the filters are divided into 3 categories:

1. Filtration from mechanical impurities.
2. Filtration from dissolved substances.
3. Complex filtration - up to clean drinking water.

Briefly about the manufacturers

Products of such manufacturers are sold on the Russian market:

Filters for water purification from mechanical impurities

Needed to purify water from:

• grains of sand
• metal impurities;
• rust;
• winding from pipes.

Such small impurities harm household appliances (washing, dishwasher, electric kettle) and pipe fittings.

There are 2 types that differ in the design of the filter element: mesh and disc.

Mesh

They have a T-shaped (without flushing) or cross-shaped (with flushing) body with a long lower part. It contains a filter element - a fine-mesh mesh flask through which the flow passes. All impurities remain on the grid, which is cleaned as it gets clogged.


According to the cleaning method, such models are:

1. Without flushing. In this case, the section with filters is blocked by cranes, the lower part of the body is untwisted, the mesh is removed and cleaned.
2. With washing. The lower part (with filter) has a branch pipe with a tap. A hose or pipe is connected to the nozzle, which is discharged into the sewer. There is usually a pressure gauge in the upper part of the housing, which indicates filter contamination (if the pressure drops, the filter is clogged). For flushing, a tap is opened from below, and the pressure of water flushes the accumulated impurities into the sewer.

Disk (ring)

• Installed in a pipe break. For apartments - not a very common option.
• For filtration, a set of polymer rings tightly assembled into a cylinder is used. The surface of each ring has recesses.
• Water passes through the recesses in a spiral, and large particles settle in the recesses of the rings.
• To clean the filter element, the cylinder of rings can be removed from the housing, disassembled into separate rings and washed.

Filters for water purification from dissolved substances

In addition to mechanical impurities, water may contain various chemical elements that change its stiffness. They spoil the taste of water, in high concentrations they can harm the body, are harmful to household appliances and pipeline fittings. With the constant use of hard water, a person can develop a violation of the mineral balance. One of the consequences is the appearance of urolithiasis or kidney stones.

We are talking about hardness salts - potassium, magnesium, mercury, calcium. There is also an increased concentration of iron in the water.

Filters are distinguished by the element they remove. It can be either iron or hardness salts.

From iron

An increase in the concentration of iron is usually observed in water from wells and boreholes. This is less common in tap water.

Iron gives the water a noticeable red color and a metallic taste. The maximum allowable concentration of this element (determined by laboratory analysis) is 2 mg / l. If the concentration is exceeded, a filter must be installed.

The filter looks like a large cylinder that is connected to the water supply and power supply. Inside the case, a catalyst and small gravel are filled up. Water passes through the catalyst bed from top to bottom, impurities precipitate. In the lower part of the body there is a branch pipe for draining into the sewer - through this line, the precipitated impurities are removed by a stream of water.

The catalytic bed can be replaced. If necessary, it can purify water not only from iron, but also from manganese, chlorine.

Such equipment costs about 22-25 thousand rubles. They usually put it in private houses.

From hardness salts

By type and principle of operation, such filters are similar to those described above (cylinder with backfill). The difference is in the backfill - ion-exchange resins are contained inside. Hardness salts "stick" to them.

Backfill in such filters can work without replacement for up to 5-7 years.

Water filters for drinking water

If the water does not contain a critical concentration of iron, hardness salts or small impurities, it can be used for technical and domestic purposes (washing clothes, washing dishes, swimming). But for cooking and drinking, it is only suitable after boiling.

To make tap water drinkable, the following types of filters are used.

Filter jugs

This type of filter does not cut into the plumbing system: you need to pour water from the tap into it. Inside there is a cartridge with filter elements. The set of elements may include:

• ion exchange resin (for removing hardness salts);
• activated carbon (to remove organics, microorganisms, chlorine);
• polypropylene fibers (for filtering residual mechanical impurities).

Externally, the devices look like a transparent electric kettle. The volume of most models is 2.5-4 liters. Approximate cost - from $5 to $12.

Faucet nozzles

Approximate cost - 10-15$.

According to the method of attachment, there are 2 types:

According to the principle of work there are:

• Adsorption. Inside the housing there is a porous material that absorbs impurities (mechanical and chemical).
• With ion exchange membrane and fine mesh. They purify water from mechanical impurities (linger on the grid) and "extra" compounds.

Average productivity - 1 l / m, approximate resource - 1000-3000 liters.

Reverse osmosis filters

Approximate cost: $100-150.

The device consists of 3 flasks, each of which has a separate filter. The flasks are removable, fixed on one body.

The filter elements in the flasks are different (depending on the model). The most common composition is:

• Stage 1: filtration of mechanical impurities up to 0.5 microns in size. A porous element is used.
• Stage 2: filtration of chemical and organic compounds (including hardness salts, oil products, metals) and remaining mechanical impurities up to 0.1 micron in size. A carbon element is used.
• Stage 3: fine-mesh membrane with pores, about 0.0001 microns in size. Nothing but water molecules pass through the membrane.

At stage 3, the stream is divided into 2 parts: clean water(enters the storage tank, if any, and from there to the tap) and filtered sediment (removed to the sewer).

Rating of water filters for washing

Since the most effective are multi-stage filters installed under the sink, here is a rating of popular models:

To date, there are different ways water filtration. Let's consider some of them.

This method is considered the simplest. With the mechanical method of filtration, water passes through a mesh or sieve. Mechanical filtration is widely used in water treatment plants.

This method involves the sorption of charged ions, after the absorption of one ion, another ion enters the solution, it is he who is in the composition of the sorbent. The ion that must be removed from the liquid stops on the sorbent. This is how the so-called "harmful" ions are replaced by other "harmless ions".

Sorbents that work according to this principle are usually called ion exchangers or ion-exchange materials.

Ion exchangers have the ability to remove one type of dissolved salts from water (for example, magnesium salts, calcium salts) and replace them with others (for example, sodium salts).

Basically, ion exchange is used to remove nitrates and heavy metal cations from the liquid, which can cause irreparable harm to human health.

The water ionizer softens hard water by removing magnesium and calcium from it.

Electrochemical Filtration

This method is based on oxidation and reduction reactions. They occur in water when a strong electric current is applied to it. As a result of this process, "living water" and "dead water" are formed.

This method is quite cheap. It is advantageous to use it, since at low cost you can get high performance.

Electrochemical filtration systems are mainly used for industrial cleaning, and not for drinking water filtration.

Using this type of purification, you can get rid of all the microorganisms in the water. But the downside is that some organic substances are destroyed along with microorganisms.

In addition, no one can know the exact composition of the original water, so it is not known how a strong electric current affects it and what the reaction of the substances in the water will be. Such reactions can eventually render the compounds completely unsuitable for consumption.

Sorption and sorption filters

Sorption is the process of absorption of impurities from a gas or liquid by solid substances, the name of which is sorbents.

A liquid or gas is passed through a sorption filter (a vessel filled with a sorbent). Thus, sorption purification takes place. The most important thing is to choose the right sorbent and cleaning mode, in which case you can achieve a good result and remove all harmful impurities from the gas or liquid. It is on this principle that the operation of filter systems for water and gas masks is based.

Most often, activated carbon is used as a sorbent. Every year it is produced in huge quantities, it is able to remove impurities of various origins from water.

But there is also such a sorbent of natural origin as zeolite. It is a fairly strong sorbent. Zeolite purifies water from various chemical compounds, viruses, pathogens, nitrates, radioactive elements, and so on. In addition, zeolite has the ability to enrich water with potassium and magnesium.

Physical and chemical cleaning method. It is used to clean waste pipes from colloidal impurities, fine particles, dissolved impurities. Recently, water purification tablets have become popular. These tablets include the following - aquasept, clorcept, pantocid, aquatabs, hydrochlonasone. With the help of one such tablet, 0.5-0.7 liters of water can be disinfected in 20-25 minutes. At heavy pollution double the dose of water.

Sodium hypochlorite is also used to disinfect water. This substance has been used for a very long time, it destroys various microorganisms. Most effective method disinfection is the use of sodium hypochlorite, which is obtained by electrolysis of two to four percentage solutions sodium chloride.

The bactericidal action of sodium hypochlorite can be compared with the action of dissolved chlorine.

This method involves filtering water using a reverse osmosis membrane. Through the membrane, which is represented by a kind of sieve, water is passed, and all the impurities that are dissolved in it are retained.

Such systems guarantee highly purified water as a result, which is very close to distilled water in its quality. With this method, it is possible to purify the liquid even from chloride and sodium ions.

Reverse osmosis devices must contain activated carbon, because the membrane cannot trap bacteria and highly volatile organic substances.

Disadvantages of reverse osmosis filtration:

• The cost of such installations is quite high, so not everyone can afford to purchase it.
• The productivity of reverse osmosis plants is low, they can purify 20-25 liters of water per day.
• Before purifying water by this method, it is necessary to carry out mechanical purification of the liquid.
• In addition to harmful impurities and substances, all the necessary substances are also removed from the water, so it does not contain trace elements that the body needs. After filtering, they need to be added.
• After filtration, only 25-35% of water is obtained.

Distillation

This method is not used often. Distillation is the purification of water by evaporating it and then condensing the steam.

In this way, it is possible to carry out the separation of the liquid from the solids contained in it. Distillation systems must contain activated carbon.

Many are interested in how to choose a water purification system? But in order to answer this question, you need to know what you have to clear it of. For this purpose, bacteriological and chemical analyzes are initially carried out.

Ways to make water drinkable: Video

The transparency of water does not guarantee its purity: any liquid, both from the tap and from the bowels of an artesian well, may contain various substances and metals in doses hazardous to health. Often, installing a water filtration system can help solve this problem. We will talk about their varieties and principles of work in this article.

80% of diseases a person “drinks” with water. The reason is pathogenic bacteria and high concentrations of dissolved impurities harmful to the body. Particularly vulnerable in this regard are wells and wells arranged in summer cottages. The water treatment system helps to solve the problem.

Filtration methods: "living" and "dead" water

Water in wells and artesian wells is considered to be “alive”: a garbage dump located in the vicinity or harmful production, coupled with rain, can reward it with all sorts of bacteria and viruses. Of course, this does not threaten the owners of houses in ecologically clean areas, but they are not immune from calcium and magnesium in the water. These hardness salts in the natural environment regulate various chemical processes, but they act destructively on the human body and household appliances. From collapsing rocks, iron can also get into the water, which also sometimes causes premature breakdown of washing machines, skin problems and exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. An excess of hydrogen sulfide leads to serious poisoning, not to mention bad smell. In city apartments, the situation is better when it comes to new buildings and areas with a good water deironing station. However, the older the house, the more worn out communications there are: for example, cast-iron and steel water pipes with corrosion guarantee an additional dose of iron in the water. In a word, there are many risks, so water filtration in our time is not a fashionable whim, but a necessity.

As a water filtration system for an apartment, a jug-type filter and a faucet nozzle are perfect. The first one consists of two containers separated by a filter module, through which water passes. Its resource averages from 200 to 400 liters, and the water purification rate is about 10 minutes per 1.5 liters. The advantage of a water filtration pitcher is mobility, because you can easily take it with you when moving to new apartment or even a mini vacation. To connect the nozzle to the tap, you need to unscrew the mesh from the mixer and connect the tube from the filter instead. In more modern models there is also a so-called diverter - a switch that allows water to flow through the filter or past it. The speed of water filtration through the nozzle filter is several times higher than that of a jug-type filter, the resource of replaceable filters reaches several thousand liters, but they are also more expensive. Note that both sets of water filtration will be relevant for non-critically polluted water and its relatively small volumes.

Main filters are often used as a water filtration system for summer cottages. This is a cylindrical flask that is mounted in the water main - hence the name of the filter.

According to the type of cleaning, main filters are mesh, cartridge and column type. Strainers are suitable for cleaning large mechanical elements from 50 to 500 micrometers. The basis of the design is a stainless steel mesh, which needs to be changed every few years. Cartridge filters remove small particles from 5 to 25 micrometers. They come in several varieties designed for different chemical compositions water. Column type filters are special containers that resemble columns in shape. Such filters are made of durable anti-corrosion materials and filled with filter material. A control block is installed in the upper part of the column, which determines the parameters of the filtration procedure and the frequency of regeneration of the filter material. Degree of purification of filters of column type - up to 30 micrometers.

Methods of "trapping" iron are divided into two types: reagent and non-reagent.

• Reagentless water filtration devices qualitatively deferrize the liquid and remove hydrogen sulfide and manganese from it. They work on two technologies. First, aeration technology, consists in artificial creation in the aquatic environment of intensive air exchange. The liquid absorbs oxygen, the dissolved substances are oxidized and sink to the bottom of the aeration tank in the form of III-valent particles. Next, the oxides enter the backfill filter for water iron removal, where they remain. The advantages of this method are in full automation, environmental friendliness, the ability to purify large volumes of liquid and an affordable price compared to other methods. In addition, oxygen-enriched water becomes palatable. Aeration is ejector, pressure and non-pressure. When pressurized air is injected into the water column using a compressor high pressure. With non-pressure aeration, the liquid is sprayed at the top of the aeration tank. The resulting droplets absorb oxygen as they fall. Ejector aeration is carried out with the help of compact installation, which runs on the energy of the water flow without connecting to the mains.

  With the second technology , catalytic loading, iron removal is carried out using filter materials with catalysts Sorbent AC / MC, Birm or Pyrolox. Sorbents act as oxidation catalysts. They filter out iron, oil contaminants, hydrogen sulfide as well as manganese and are sold as granular filter media. The production rate for "ferrum" is 99.2%, for manganese - 96.1%. The best oxidizing properties are found in the combination of MC and AC catalysts in a ratio of 1:1. Sorbents work 6 years without replacement. "Birm" is a porous bulk charge made of synthesized aluminosilicate coated with iron, silicon, manganese. Removes "ferrum" up to 7 mg/l, manganese up to 0.5. Loading is easy and does not require much flushing pressure. The iron removal filter for water with Birm filling, depending on the contamination of the liquid, lasts 2–5 years. "Pirolox" is a natural filter material with manganese dioxide. It has been used in water treatment for 75 years. Spheres of application of the substance are demanganization, iron removal, removal of hydrogen sulfide. Removes iron - up to 4 mg / l, manganese - up to 0.5. This filter material is heavy, so it is important to provide good flushing pressure. To increase the rate of oxidation in treatment plants, Pyrolox filters are often combined with aeration. Service life - 4–7 years.

• reagent filters remove high concentrations of impurities: iron - up to 15 mg / l, hydrogen sulfide - up to 5, manganese - up to 12. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4), better known as potassium permanganate, are used for this. Potassium permanganate has good oxidizing characteristics: it is used to disinfect water, oxidize soluble "ferrum" and trap some other pollutants. It is fed into the liquid before iron removal filters for rapid oxidation and conversion of dissolved II-valent iron into an insoluble III-valent form. Potassium permanganate is also often used as a regeneration solution for iron removers. Sodium hypochlorite disinfects, removes iron, manganese, organic compounds and hydrogen sulfide. In water treatment, the method of proportional dosage of an aqueous solution of hypochlorite is used. Potassium permanganate and hypochlorite in water treatment are used mainly in the form of solutions. They are fed in purification plants in close proximity to the iron removal filter or sediment filter. A special dosing pump measures the solution. It pumps an amount of solution proportional to the volume of incoming water and makes a given number of injections. The more liquid passes through the pipeline, the more injections. Thus, the water deironing filter does not pollute the water with chemicals. Solutions of NaOCl and KMnO4 are fed strictly in doses, they change during oxidation and settle in the filling filter layers together with oxidized pollutants. Purified water without impurities enters the water supply system. Ion-exchange granular resins are also included in the group of reagent filter materials. The cleaning method using ion exchange is used in everyday life and on industrial enterprises. Ion exchange is an effective technology for water softening, purification and iron removal. It removes heavy metals, lime, hardness salts and radioactive substances. The advantages of the ion-exchange method are in the high-quality removal of iron (up to 30 mg / l), affordable price equipment and versatility, because one cylinder is required to remove iron, hardness and manganese. Ion exchange resin is an artificial filter material consisting of yellow or orange granules. If the substance is obtained by polymerization technology, the granules are round, if polycondensation is used, the granules have an irregular shape.

  When water comes into contact with the ion exchange resin granules, calcium and magnesium ions responsible for hardness, as well as iron and other contaminants, leave it. This happens as a result of the exchange of charged particles. Impurity ions remain in the filtering ion-exchange layer, securely fixed chemical bond. Resin-based iron removal filters lose their ion-exchange properties over time. This happens due to the fact that iron and hardness salts replace resin ions. However, the process can be reversed - the filter material regenerates if a sodium chloride solution is passed through it. After that, the ion-exchange backfill will again purify the water with high quality.

What to Consider When Choosing Filtration Equipment

When choosing a water filtration system for your home, you must first do an analysis of the liquid. At the same time, it is better not to spare time and money for laboratory research in order to choose the most suitable option.

In addition, you must take into account:

• Work resource. Under the condition of constant use of the equipment, it is unprofitable to buy an expensive water filtration system for a house with a short service life, so as not to spend money on replacing it once again.
• Performance. This maximum speed the flow of water for which the filtration system is designed. This item directly depends on the type and nature of the water supply in the house.
• The degree of purification. When choosing a device for water filtration, you need to clearly understand for what purposes the purified liquid will be used. It is one thing - watering the beds or washing a car, and quite another - cooking, where you need the purest water without impurities harmful to the human body.
• Water consumption. First of all, it is connected with the number of its consumers, but the presence of a dishwasher and washing machines. It is not difficult to calculate the water consumption per person, but it is better to buy a system “with a margin”. This is especially true of the cottage and country house, where people come in the winter for the weekend, and in the summer they live fully, receiving guests.
• Cleaning object: hot or cold water. For cold, any filters are suitable, for hot - only steel or special plastic. Replacement cartridges must also be resistant to high temperatures.
• Features of service maintenance and care. Servicing includes checking the health of the system, supplying consumables, changing the program of automatic filters for regeneration, adjusting compressors and dispensers, cleaning injectors and much more. All this costs money, so before buying a water filtration system, you should carefully study its warranty period and the cost of various components.

Overview of water filtration systems

The market for water filtration equipment is vast, but, unfortunately, it is not without one-day companies that sell obviously low-quality goods at low prices, and then “suddenly” go bankrupt. In order not to become a victim of such a scam, it is better to order a water filtration unit from a trusted organization. Below are five firms whose domestic water filtration equipment and home water filtration systems have performed well in the market.

ProfWater

Has 18 years of experience installing domestic and industrial water treatment systems and water filtration equipment in country house. The company's product range includes a separate category of filters for purifying water from a well and a well. ProfWater sells both individual installations for iron removal, aeration and softening, as well as complex systems suitable for private and country houses. Such devices include the Complex 1 multifunctional filter, which removes up to 15 mg/l of iron, up to 5 mg/l of manganese, as well as hydrogen sulfide, salts of heavy metals and pesticides. In addition, the company also offers volumetric iron removal and water softening systems for enterprises, in particular, reverse osmosis systems. Own production allows the organization to maintain affordable prices, which start at 15,000 rubles.

"Geyser"

It has a wide range of filter jugs that are perfect for offices. Pitcher filters are equipped with the patented AQUACONTROL water movement control technology, which distributes flows for the most efficient filtration, which completely eliminates tunnel and wall effects. AQUACONTROL technology allows you to use the entire volume of filter materials, increasing its resource. Cartridges have a threaded connection to the jug receiving funnel, which completely eliminates the mixing of dirty and purified water. The models themselves are available in six different colors, so they can harmoniously fit into almost any interior. In addition, the company also produces industrial filters, as well as water filtration systems for cottages.

"Water Doctor"

Implements unique household and industrial filters, taking into account technological processes of varying complexity, financial resources of the customer and requirements for treated water. The cost of such filters is calculated individually. In addition, this company offers water softeners and devices for iron removal in a private house, as well as luxury purifiers for offices, fitness clubs, schools and shopping centers. Among them is the water purifier-corrector "Water Doctor VD-TM 205 Lux WF" with the function of softening water in the floor type VATTEN purifier.

"Barrier"

Produces household filters for water treatment since 1993 and successfully sells them in Russia and abroad. In addition to a large range of pitcher filters, Barrier produces kitchen faucets with a built-in faucet for water purification. For example, the elegant BWT 3C model, which is made in classic design, will significantly save space on the sink due to the combined supply system of tap and purified water in one device. Similar cranes are available in different color solutions including black and bronze.

"Aquaphor"

It has a wide range of compact filters that you can easily take with you on a trip. In particular, we are talking about the Aquaphor Crystal Echo model with a resource of 8000 liters and a filtration rate of 2.5 liters per minute. It comes with three different modules. This company also offers shower filters and water filtration systems for apartments, cottages and offices.

When choosing a water filtration system, you should not only compare the models you like with each other, but also carefully study the website of the company that sells them. It is quite possible that there will be various seasonal discounts and bonuses in the form of free water analysis or equipment installation. Before buying, you should pay attention to the warranty period of the goods.

Water that comes from a central water supply or well contains impurities that are dangerous to household appliances and health.

To protect your home or apartment, use water filters.

From the article you will find out what filters are and which ones are needed for an apartment or house when supplying water from a well or a central water supply.

Types of water filters

To filter water, it is passed through a filter element that traps impurities and allows clean water to pass through. These elements are created from cardboard, nylon or lavsan, cotton, linen, activated carbon and other substances.

Filters are distinguished by the type of filter element:

• with removable cartridge;
• with backfill of cleaned sand;
• with membrane filtration;
• with a metal or plastic mesh;
• ozone.

Filters are distinguished by purpose:

• cleaning from mechanical impurities;
• reduction of water turbidity;
• purification from dissolved heavy metals;
• reduction of water hardness;
• protection against bacteria;
• changing the properties of impurities.

Filters are distinguished by the method of water supply:

• passive
• with forced supply as part of filtering stations.

Coarse filters

The task of coarse filters (CSF) is to protect water consumers from mechanical impurities - chips, sand, organic sediments, rust. CSFs are sometimes referred to as "mechanical filters". In such filters, water is purified with cardboard and nylon cartridges, metal or plastic meshes, and a layer of sand. Depending on the model of a replaceable cartridge or filter element, such filters trap contaminants larger than 100-400 micrometers. They are sometimes referred to as water pre-filters.

The use of FGO prolongs the service life of fine filters. The reverse osmosis device and ozonizers improve the performance of sedimentation tanks. They do not purify water from smaller impurities, do not remove heavy metals, extraneous odors and tastes, and do not reduce turbidity.

The sand filter element is cleaned of dirt by washing. To do this, water is supplied in the opposite direction at a rate of 2-3 times higher than the rate of water supply in normal mode. Wash water and the dirt raised by it are drained into the sewer.

The filter element made of metal (plastic) mesh is cleaned by twisting drain plug and pouring out what the filter caught. After that, they are washed in the same way as a sand filter.

Change replaceable cartridges made of cardboard or nylon if you suspect a deterioration in the water supply. Changing the cartridge will cost less than replacing or repairing fine filters.

Fine filters

Fine filters (FTO) remove mechanical and other impurities from water, the size of which exceeds 5-50 micrometers, depending on the filter model. The water in them is cleaned with replaceable cartridges made of cardboard, nylon, lavsan and other materials. In adsorption filters, activated carbon or sorbents such as "superferox" or "pinkferox" are used. Such filters reduce water turbidity, partially remove extraneous odors and tastes.

Outwardly, the FTO does not differ from the FGO, because the housings are the same, the difference is only in the permeability of the filter element. If the filter is installed in an apartment that is supplied with chlorinated water, then additional filtration is not required. Chlorine dissolved in water kills pathogenic bacteria, and PTO reduces turbidity and purifies water from small impurities.

To clean sandy PTOs, they are washed. Replaceable cartridges are changed upon reaching the resource specified in the passport. It is advisable to change or flush the FTO at the same time as the CSF, even if it has purified only half of the volume of water indicated in the passport. You can see the dirt on the PTO cartridge only when it has worked 3-4 times longer than necessary and filters water much worse.

Fine filters do not remove heavy metals and bacteria from salt water, do not change the composition of water. For such cleaning, use ozonizers, sedimentation tanks and reverse osmosis devices.

Final filters

Such filters include reverse osmosis plants, ozonizers, ultraviolet cleaning devices. These filters finally purify the water, after which it is safe to drink and does not require boiling. Finishing filters are technically complex devices that perform several operations and consist of several blocks (depending on the specific model).

The performance of such devices is sufficient to provide drinking water, but not enough to purify bathing water, so they are installed in the kitchen, as close as possible to the taps (for example, under the sink).

Reverse osmosis filters

The basis of these filters is a permeable membrane that retains any substances whose molecules are larger than water molecules. For efficient operation of the filter, water is supplied at a pressure of 2-7 atmospheres (bar) using an electric pump. Operations in the pump are fully automated, the operation of the entire system is provided by water pressure sensors and a microcontroller. The water that has passed through the filter is pumped into a storage tank or accumulator.

Reverse osmosis filters (ROF) remove all bacteria and salts from the water, turning the water into distilled water. Frequent use of such water for drinking will lead to leaching of salts from the body, weakening of the bones and disruption of the internal organs, so this water is used for cooking and washing dishes. To avoid washing out salts from the body, drink not only water every day, but also various juices, fruit drinks and other drinks.

FOO is installed after the fine water filter. Supplying untreated water to the installation will reduce the life of the membrane by ten times and damage the device.

Ozone filters

In ozone filters, ozone is supplied to the water, which oxidizes organic impurities (including bacteria) and metals that have entered the water, which leads to their precipitation. It does not purify water from large mechanical impurities, so it is installed after CSF and FTO. Connecting the filter directly to the water supply will reduce the life of the PTF by dozens of times.

The compressor pumps air from the room into a tank, where an electrical discharge converts oxygen into ozone, from where it is fed into a chamber with water. After some time (depending on the model), oxidation turns organics and metals into flakes that precipitate. The remaining inclusions are caught by a fine filter.

The use of activated carbon in PTO purifies water from oil products and heavy metals. When purchasing an ozone water filter, ask what the mechanical filter of this device is made of. If the FTO is cardboard, nylon, lavsan, then it will not protect water from oil products and salts of heavy metals. If the FTO is coal, then the water is reliably protected.

To find out by what indicators to choose filters, hand over water for analysis. If you take water from a well or well and the composition of the water meets the requirements of SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01, install the CSF before pumping station and PTO after it. If the well or well has been operating without disinfection for more than five years and it is impossible to carry out aseptic treatment, use ozone filters or reverse osmosis units.
If you live in an apartment with a centralized water supply, use reverse osmosis or ozone filters. Depreciation of water networks in Russia is more than 50 percent, so there is a high probability of pipe breaks and groundwater or fecal water entering the water. Install two CSFs with different degrees of purification, the first with filtering particles larger than 200-300 micrometers (0.2-0.3 mm), the second 20-100 micrometers. This will keep the final filter from damage and extend its life.

Water purification will keep you and your family healthy. Choose a filter for contaminants that are present in the water and degrade its characteristics. Do not neglect coarse and fine filters, the price of replacement cartridges for them is hundreds of times cheaper than the cost of final filters. Do not save on water treatment, because health is more expensive.

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