Category: Under-sink

Those of you who take your health seriously, understand exactly how dangerous water contamination can be. More often than not, a situation such as this requires immediate action in order to avoid serious ramifications. Bacteria can easily build up, as harmful metals leach into the water supply, or it is otherwise contaminated by chemicals. If you are a homeowner, you are most likely a little familiar with these parameters, and the risks associated with unfiltered tap water.

Certain areas of the United States suffer from higher levels of contamination than others, ranging anywhere from simple to extremely serious. In many areas, a single-stage water filtration unit is enough to provide safe drinking water, while others demand serious solutions to remove harmful chemicals and avoid health effects. When you need to eliminate contaminants on a severe scale, higher stages of filtration serve as a great resolution. This begs the question, though: How many stages are efficient enough for your water supply?

A phrase such as “multi-stage filter” may seem rather complicated, and leave homeowners confused – isn’t a water filter just a filter? When it comes to stages, each filtration system utilizes cartridges corresponding to a specific stage of water filtration. Each stage within a water filter fulfills a specific role in the overall act of filtering water – especially in terms of contamination. These filter stages utilize various types of filter material in order to fulfill the role. However, this is not to say that any given stage cannot be used more than once, or appear in later or earlier stages in a system.

A Reverse osmosis filtration system is mainly comprised of two carbon block filters, offering the same filtration capabilities as the other. What’s interesting in this scenario, is that one block will be placed upstream of the RO membrane as a pre-filter, while the other is placed downstream in order to polish water of chemical residue, sometimes called a postfilter. Though they perform similar tasks, and utilize the same materials, they both fulfill separate roles completely independent from each other.

The stages in any given filtration unit are highly dependent upon the issues surrounding the tap water within the home in which they operate. Many issues can be solved through the use of a single-stage unit, while others require something serious, such as a multi-stage filter. Some of these filters integrate a single filter cartridge with a single type of media, known as a single-stage water filter system. These may come in the form of a countertop unit, inline filter, or under-sink filter, just to name a few. A single stage unit is efficient at removing contaminants that cause issues with smell and taste.

Serious contaminants require the use of a multi-stage unit, in order to remove various contaminants, heavy metals, dangerous chemicals, and more. A multi-stage filtration unit operates off of multiple filter cartridges in specific locations, containing various types of filter media. A Reverse osmosis water purification system is the most common housing of multi-stage filtration. This is why, for the most part, a RO system can be pricey to purchase and operate. However, the results are largely unmatched by any other type of water filtration.

A mixed-media filter is a water filter utilizing a single cartridge which fully integrates multiple types of filter material. Typically, this type of filter organizes media in a layering style. Technically, this kind of water filter could be considered “multi-stage”, however, multiple stage cartridges are usually a stage-by-stage style, which is quite different from mixed-media. A multi-stage filter takes advantage of the longer contact time, as well as a larger surface area, in the media of a multi-stage. When a filter cartridge is dedicated to one type of filter media, it provides a more efficient mode of filtration. In turn this method is likely to remove or absorb higher amounts of contaminants compared to mixed-media filters.

A multi-stage water filter offers a variety of advantages compared to other styles of filtration, which often make them worth the initial investment. This kind of filter can guarantee a whole slew of benefits, but also carry a few disadvantages you may need to consider before purchasing. Here are a few of the pros and cons of a multi-stage filter:

Homeowners have complete control over their water filtration when it comes to a multi-stage style purification unit. They can add stages, or use the fewest required. Tap water benefits from prolonged contact to filter media, since it is forced to flow through each stage one at a time. If you are looking for thorough, trustworthy water filtration, a multi-stage filtration unit is for you.

When you use a single-stage, or even a carbon block cartridge alone, you can’t expect to remove many contaminants. When it comes to a multi-stage unit, though, it provides a wider target of substances it’s capable of removing. This ranges anywhere from solids, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, fluoride, and much more. Many of these “invisible” contaminants pose dangers to your health, and are easily removable with a multi-stage filtration unit.

Because it provides prolonged contact with each stage of filtration, a multi-stage filter offers a reduced flow rate that may make a noticeable difference. The upside to this is you can be confident in the removal of various contaminants, however, it may not be beneficial for the impatient. Depending on your desired flow rate, check the system specs for a full understanding of what to expect as far as flow rate.

Considering the amount of stages it is possible to house within a multi-stage filter system, maintenance costs can be substantially higher compared to other units. Before purchasing your unit, ensure you have calculated costs beyond the initial purchase price, or you may be met with surprise expenses. When you need an efficient method of tap water filtration, the costs of operating a multi-stage filter are well worth it in the end.

Mixed-media filters provide numerous advantages, which are worth going through. If you need to stay on a budget, and save on space, purchasing this kind of filter may be right up your alley.

Flow rate typically isn’t affected by the use of a single filter cartridge. When a flow rate guarantee is one of your concerns, a single-cartridge mixed-media filter system may be for you. This is because the layers of media are comprised into one cartridge, rather than multiple cartridges in a queue.

When you’re low on space, and need to be conservative with new installations, a single filter cartridge is a great choice. Not only do they require much less space, but it also enables you to buy cartridges before hand for storage.

Because you only need to replace one cartridge, a single-cartridge mixed-media filter requires much less maintenance when compared to multi-stage units. There are fewer cartridges to change, which means you will spend less money in the end.

The number of stages in any given filtration unit depends completely from unit to unit. By taking the level of contamination of your tap water into consideration, you will be better equipped to determine the kind of filter media for your household. An RO system, for example, typically utilizes 5 stages of filtration. These filters integrate different types of filter media in stages, with media such as: RO membrane, sediment filter, carbon block, granular activated carbon, and more. Check with the vendor for information concerning contaminant type, as well as removal rates, in order to determine the overall efficiency. This will go great lengths in determining which filter unit will work best for your needs.

Waterdrop’s under counter water filter, when compared to a single filter system, is capable of reducing higher amounts of contaminants, with a longer overall service life. When you are short on space, the under sink water filter is a great option. By housing 3 filters, homeowners can enjoy pure, crisp water whenever desired. The initial filter effectively removes large particles, sand, and rust. The next filter is comprised of granule activated carbon, efficiently reducing bad flavors and odors, as well as chlorine. Then, a natural carbon block (and KDF filter) lowers and prevents pollutants, further improving overall water flavor and quality.

There is no need to change bottom caps, no worries of cracks and leaks, all thanks to a sealed, durable under sink water filter housing. Featuring a 6 month, 8-12 month, and 12-18 month respective lifespan, this 3-stage under counter water filter further reduces the heavy, expensive burden of filter purchases. When you need efficient water filtration, while also sticking to a budget, and conserving space, a Waterdrop 3-stage water filtration unit is for you.

Ultrafiltration is a method of water filtration much unlike reverse osmosis. Also referred to as UF, ultrafiltration utilizes the pressure of a standard home water system, in order to remove contaminants by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Through this method, ultrafiltration is capable of removing bacteria, parasites, and viruses, while also retaining minerals found in water. While it does bear a resemblance to reverse osmosis systems, ultrafiltration is considered to be a superior method of filtration, efficient at producing mineral rich, healthy drinking water.

Through the use of hydrostatic pressure, ultrafiltration works similarly to reverse osmosis, forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. The overall success of this process is thanks to a membrane pore size of 103 to 106 Daltons, filtering away bacteria, viruses, endotoxins, and much more. This semipermeable membrane produces purified water with a very low density of silt, once the water is forced through. Fundamentally, the process of ultrafiltration doesn’t differ from RO, or even microfiltration, aside from the molecular size retained.

This semipermeable membrane is comprised of a thin layer of material capable of separating substances through pure force. The membrane process was once considered a dependable technology for desalination. With time, membrane processes became increasingly popular for bacteria removal, as well as other microorganisms, impacting odor, flavor, and color of resulting water. As membrane production advances continue to be made, as well as with module design, there is a noticeable decline in operating costs and capital.

The membrane material found within ultrafiltration, utilizes hollow fibers which enables water to flow through both sides of the shell. Suspended solids of high molecular weight are retained alongside solutes, as the membrane allows water and low molecular weight solutes to pass through. Aside from the variations in retained molecular sizes, reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration aren’t different fundamentally, as well as nanofiltration and microfiltration. UF is ideal for the removal of a whole slew of contaminants that are larger than the pores of the utilized membrane, especially when combined with other forms of water purification.

As ultrafiltration systems utilize hollow fiber membranes, water is better enabled to flow through for better filtration. A large surface area is presented for particle adherence, while other membranes filter in from the outside. These fiber membranes feature a high resistance to chemicals, such as chlorine and oxidants. However, the TFC RO membrane, on the other hand is incapable of tolerating chlorine.

By comparison, a reverse osmosis system features an extensive form of filtration, due to the inherently small pore size of the RO membrane. An ultrafiltration system retains beneficial minerals that RO systems would otherwise remove. The downside to this type of filtration, is that a UF system will not remove fluoride, salts, or TDS from water sources. An RO system also requires a booster pump to operate properly, in order to increase water flow. UF systems operate on a low water pressure system, so booster pumps aren’t needed.

The big difference between four various types of membrane based filtration lies with the reduced particle size, or membrane pore size. Determining which form of filtration is best suited to your needs, is all dependent upon your current water source situation, as well as the desired water quality. For each kind of membrane filtration, simply view the spectrum of reduction utilizing the chart below.

Each and every type of membrane based water filtration serves a different purpose to a variety of consumers. As such, most people who appreciate minerals being retained in their drinking water, makes UF the filtration method of choice. Plus, because it wastes less water, ultrafiltration systems may be used over an RO system. For example, in areas where water is more regulated, California residences may opt for RO over UF. Someone in the Carolinas, by comparison, where they struggle with fewer dissolved minerals, may opt for UF instead of RO. Ultrafiltration is sometimes utilized to recycle water after the process of filtration, for irrigation purposes. Microfiltration is capable of removing suspended solids ranging from sediment to algae. Nanofiltration is efficient at removing heavy solids in dairy, as well as softening purposes.

A fine filter found within the UF membrane is capable of reducing particles up to 5,000 times smaller than a human hair, for a reduction of 90-100% of all contaminants. Ultrafiltration may not reduce specific organics, but it can perform better through the use of a carbon block prefilter. When installed with a prefilter, consumers will notice a marked improvement in the reduction of chlorine, lead, odor, cysts, and much more. Overall, you can also expect up to two years of life out of a UF membrane, before replacement is necessary.

Ultrafiltration systems have gained popularity over the stable water quality it produces, regardless of the water source. It also features a compact physical footprint, with capabilities of removing most viruses and organic molecules. UF does not require the use of chemicals either, except when cleaning membranes.

Regular maintenance is the top way to prevent fouling of a nanofiltration membrane, due to scaling, solids, and other microbiological agents, including algae, and microbes. Ultrafiltration is categorized somewhere between nanofiltration, and microfiltration. Thanks to a pore size ranging between 0.1 to 0.01 microns, ultrafiltration membranes prevent 90% of a macromolecular solute from passing through. Ultrafiltration systems are most applicable to situations including:

Ultrafiltration systems are considered to be rather eco-friendly. With a 90-95% recovery rate, uf can be used to treat wastewater, and prepare it for reuse. A home ultrafiltration water system often benefits the environment as well, by reducing the amount of discarded plastic water bottles overall.

Modern membrane technology didn’t technically get it’s start until the 1990s, with ultrafiltration getting it’s start during the 1960s. This was following the heals of the discovery of the 1950s discovery of the RO membrane. While it was first described toward the end of the 19th century, ultrafiltration has come a long way. It also came after MIT’s discovery in the beginning of the 60s, when they discovered polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels.

When polymeric membrane chemistry and processing techniques were getting their start through the manufacturing of filtration membrane. UF was made more efficient through the discovery of these new materials and manufacturing methods. Overall, this poised UF as a competitive process for efficient water treatment solutions. In fact, the global ultrafiltration membrane market grew to a size of $5.3 billion in 2019. Though recent events caused a little bit of a slump, the market is projecting a substantial recovery in 2021. Efficient advancements, as well as increasing water safety regulations, are expected to drive adoption upwards.