Most residents of apartment buildings and private houses are not lucky enough to have water with an optimal chemical composition that meets state standards and is safe for health. Most often, it is impossible to drink it from the tap without special cleaning. It is cloudy, has foreign odors, and contains impurities that, although not visible to the naked eye, greatly affect the taste and safety.
Therefore, we resort to special water purifying devices, the main element of which is the water filter cartridge.
What types of filter cartridges are there?
To choose a cleaning system for your apartment, you need to have an initial understanding of what kind of water filter cartridges exist, what their features are, their differences, and what they are needed for.
Different cartridges are needed to purify the water that comes in:
- in pumping units so that the equipment is not clogged with debris and is not at risk of damage;
- landing filters, which are placed in front of the circulation pump of the heating system or in the water supply system in front of the metering device;
- reusable self-cleaning systems or disc filters;
The next group of replaceable modules is designed for finer cleaning and consists, as a rule, of polypropylene (cloth or cord). This cleaning can remove contaminants with particle sizes up to 1 micron. This is the simplest, but at the same time the most reliable way to remove mechanical contamination.
Sorption or carbon can retain chlorine, heavy metal salts, and organic substances, which is important for main water supply. They improve organoleptic qualities: taste, color, smell. They are used in combination with mechanical cleaning filters.
Ion exchangers are based on a resin filler that is additionally charged, usually with sodium ions. When hard water passes through such a cartridge, it leaves hardness ions (calcium, magnesium) on the resin, replacing them with sodium ions.
Such cassettes can be regenerated, that is, updated, enriched with new sodium ions. But if this is not possible at home, it is simply replaced with a new one. In everyday practice, this is much easier to do than to carry out a full regeneration.
Ionic modules do not retain mechanical contaminants and do not work with organic matter, but they soften well. They must be used in combination with other filters.
More complex options for ultra-fine purification are membrane ones that operate on the principle of reverse osmosis. This feature was observed and borrowed from nature itself. Plants are able to absorb only those substances that they need. In the reverse principle, water is purified from mineral impurities and other substances.
The high-tech membrane allows only clean molecules to pass through, while all other impurities remain in the dirty membrane, which is removed from the system into the sewer system.
The most basic rough cleaning removes large impurities: rust, scale, grains of sand, silt, and so on. For primary mechanical cleaning or pre-cleaning, as this group of cleaners is also called, this is quite enough.
These are the most common, widely known cleaning principles.
The best storage filters for water purification
Jugs and dispensers with filters are the simplest liquid purification devices. They are suitable for low potable water consumption and are suitable for small families or offices. They have a storage tank for purified liquid. To get a portion of clean water, you need to wait a few minutes until it squeezes through the filter under its own weight. But such filters are cheaper than any other.
Xiaomi Viomi Filter Kettle L1 – a new word in cleaning
5,0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Behind the modest design of this amazing device lies amazing capabilities. There is a highly effective replaceable cartridge with 7 cleaning stages and an ultraviolet lamp. Thanks to this, the liquid is not only cleansed of harmful impurities, but also disinfected. The lamp runs on a battery that can be charged via a microUSB connector. One charge is enough for 40 uses.
Advantages:
- Reasonable price;
- Deferrization;
- Antibacterial effect;
- Long cartridge resource;
- 7 stages of cleaning.
Flaws:
- Small tank volume.
- The Xiaomi filter jug is the optimal solution for a family of 2–3 people.
Ecotronic C 6-1 FE – filter and cooler 2-in-1
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
In addition to 5-stage cleaning, this dispenser also cools the water to +15°C. It operates from the mains, consuming no more than 60 W. You can add water either manually or by connecting it to a water supply. The dispenser has a display that will remind you when the filter needs to be replaced. A convenient tap on the body will allow you to quickly draw water into any container.
Advantages:
- 5 stages of cleaning, including softening;
- Liquid cooling;
- Display with filter contamination indication;
- Capacious water tank;
- Possibility of connection to water supply.
Flaws:
- Dependence on the power grid.
The C 6-1 FE filter from Ecotronic is suitable for home or office use. It will be especially relevant in the summer heat.
Barrier Grand NEO – strength in simplicity
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
83%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
There is nothing unusual about this pitcher, but users note the high cleaning efficiency and durability of its body. The reinforced handle can withstand even the heavy weight of a jug filled to the brim. The water is filtered relatively quickly. Moreover, it is not only cleaned of free chlorine, but also softened, and also loses its unpleasant odor.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Availability of replacement cartridges;
- Elimination of unpleasant odor;
- Durable housing;
- Capacious tank.
Flaws:
- Does not disinfect water.
For a home or cottage with not too dirty water or with a main pre-filter, Barrier Grand NEO is best suited.
Mechanical filtration
A mechanical cartridge for purifying water from iron and other visible and invisible particles retains these impurities. They come in different filtering capacities, which are indicated in microns. Moreover, they retain dirt by only 90%, but still let 10% through.
Therefore, they are called pre-filters or coarse water filters; after them, plumbing fixtures, taps, and household appliances can work without damaging them, but for drinking it is better to purify this water additionally
Manufacturers indicate the filtering capacity on the packaging or housing. Moreover, the lower this figure, the smaller particles the system retains. For ordinary apartments, a mechanical device marked with 5-10 microns is sufficient.
Types of Cleaners
There are many different filters on the market for purification systems designed to solve a particular problem. All of them are divided into two main types: fine and coarse filters.
Coarse cleaning
The purpose of coarse cleaning devices is to separate insoluble fractions:
- sand;
- clay;
- rust and other substances.
The choice of model depends on the degree of water contamination and the type of impurities.
All coarse filters have a similar principle of operation, which consists in separating coarse particles that negatively affect the operation of household appliances and make water unsuitable for use.
The design of such filters allows for their removal and removal of contaminants.
The devices do not use chemical reagents - filtration is carried out exclusively mechanically.
Depending on the design features, coarse filters are most often divided into three types:
Mesh
Mesh - consist of a mesh with small cells measuring 50-500 microns . They can be non-flushing or self-cleaning.
Such devices require the installation of a drainage pipe into which dirty water is drained.
Some strainers are additionally equipped with a pressure control valve and pressure gauge. Devices for filtering cold water are made of transparent materials; for hot water, they are made of metal that can withstand high temperatures.
Cartridge
Cartridge - consist of a replaceable cartridge or cartridge placed in a steel or plastic flask. This device is capable of capturing particles as small as 0.5 microns.
Models designed for filtering cold water are made of transparent materials, which makes it possible to promptly detect blockages and replace the cartridge. The body of the hot water device is made of opaque material.
For the manufacture of cartridges, a special fiber is used that helps retain chlorine. Stocking-type cartridges are used to purify water from viscous clay, algae, and mud.
Pressure high-speed
Pressure high-speed - used to purify water with impurities of heterogeneous structure. A pressure high-speed coarse filter is a container containing a filter material capable of retaining fractions larger than 30 microns.
The upper part of the tank is equipped with an automatic control unit, which performs the filtration function. Such a filter is connected to a drainage pipeline.
The disadvantage of high-speed pressure devices is the inability to use in cold rooms and large dimensions.
Fine cleaning
Deep cleaning filters are very poorly able to free water from impurities of small fractions - chemical compounds, heavy metals.
For such purposes, fine filters are used that help retain microparticles larger than 5 microns.
Such filters are installed after coarse cleaning devices, which makes it possible to efficiently purify water even from pathogenic bacteria. The working element can be a sorption material, a reverse osmosis membrane or an ion exchange resin.
Adsorption devices (activated carbon)
The operating principle is based on the ability to absorb liquid contaminants from certain solids. It is effective for low concentrations of pollutants - at the deep cleaning stage.
The best sorbent is activated carbon. It is used as a filler for cartridges. It copes best with organic contaminants and ensures high composition requirements.
Sorption purification is used at the final stage of drinking water preparation. Such a module can remove:
- chlorine;
- iron;
- phenol;
- pesticides;
- herbicides;
- heavy metals;
- petroleum products;
- organics;
- dyes;
- arsenic;
- surfactants.
Adsorption cartridges for removing iron and other impurities from water also have disadvantages. They work well when new, but over time they will expire. Since it also retains organic inclusions, eventually bacteria begin to multiply on the accumulated organic sediment, the water can become bacterially contaminated, and the resulting bacterial contamination will become more dangerous than it was before purification.
It is necessary to ensure the timely replacement of such cassettes.
Basic operating rules
- It is important to promptly change cartridges in filters that have exhausted their service life. Old consumables not only reduce the overall performance of the filter, but also pose a serious threat to human health. Dirt accumulates on their surface, which gradually increases, breaks into components and enters the human body.
- Water filters should be used constantly. If for some reason it has been offline for a week or more, it is imperative to clean it and replace the cartridges. During downtime, the contaminants that have accumulated on the surface turn into an excellent breeding ground for many microorganisms.
- An ordinary jug cannot completely purify water. Even if it contains cartridges with several active substances, they still cannot completely cope with all impurities. Therefore, it is important to think about installing other equipment for hard water, if this is really necessary.
Of course, these are general recommendations. You can find out about all operating conditions in the detailed instructions that come with the equipment, or ask for help from a consultant. A full range of reliable water filters of various types from the world's leading manufacturers (Atoll, BWT, Omoikiri, Aquaphor, Geyser, Barrier) at a competitive price is presented in the MoykiPlus online store. Delivery of goods is carried out in Moscow by courier and to other cities of the Russian Federation by postal services. For purchases over 8,000 rubles, delivery is free. All products sold are guaranteed. You can place an order by phone with the help of a manager or through the shopping cart on the website.
Follow our promotions, which will allow you to purchase equipment at an even better price.
Ion exchange cartridges
The ion exchange filter cartridge is used both independently and in combination with other cleaning cassettes. It deals with the replacement of harmful salts with neutral particles that are harmless to humans, such as sodium ions.
Inside the container there is a special resin that binds manganese, iron, lead, and other heavy metal salts, and replenishes them with sodium. After this purification, the water acquires a pleasant taste.
If the device is used for a long time without washing and regeneration, its filler becomes clogged with dirt and may no longer be beneficial, but dangerous. Salt is used as a regenerating composition, which you can prepare yourself, or periodically replace the entire cassette.
Tips for choosing
The filter should:
- be made from safe materials and have no unpleasant odors;
- qualitatively reduce the content of harmful impurities in water;
- have an antibacterial effect.
It is also worth paying attention to the following characteristics on which the quality of water depends:
- number of purification stages – water will be purified better when there are many of them;
- the nature of filtration depends on the presence and composition of the impurity;
- the presence of a mineralizer - it is required when the systems provide for maximum removal of inclusions;
- Performance is one of the important features on which the ease of use of the filter depends.
Aquaphor filters for water purification are noteworthy devices that can be installed in every home and apartment. This is a very convenient and environmentally friendly solution that has a positive effect on health.
Membrane
The filter element in this device is a thin porous film that allows only water and oxygen to pass through, and traps particles of contaminants on the surface.
Membranes are made from different materials:
- lavsan;
- polypropylene;
- polyacetate;
- ceramics, etc.
Its disadvantage is the need for regular cleaning, as well as frequent replacement.
The size of the pores in the membranes determines their type and cleaning ability.
Name | Pore sizes (µm) | What are they used for? |
Micro | 0,1-1,0 | For rough purification of turbid water: retains finely dispersed impurities, colloidal particles |
Ultra | 0,02-0,1 | Remove macromolecules, algae, bacteria. They clean mechanical contaminants and are powerless against dissolved salts. |
Nano | 0,001-0,02 | They purify and soften hard water, filter chlorine and heavy metal salts. |
Reverse osmosis | 0,0001- 0,001 |
Eliminate all types of bacteria, viruses, organic impurities, dissolved salts, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, heavy metals, iron.
Membrane devices are used to purify water from iron from wells for private country houses, as well as in multi-apartment residential buildings.
Aquaphor Trio Fe
Filtration system consisting of 3 modules for water purification. It is most often installed near a water supply. For ease of use, a special tap is provided through which purified liquid flows. As a result, the user receives water that has undergone 3 stages of purification (from free chlorine, iron and mechanical impurities). The filtration module is included in the delivery set and is designed to clean 7000 liters. water. This is a practical and durable solution that will provide truly clean drinking water.
Advantages:
- pleasant-tasting, clean water;
- large resource of work;
- optimal price;
- high productivity 2.5 l/min.
Flaws:
- impressive dimensions;
- installation that requires the use of additional equipment;
- the need to frequently change filtration modules.
Most users note the ideal price-quality ratio in this model.
Ionizers
This is the most modern and most controversial cleaning method. At the same time, the water is saturated with sodium ions, becoming alkaline. Ionized alkaline normalizes the acid-base balance of the body.
The operating principle is based on electrolysis, for which titanium plates are used. Cleaning is carried out using replaceable cassettes.
Ionizers are flow-through, jug, tourmaline in the form of glasses, in the form of attachments on the faucet, with the addition of silver ions.
Which cartridges to choose
To understand which replacement module for a tap water purification system you need, it is advisable to conduct a chemical analysis. This is especially necessary if you are not supplied with tap water, but take it from a well.
But even in the absence of such an opportunity, you can determine the characteristics by smell and taste. If it is unpleasant, there may be excess chlorine in the water. In this case, a carbon filter will help.
If the water from the tap flows cloudy or becomes cloudy if it sits in the container for several hours, then a mechanical replaceable cartridge helps.
For excess calcium and magnesium, that is, for hard water, you need a filter filled with ion-exchange resin to soften it. If there is a risk that the water may contain heavy metal salts, as happens in industrial areas where metallurgical plants are located, then the installation of a reverse osmosis system will be required. The reverse osmosis cartridge will also help where pesticides get into the water after treating farmland.
Typically, cassettes are selected according to several conditions at once, thus forming a complete cleaning system. You can consult the selection in specialized stores from sellers.
Types of filter modules
- Nets made of plastic and metal. They are used to neutralize contaminants in water such as particles of earth and metal, rust, and other mineral contaminants of various sizes.
- Backfill elements for filters. They are a mixture of active substances that are poured into collapsible cones instead of used consumables. Sold already in portioned packaging.
- Cartridges. A familiar and classic option that is used in many types of filters. Requires regular replacement. It can be with different active substances (selected depending on the required degree of water purification).
- Membranes. They are porous, tubular materials with a certain permeability of particles, which are used for reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration systems. Impurities are not only collected on membranes in the filter, but also compressed and removed through the drainage system.
- Aerators. They are closed systems that remove various gas and metal impurities, as well as chloride and hydrogen sulfide compounds due to the active saturation of the liquid with oxygen.
- Ultraviolet radiation sources. UV rays are the most effective, and today, option for sterilizing water and completely disinfecting it. Not only viruses are destroyed, but also bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this case, the element is adjusted to safe waves that do not disturb the structure of the water.
Most often, combined options are used, which make it possible to comprehensively purify water and completely remove harmful impurities of various types.
How to choose the right cartridge
First of all, the type of filter and its company are specified. Many manufacturers make special consumables for their products. Next, it’s worth deciding on the degree of water contamination and the necessary quality indicators at the output, since the cartridges differ from each other in their active ingredients. There are a number of rules for choosing products for water purification:
- The filtration fineness should be from 1 to 5 microns.
- To remove the taste of iron and its particles, you need to use special cartridges.
- If the water is very hard, products with resin are used to soften it.
- The classic carbon cartridge copes well with chemical impurities.
It is also important to take into account the presence of filters in the line or before washing, which affect the quality of the product at the outlet. If they are missing, the cartridge must contain several active components for comprehensive cleaning.
For main filter
There are only three criteria for choosing a filter with a mechanical coarse cleaning cartridge. You need to rely on the composition of the water and the size of the flask. Information about the manufacturer will also be taken into account, because cassette units of one brand may be incompatible with another in shape and method of fastening, while their filtering capabilities may be identical.
Mechanical cleaning cartridges
They are suitable for the first stage of filtration of hot and cold water, purifying it from mechanical impurities: sand, scale, rust. They differ in size and capacity.
Mechanical only 4 types:
- Made from a polypropylene sheet that is rolled into a tube around a core. Subject to periodic replacement.
- Thread module with polypropylene thread wound on a sleeve. It filters well, but replacement will also be required after 1-3 months.
- Corrugated, where a straight sheet is folded like an accordion, wrapped around a central tube. Due to the corrugation, the filter surface is very large. It can be washed and cleaned with a brush.
- Stainless steel mesh. It can be washed, its resource and service life are very long.
Cleaning from chlorine and organic compounds
For chlorine and organics, sorption filters are needed. The sorbing filler in them is a cassette with activated carbon. In general, coal absorbs more pollutants. Among them are heavy metals, manganese and iron in small quantities.
Such cassettes come with loose granules inside and with sintered coal; they are also called carbon blocks. There are differences between these two types.
With granular coal - backfill, they clean well, without causing a strong drop in water pressure at the outlet.
Pressed carbon blocks provide a greater pressure reduction, but are well cleaned of organic impurities. Their filtering capacity is 5-10 microns.
It is better to supplement the carbon cartridge with the first device for mechanical cleaning, which extends the service life of the carbon module.
Iron and manganese removal
The best cartridge for iron and manganese removal is ion exchange. Conventional filters also cope with such cleaning, but they clog very quickly if the water is too rusty and require frequent replacement. An option would be to install a self-washing device, which will ensure reusable use.
If the water from the tap flows clear, but becomes cloudy after standing, this means that it contains iron in smaller fractions, as well as manganese. It is often contaminated with hydrogen sulfide, which gives off an unpleasant odor.
For cleaning use:
- electromagnetic devices;
- reverse osmosis systems;
- membrane installations.
Water softening
Softeners are used to prepare hard water. They can be with an ultrafiltration membrane or ion-exchange backfill. Magnetic and electromagnetic devices are also applicable in everyday life.
To purify water from a private artesian well in a country cottage or country house, ion exchange cartridge filters work best, since the content of carbonate salts and iron compounds is most often exceeded here.
Top 3. Aquaphor Provence A5
Rating (2021): 4.52
1004 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, IRecommend
Most Popular This filter jug from Aquaphor has over 1,000 customer reviews. It has earned such popularity due to its quality and efficiency.
- Characteristics
Average price: 790 rub.
- Volume: 4.2 l
- Filtration: from chlorine, softening
- Resource: 350 l
- Capacity: 0.2 l/min
The Provence filter jug has an increased volume and is suitable for use in large families. It can be used for low quality rusty water with an abundance of mechanical impurities. At the same time, it will not only become safe, but will also not lose its natural benefits - a special cartridge retains magnesium. The jug is made of durable, unbreakable plastic, which is important for families with children. And this has a positive effect on the service life - even with constant use of the product, scratches do not appear on it. The cartridges have a good service life, which completely coincides with the declared characteristics - one filter works without reducing the quality of cleaning for up to three months.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Large volume, a lot of water is filtered at one time
- Good degree of filtration, no white flakes or scale
- Long filter life, up to three months
- Magnesium is retained in clean water
- Suitable for rusty water with a lot of impurities
- Narrow spout, water pours out of the jug slowly
See also:
- 15 best Barrier brand water filters
In-line filter cartridge
The flow filter cartridge is the most popular type of household cleaner. They are a tube made of filter material, compact and lightweight. Many modules that remove iron, chlorine, and manganese additionally perform the functions of softening, mineralization, and neutralization of foreign odors.
Iron is removed by backfilled reagent filters, which must be replaced periodically. Ion exchange cartridges will get rid of unpleasant taste and smell, will save you from excess calcium and magnesium salts, and therefore from scale in a kettle, on heating elements, in electrical household appliances, boilers, geysers, etc.
The carbon module saves you from chlorine, which has only one drawback - it exhausts its resource very quickly.
The new generation includes a titanium filter, which cleans not only from iron, but also from manganese, ammonia, nitrates, that is, it produces complete softening. It does not require cartridge replacement.
Operating principle
The principle of operation is extremely simple, understandable to everyone: the liquid flows through the cartridge and is cleaned. Hence the name - flow-through.
Replaceable cassettes contain activated carbon and ionic resin. It has been expertly proven that coal made from coconut shells has the highest sorption properties. Conventional mechanical cleaning is carried out by a polypropylene module - one or several.
Such a filter has from 3 to 5 or more cartridges and a corresponding number of degrees of purification. They are not difficult to install; they are usually installed under the sink, and there is a tap outside for drinking water.
It is standardly recommended to install a mechanical cleaning cartridge (FCPP) into the flask in turn, then granular carbon (FCCA), then a softening cartridge (FCCST), then a reverse osmosis membrane from a manufacturer that suits your price, and the final chain is a carbon post filter (linear cartridge)
Under-sink cleaning systems are considered one of the best due to their compactness and efficiency. Although they are not very economical, they are guaranteed to work for the benefit of our health. For very hard liquids, it is better to take a reverse osmosis membrane, and for medium hardness, an ion exchange cartridge will be sufficient.
Membrane filtration will remove all contaminants, including germs, bacteria and viruses. But the output water will be absolutely neutral, so it will require additional mineralization.
Ion exchange modules belong to the economy class; water will also be purified by them, but in addition they will require carbon filtration to remove chlorine and petroleum products - simple, cheap, and the most affordable.
Top 4. Aquaphor Harry
Rating (2021): 4.43
373 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, DNS, Ozon, IRecommend
The cheapest large-volume jug This jug can be called a successful and profitable purchase. With a volume of almost 4 liters, it costs just over 500 rubles.
- Characteristics
Average price: 570 rub.
- Volume: 3.9 l
- Filtration: from chlorine
- Resource: 300 l
- Capacity: 0.2 l/min
An inexpensive option for a fairly large 3.9 liter jug. It is not made as high quality as more expensive models - the plastic is a little thinner, it easily scratches. But it copes with its main purpose perfectly - the water after filtration is clean, transparent, without the smell of chlorine and iron. The design of the model is quite convenient - the funnel and the free part of the jug are approximately the same in volume, so you don’t have to add water several times to fill it. The cartridge included in the kit has a good service life, up to three months. But replacement cassettes sometimes fail; some users complain that they last for two weeks.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Low price for a large volume filter jug
- The output water is clear and safe without boiling
- Eliminates iron and chlorine odors completely
- To fill the jug, just pour water once
- Inexpensive replacement modules, their availability for sale
- Scratches easily remain on the plastic and quickly lose its appearance
- The cartridge is inserted and not screwed in; it may leak
See also:
- 10 Best Water Filter Jugs
Replacement cartridges for flow filters
Replacement filter cartridges are selected according to its model, size, and brand.
The resource of the cassettes shows how much volume it can filter before replacement. Typically it ranges from 4 to 40 cubic meters. If the house has a water heater or the family is large, then the water consumption will be increased - the module will have to be replaced more often or take one that has a long resource.
You should focus on the speed of the filtering capacity. For a home, a speed of 1 to 3 liters per minute is sufficient.
Additional functions of the modules include neutralization, mineralization, ion replacement, softening. Therefore, it is better to take a kit.
Top 2. Aquaphor B300
Rating (2021): 4.39
81 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, DNS
Best price Of the entire huge range of Aquaphor models, this filter has the lowest price. It costs less than even most replacement pitcher filters.
- Characteristics
Average price: 249 rub.
- Filtration: from chlorine, bacteria
- Resource: 1000 l
- Capacity: 0.3 l/min
A cheap and convenient alternative to filter jugs. With a cartridge resource of up to 1000 liters, the compact model costs about 250 rubles. It is simply put on the tap using a special adapter to obtain the required volume of water. Filtration is not fast - only 300 ml per minute, but the quality of cleaning is not bad - chlorine and other unpleasant odors completely disappear, and the main harmful impurities are retained. Active ionic silver in the cartridge has a bactericidal effect. One of the advantages is its very compact size, the filter is convenient to take with you on trips, and at home in the kitchen it does not take up any space. There is only one drawback - the nozzle is not suitable for all taps.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Low price, cheaper than cartridges for jugs
- Contains a bactericidal additive, active ionic silver
- Large resource, enough to filter 1000 liters of water
- Good cleaning quality, removes chlorine smell
- Compact size, takes up virtually no space
- The adapter does not fit all taps
- Not very good workmanship
See also:
- 10 tips for choosing a water filter
Filter cartridge sizes
- Size 5″
- Size 10″
- Size 20″
- Size 20 slim"
Dimensions are subject to generally accepted international standards. The main ones are SL and BB. They differ in height and diameter. Moreover, these values are also measured according to the standard in inches, and not in millimeters.
SL (Slim Line) – diameter 2.5 inches or 64 mm. The heights are 5, 10, 20 inches - respectively marked 5SL, 10SL, 20SL. These cassettes are common in flow and reverse osmosis systems.
BB (Big Blue) – diameter 4.5 inches or 114 mm, diameter 10 and 20 inches (10BB and 20BB). Designed for backbone systems, they have high throughput and increased service life. Basic:
Filters without cartridges
Water filters without replaceable cartridges appeared relatively recently, but immediately gained supporters. Their shelf life without replacing any built-in elements is 15 years and above.
The role of the cartridge is played by a thin wire tightly wound around the base. The water is forced through the coils of wire and leaves all the excess dirt on them, which then simply goes down the drain.
Water filters without cartridges are installed on the main pipe and perfectly purify liquids both for drinking and for washing, baths, washing machines, and water heaters.
The productivity of the device is from 300 to 60,000 liters per hour. So it is enough to supply water to a country house with a sauna and a swimming pool, for office needs and even for a small manufacturing enterprise.
Criteria for choosing a filter for your home
- Possibility of filtering water at different temperatures. If only liquid at standard room (or ambient) temperature will be purified, then any system can be used. But, for hot ones, installations are required that will withstand the influence and will not melt.
- Filter module resource. Regardless of the type, each device contains consumables, which are responsible for the high quality of the finished product. Over time, the module requires mandatory replacement. If a family consumes clean water in large quantities, it is better to turn to those models that offer a long service life of cartridges and other consumables.
- Performance. It is determined in the amount of purified water that is obtained per minute of operation of the filter unit. Of course, a lot depends on the type of filters: reverse osmosis initially requires more time, and the same applies to membranes.
- Availability of consumables. All elements that require regular replacement must be freely accessible. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the price category.
- Manufacturer. There are water filters from various manufacturers on the market. In order to choose the best brand, you need to familiarize yourself with the assortment and reviews in advance, and find out about the availability of a certificate. In this case, the documents must be original, and not ordinary photocopies.
- Initial water quality. Water from a tap, well or well can contain a variety of impurities, ranging from rust and ordinary sand, to hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, salts, volatile substances, etc. Therefore, before choosing filters, it is recommended to submit water for analysis in specialized laboratories.
- Availability of free space. There are stationary, built-in, hidden installations, but they all require space. If there is no free space for a battery of several cartridges, it is better to look for other options.
Of course, it is worth paying attention to the presence of additional functions, such as mineralization (saturation of drinking water with useful components), the presence of a storage tank for collecting purified liquid, a bioactivator to restore the natural structure of the liquid, ultraviolet radiation sources for disinfection, degree of processing, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages
Filters without cartridges are universal. Here are their advantages:
- excellent filtration;
- high performance;
- removes viruses and bacteria;
- does not allow heavy metal salts to pass through;
- long service life;
Among the shortcomings, consumers managed to notice that these devices do not soften the way reverse osmosis does. High price. It is not suitable for rough cleaning. Large particles of impurities such as silt, sand, rust quickly clog the filter, and regeneration will have to be carried out more often.
For such cases, pre-cleaning systems are provided, which will not be superfluous here.
Filter "Titan" without cartridges
A filter without replaceable cartridges of the new generation of Titans removes chlorine, manganese, ammonia, iron, and other substances that affect color and turbidity.
It is a porous titanium tube. The liquid enters the flask under pressure, undergoes ultrafiltration and comes out completely ready for internal and external use.
Cartridge in faucet in kitchen and bathroom
Faucet cartridges are an important part of the mechanism, which is responsible for the safe operation of the device. It can be replaceable or solid, which is something you need to pay attention to when purchasing.
Faucets with a replaceable cartridge are more expensive, but justify the price due to the ability to replace the element with a new one and restore the functionality of the unit. But the replacement unit must be chosen so that it fits the mixer, since there are a lot of different models on sale.
It mixes hot and cold water from the tap, bringing its temperature to the required temperature, and also provides pressure, so it bears a large load and often fails.
DIY installation
When installing filters yourself, you should adhere to the following installation rules:
- It is better to place the device in front of the metering sensors, since contamination entering this device will lead to its failure.
- A container with direct placement is fixed only in horizontal areas.
- FGO with direct flushing is complemented by a reverse cleaning device. For this purpose, a connecting valve is used.
Types of cartridges for faucets
Mixer cartridges come in disk and ball types. The first ones are suitable only for taps with valves, and the second ones are also suitable for a mixer with a rotary lever.
The dimensions of the mixer cartridge are from 26 to 40 mm. Larger parts are usually used for the bathroom. There is only one rule here: the larger the module size, the more efficiently it works. They can be made of ceramics or metal. There are collapsible and non-collapsible models. Service life - from 4 to 8 years.
Granular filler for filter cartridge filter
The filler is used in ion exchange filters for water purification. It consists of small beads of ion exchange resin. They come in light colors: white, milky, light yellow, amber.
Sold in packs of 3 bags weighing 110 grams. To replace, the old contents are removed from the housing and new granules are added. It removes inorganic substances: magnesium and lime.
What is it and how do they work?
Complete removal of contaminants is ensured by the action of multi-component devices.
The unit has the form of flasks made of stainless alloys or polymers. They contain the following filter elements:
- mechanical sieves;
- sorbents;
- ion exchange resins;
- membranes.
Each module has an inlet and drain hole. Fillers gradually retain all impurities of inorganic, organic, and biological nature.
Unlike a coarse filter, such a
complex removes not only grains of sand, silt, and rust, but also small particles of other inclusions.
Effective action is only possible with constant monitoring of filters and timely replacement.
Dirty modules are unable to retain impurities. On the contrary, they can cause deterioration in water quality.
Hot water cartridges
Not all cartridges are suitable for hot water. For example, the carbon filler in cassettes “sinters” under the influence of temperature and stops working. The same thing happens on ion exchange filters. And especially fine cleaning for hot liquid is not needed; we do not use it as drinking water.
Typically, for media temperatures above +75 degrees, filament cartridges and petal cartridges (corrugated from polypropylene) are suitable. Product marking FCPS-HOT and self-washing SPF06-1/2" AAM necessarily informs about the temperature regime that should be adhered to. And if a hot module can be placed on a cold one, then a cold cartridge will no longer be suitable for a hot one.
Aquaphor Modern 1
Aquaphor Modern 1 is a simplified version of the Favorit Eco system. There is also a separate tap for collecting purified water; the flask with a filter is not installed under the drinking bowl, but is placed next to the tap where the device will be connected. Modern 1 is suitable for purifying cold running water and produces up to 1.2 liters of clean drinking liquid per minute. Filtration is performed using a carbon module with a resource of 4000 liters. For ease of use, it is recommended to equip the faucet with a special adapter that will switch the water to the filter and allow you to draw it into any container.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- low price;
- pleasant-tasting water;
- good resource of the filter module.
Buyers found no flaws in the device.