Water filtration: there is a solution for every problem. Water filtration Methods for purifying water from wells

It is generally accepted that water from deep wells is fresh, clean and tasty. However, it is not. Water from autonomous sources must often be passed through multi-stage purification systems, as it does not comply with sanitary rules and regulations. Not only natural factors are to blame, but also man-made impacts, as well as non-compliance with construction and operational rules.

Well water contains sulfur bacteria, which are not afraid of a depth of 50 meters. Thanks to them, the water smells of hydrogen sulfide. Deep waters are very rich in minerals, as they are constantly in contact with various rocks.

Deviation of water quality indicators from the norm may not be visually noticeable. But this does not mean crystal purity. The water must be tested in laboratory conditions. Based on the test results, the necessary water filtration system is selected.

Well water analysis

How to properly collect water for analysis

The result of the analysis directly depends on the correct sampling. It is not enough to pour water from a tap or water pipe into a bottle. Sometimes a sanitary and epidemiological station employee may ask about the method of collecting water. If it was assembled incorrectly, the owner of the well will be sent back with the necessary recommendations. It may turn out that a water sample will be accepted without questioning and analyzed. Naturally, it will be irrelevant and you will have to deal with imaginary problems.

There are certain principles of water intake:

• You should use only glass or plastic containers, but never metal ones.
• You can use used mineral water bottles. The containers should not be used after drinks, as they contained persistent dyes that cannot be washed off with hot water.
• The maximum volume is up to 1.5 liters.
• A plastic bottle is doused with hot water, and a glass bottle is doused with boiling water. Next, you should wash the bottle a couple of times with tap water from which the sample will be taken. Do not use any cleaners, including baking soda.
• Before drawing water, it is necessary to drain the water for 20 minutes to prevent stagnation and the ingress of metallic substances from the pipes.
• To reduce the concentration of oxygen, which causes chemical reactions, it is necessary to draw water from a thin stream.
• The container must be filled completely so that the water flows out when closing the lid. This eliminates additional air supply.
• The bottle must be wrapped in light-proof fabric or paper.
• The test must be taken within 3 hours. If this is not possible, then storing water in the refrigerator for up to 2 days is allowed.

It is mandatory to submit water for analysis when opening a well, and then once every 2 years. If the water becomes cloudy or has some kind of aftertaste, you should immediately take a sample of the water to the sanitary and epidemiological station. Poisoning can be caused by industrial emissions or wastewater.

Signs of poor quality water

Poor quality water can often be identified by external signs. At the first suspicion, you should avoid drinking raw water. A visual inspection will help identify the culprits and eliminate them:

• The smell of rotten eggs - hydrogen sulfide, which is very dangerous for the body, has entered the water.
• The water turned slightly yellow, and a rust coating formed on the sink - a high concentration of iron. Water must be boiled before use.
• A sediment forms at the bottom of the dish - the mesh filter is clogged or the walls of the well are covered with silt. It is possible that gravel will be washed away from the fill.

Methods for purifying water from wells

Today there are many different schemes that can be combined or used alone.

Mechanical water purification is mandatory for any water intake.

Thanks to mechanical cleaning systems soil particles and organic matter are removed, eliminating the possibility of clogging of plumbing equipment and subsequent filters.

At the first stage, submersible pumps are used for wells, which are not enough for complete cleaning. Additionally, filters for mechanical cleaning should be installed.

Aeration is the process of enriching water with oxygen to activate oxidative reactions.

Thanks to this from the water ferrous iron is removed, which becomes insoluble and is easily filtered later. With the help of this technology there is oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and heavy metal ions.

Magnetic processing appeared quite recently and softens water. Dissolved salts crystallize in water and are then filtered.

Reagent methods used in extreme cases when other methods of neutralization are ineffective.

Reagent-free cleaning involves filling with synthetic or natural components. With its help, various problems are solved. The components act as a catalyst for oxidation reactions and as a sorption material.

Ion exchange technologies are based on the use of certain resins for the demineralization of water.

Water without impurities and completely safe for drinking can be obtained after reverse osmosis. The liquid is passed through membranes that allow only water molecules to pass through.

The choice of an effective well water purification system depends on the composition of the water.

Modern filtration of water from a well

Filtration of water from a well will allow all family members to use safe water, extend the life of heating and household appliances, prevent clogging of plumbing equipment, etc.

As written above, the number and types of cleaning elements are selected individually and depend on the initial degree of contamination.

The standard option is: a mechanical coarse filter, fine filters, chemical and biological filters. However, not everything is so simple: filters require a lot of space, have different input parameters and energy consumption, and it is necessary to coordinate technological parameters.

An ideal option for a private house that takes water from a well is to use complex modular systems.

They represent the required number of modules, which are matched in all respects and installed in the required sequence. Often, owners of private houses additionally install pumps to ensure good water pressure.

Types of filters for purifying water from a well

The following types of filters are used to purify water:

• Mineral - mesh cylinders filled with mineralized substances. Remove salts and chemical compounds from water. Filters with different bandwidths are used.
• Woven - cylinders that are wrapped with rope or fabric. Retains metal oxides, crystallized salts and chemical additives.
• Fine cleaning has two holes at different levels. The filter body consists of activated carbon or silver ions.
• Reverse osmosis – universal filters. Oxygen-containing molecules pass through the nanomembrane. Purification degree – 99.9%.
• Filters based on ultraviolet radiation, which has a detrimental effect on many microorganisms. No reagents are used, and the water becomes softer.
• Ozonating filters remove germs and viruses.
• Aerators remove hydrogen sulfide, manganese and iron. The oxygen concentration in the water increases.

A comprehensive treatment station is purchased once and solves all problems with the quality of drinking water from a well. The cost of the equipment is quite high, but after a couple of years of operation it will completely pay for itself.

The water that comes from the 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 learn what filters there 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, which traps impurities and allows clean water to pass through. These elements are created from cardboard, nylon or lavsan, cotton, flax, activated carbon and other substances.

Filters are distinguished by the type of filter element:

• with removable cartridge;
• with backfilling of purified sand;
• with membrane filtration;
• with metal or plastic mesh;
• ozone

Filters are distinguished by purpose:

• cleaning from mechanical contamination;
• 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 filter stations.

Coarse filters

The task of coarse filters (FGO) is to protect water consumers from mechanical impurities - chips, sand, organic sediments, rust. FGOs are sometimes called “mechanical filters”. In such filters, water is purified using cardboard and nylon cartridges, metal or plastic meshes, and a layer of sand. Depending on the model of the replacement cartridge or filter element, such filters trap contaminants larger than 100-400 micrometers. Sometimes they are called water pre-filters.

The use of FGO extends the service life of fine filters. Reverse osmosis devices and ozonizers improve the operation of settling tanks. They do not purify water from smaller impurities, do not remove heavy metals, foreign 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 speed 2-3 higher than the water supply speed in normal mode. The rinsing water and the dirt raised by it are drained into the sewer.

The metal (plastic) mesh filter element is cleaned by unscrewing the drain plug and pouring out what the filter has caught. After this, it is 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 a cartridge will cost less than replacing or repairing fine filters.

Fine filters

Fine filters (FPO) 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 purified with replaceable cartridges made of cardboard, nylon, lavsan and other materials. Adsorption filters use activated carbon or sorbents such as “superferox” or “pinkferox”. Such filters reduce water turbidity and partially remove foreign odors and tastes.

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

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

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

Final filters

Such filters include reverse osmosis units, ozonizers, and ultraviolet purification devices. These filters finally purify the water, after which it is safe to drink and does not require boiling. Final cleaning 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 to the taps as possible (for example, under the sink).

Reverse osmosis filters

The basis of these filters is a water-permeable membrane that retains any substances whose molecules are larger than water molecules. For the filter to operate effectively, water is supplied under pressure of 2-7 atmospheres (bar) using an electric pump. Operations in the pump are fully automated; the operation of the entire system is ensured 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 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 bones and disruption of internal organs, so this water is used for cooking and washing dishes. To avoid leaching 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 tenfold 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 contaminants, so it is installed after FGO and FTO. Connecting the filter directly to the water supply will reduce the service life of the FTO by tens of times.

The compressor pumps air from the room into a container, where an electrical discharge converts oxygen into ozone, from where it is supplied to 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 PTF purifies water from petroleum 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, or lavsan, then it will not protect water from oil products and heavy metal salts. If the FTO is coal, then the water is reliably protected.

To find out what indicators to choose filters for, have your water analyzed. If you take water from a well or borehole and the composition of the water complies with the requirements of SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01, install FGO before the pumping station and FTO after it. If a well or borehole 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 units or ozone filters. The wear and tear of water networks in Russia is more than 50 percent, so there is a high probability of pipes breaking and groundwater or fecal water getting into the water. Install two FGOs with different degrees of purification, the first with filtration of particles larger than 200-300 micrometers (0.2-0.3 mm), the second 20-100 micrometers. This will protect the final filter from damage and extend its service life.

Purifying your water will keep you and your family healthy. Select a filter for contaminants that are present in the water and worsen 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 skimp on water treatment, because health is more expensive.

Water from a centralized water supply is purified before use in order to remove impurities, heavy metals and microorganisms. Filters are used for this procedure.

Filter jugs

The filter jug ​​consists of 3 elements:

• jug with lid;
• receiving bowl - funnel;
• cartridge.

A jug is a transparent plastic container of 1.5-4 liters with a drawn volume scale. Some models are equipped with lids with valves, which prevent the entry of dust and microorganisms when filling the bowl.

Half of the jug is occupied by a funnel, at the bottom of which there is a cleaning cartridge. The volume of the funnel also varies; to clean the full volume of the jug, water is drawn into the funnel twice.

Depending on the model and manufacturer, the cartridge resource is designed to clean 170-450 liters, then it must be replaced with a new one.

Some cartridges are equipped with a counter for processed liquid, which allows for timely replacement. The filtration rate at the beginning of operation is 35 liters per hour, and it slows down as use progresses.
For cleaning, the cartridge includes the following layers:

• activated carbon with inclusions removes chlorine and blocks the development of microorganisms in the purified liquid;
• ion exchange resin softens water and reduces mineralization, retaining magnesium, calcium, iron;
• porous activated carbon improves taste, color and smell by removing organic compounds;
• polypropylene fiber traps mechanical impurities inside the cartridge.

The quality of purified water using a jug varies and depends on the hardness of the incoming liquid and the duration of use of the cartridge. The advantage of such filters is their low cost, this is a budget option.

They are designed for use in a house where 1-3 people live. If there are more family members, then frequently changing cartridges will increase cleaning costs. The jugs are easy to use and easy to transport, which is why they are used both at home and in summer cottages.

A low degree of purification in comparison with other filtration systems and frequent replacement of cartridges are the main disadvantages of this method.

Long-term use of a cartridge without replacement leads to a deterioration in taste and regulatory characteristics.

Coarse filters

Coarse filters are installed on pipes to remove insoluble large particles from liquids. It is important to use such devices for country houses, where water comes directly from a well, then they retain dirt, sand, clay, and organic compounds. They are used in apartments to remove rust, limescale, and scale.

All coarse filters have the same operating principle. The cleaning process is simple: water passes through a mesh that prevents the passage of particles larger than the cells. Depending on the model, the case material (metal, polypropylene), installation and internal contents vary.
The following types are distinguished:

• mesh and cartridge;
• flanged and coupling;
• straight and oblique;
• non-flush and flushable.

The most common option is a mesh filter, in which a stainless mesh with cells of 50-400 microns is installed. The filter element is replaced if it is damaged; the warranty period for such models is 30 years. A competing type is a cartridge filter with a transparent flask in which a replaceable element made of polypropylene fibers or threads is installed.

Flange devices are installed on pipes with a diameter of more than 2 inches; otherwise, coupling devices are used.

Non-rinsing models include oblique, some straight and cartridge filters. To remove accumulated dirt, unscrew the special lid, take out the mesh and rinse it, then put it back. Cartridge models are not cleaned; the internal element is regularly replaced with a new one.

The flushing devices are equipped with an additional outlet tap through which accumulated dirt is washed away through direct and reverse flow of water. Washing models include direct filters.

Installation of direct type coarse cleaning models is carried out only on horizontal sections of pipes so that the tank is directed downwards. Oblique models can be installed on both horizontal and vertical sections of the pipeline (if water moves from top to bottom).

The direction of water movement is indicated by an arrow on the body; the sump should be located at the bottom. It is recommended to install coarse cleaning devices up to the meters.

Pre-filters

Pre-filters are designed to remove large particles, sand and rust. Such devices are designed for mechanical cleaning and do not remove heavy metals, chlorine and microorganisms from liquids.

Preliminary purification of water before supply to washing machines, dishwashers, heating and plumbing appliances is the main task of filters of this type.
Installation of devices occurs in cold and hot pipelines after the shut-off valve, but before the meters. Installed inside:

• a metal mesh with small cells that traps particles from 30-50 microns;
• a cartridge with non-woven material - polypropylene, which retains debris over 5-20 microns.

Every 1-2 months, metal mesh is removed, the accumulated particles of rust and sand are washed and replaced. Additionally, some models are equipped with a mesh washing system, which does not require dismantling the device and shutting off the water; there is also automatic washing of the mesh from contaminants with discharge into the sewer.

Certain models are equipped with valves that regulate fluid pressure. Pressure gauges - pressure measuring devices in such models are installed before and after the filter, while a low reading after the device indicates the need to wash the mesh. The dimensions of the device correspond to the diameter of the pipes.

The devices in which the cartridges are installed carry out not only mechanical cleaning, but also chemical cleaning. If replaceable capsules are installed that contain carbon, ion exchange resins, and silver.

• corresponding performance according to flow;
• for heavily contaminated water, install metal meshes; for relatively clean water, use cartridges;
• installation is carried out by a qualified specialist.

Pre-filters are installed if a fine cleaning device with fine mesh membranes is planned or has already been installed. Since the entry of large particles into the membranes clogs the cells, the cartridges are often changed.
The benefits of installing a pre-treatment system are:

• removes large insoluble particles from the flow;
• devices with metal mesh do not require regular replacement and are easy to clean, which reduces maintenance costs;
• small dimensions;
• simple design;
• increase the operating life of devices that consume water.

Removing only large particles of debris from water is the main disadvantage of pre-treatment devices.

Main filters

A filter that is directly connected to a water pipe is called a main filter. It consists of a steel or plastic collapsible flask, inside of which a cleaning element is installed.

The throughput is 20-50 liters per minute. Depending on the installed replaceable cartridge, main devices purify the liquid from large particles, impurities, chlorine, improve the taste and soften it.
The correct choice of a main filter is based on the following parameters:

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

Such models are installed on pipes with hot and cold water supply, paying attention to the temperature characteristics. Hot water devices can be installed on both cold and hot pipelines.
Main filters perform several degrees of purification.

• Single-stage models remove sand, rust and fine debris.
• Two-stage ones carry out first and degree cleaning, and also remove chlorine, organic matter and unpleasant odors.
• Three-stage models, in addition to the previous 2 stages, soften water and remove iron.

When choosing a main filter, a preliminary analysis of the incoming liquid is carried out, since there is no universal cartridge. They vary depending on the problem:

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

Depending on the cartridge, the following types are distinguished:

• mesh;
• corrugated;
• propylene;
• winding

Trunk devices with a mesh cartridge carry out only rough cleaning of the liquid. For fine cleaning, so that the water is suitable for consumption, it is necessary to install other replaceable elements.

The number of floors the apartment is located also influences the choice. The higher the floor, the lower the hydraulic loss indicator should be, which varies in the range of 0.1-0.6 bar.

A main filter with granular loading is used for the comprehensive removal of chemical and biological contaminants, and it also acts as a water softener. The filter layer is filled with grains of quartz sand, expanded clay, rocks, polymers, anthracite, and marble chips of various sizes.

Iron removal filters

To install a filter to remove iron, the water is first analyzed and the presence of iron ions, pH value, alkalinity, and oxygen content are determined. Iron, as the most common metal, can be present in a liquid in 4 states:

• colloidal;
• divalent;
• trivalent;
• bacterial.

After water passes through the central pipelines, divalent and trivalent iron are found as impurities. A coarse filter can remove ferric iron, as well as an ultrafilter that removes debris and backwashes membranes.

Ferrous iron is removed from water using an ion exchange filter and a reverse osmosis system. The ion exchange filter contains cation exchange resin and calcite. These elements replace iron with sodium. The liquid passing through them is cleared of iron, chromium and strontium.

Ion exchange devices are effective when the iron content does not exceed 2 mg/l. During the purification process, divalent iron is converted to trivalent iron. Its large particles clog the pores of the resin, making it unsuitable for further cleaning. To maintain the quality of filtration, the cartridge is regularly replaced.

Reverse osmosis filters are considered an effective system for removing iron from liquids. The membrane installed in such a system does not allow iron ions to pass through.

This occurs because iron ions exceed the size of the membrane cells. The waste sorted by the system is drained into the sewer without clogging the cells or stopping the operation of the device. At pH equal to 7, the system purifies water with an iron content of up to 20 mg/l, at pH values

Reverse osmosis filters

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

• pre-cleaning;
• passage through the membrane;
• filling the tank;
• flow of purified water into the tap.

The pre-cleaning stage consists of removing large particles and chlorine from the liquid, which have a detrimental effect on the condition of the membrane.

In order not to change the membrane due to breakthroughs and contamination, 3 flasks are pre-installed.

The first prefilter flask is designed for mechanical purification of liquid from sand, dirt, and rust with dimensions greater than 5 microns. At the base of the second flask is granular activated carbon, which delays the further passage of chlorine and organic compounds. The third flask is a mechanical prefilter with an inlet diameter of up to 1 micron, the function of which is to delay and remove residual contaminants.

The second stage of purification is the passage of liquid through the membrane. A membrane is a porous synthetic material rolled into a roll. The pore size is 0.0001 microns.

It is this characteristic of the membrane that allows only water molecules and its constituent gases (oxygen, hydrogen) to pass through the material. All other compounds exceeding a size of 0.0001 microns are discharged through the drainage outlet into the sewer by a forced flow of liquid.

The productivity of household reverse osmosis systems varies in the range of 150-300 liters per day. Purified water enters a storage tank of 4-12 liters, which is made of sheet steel and coated with enamel. When using water from the tank, the system automatically refills it.

Reverse osmosis systems are equipped with an additional tap that is built into the sink. Water from the tank passes through a post-filter filled with activated carbon and enters the tap.

After the liquid passes through filters of this type, useful minerals are lost, therefore, in order to enrich the pure liquid with magnesium, sodium and calcium, a mineralizer is additionally installed. To restore the natural structure of water, a bioceramic cartridge filled with tourmaline is installed.

The complete set of the reverse osmosis system is as follows:

• system of 4-6 flasks;
• replaceable cartridges and membrane;
• tank for purified liquid;
• drinking tap;
• kits of tools for installation.

Install a reverse osmosis system under the sink. But another installation is also possible with additional hoses for supplying and discharging clean and dirty water. The performance of the system depends on pressure, osmosis operates at 2-6 bar. If the indicators differ from those declared, then the pressure is increased by installing a pump or reduced.

The disadvantages of such a system include low purification speed and high liquid consumption (2/3 of the volume goes into the sewer with impurities).

Filters for washing

Sink filters are a single system consisting of 3-5 filter sections. Water coming from the tap goes through several stages of purification. Each section is a plastic, steel or glass-filled flask with a cartridge. This design is connected to a cold water supply under the sink with purified water being discharged through a separate tap.
Filters for washing include:

• flow-through;
• reverse osmosis.

The flow filter consists of the following modules:

• mechanical cleaning from impurities of sand, rust, silt;
• carbon sorbent that removes chlorine, salts, organic compounds, heavy metals;
• ion exchange resins that soften water, remove iron, magnesium and potassium.

To protect water after the flow filter from microorganisms, an ultraviolet lamp is installed.

Flow devices have high throughput and are economical in water consumption, unlike reverse osmosis models.

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

Select a filter for the sink after studying the characteristic indicators of water in the house. This will allow you to install cartridges with those fillers that are necessary to obtain drinking water. Then they move on to studying the technical characteristics: the number of cleaning stages, productivity, service life of replaceable elements, installation dimensions, availability of additional options.

The advantages of sink devices include:

• ergonomic installation;
• ease of operation;
• interchangeability of filter systems;
• long-term operation of replaceable elements (in flow-through devices, cartridges are changed after 6 months, in reverse osmosis after a year);
• saving the cost of clean water.

Disadvantages are the high price of the equipment and permanent installation.

Water softeners

For softening, devices are used that operate on the principle of replacing heavy calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. Many types of filters carry out a softening procedure, these include:

• jugs;
• main ion exchange;
• reverse osmosis;
• electromagnetic;
• ultrasonic.

A common type of softener is regenerative ion exchange filters. They consist of a filter section, which is filled with ion exchange resin, a backwash mechanism and a tank for regeneration solution.

Over time, the ion exchange capacity of the resin decreases and must be restored. For this, a regeneration solution is used - tablettable table salt; it replaces the hardness ions accumulated in the resin with sodium ions.

This backwashing process can be manual or automatic. To regenerate the filtering properties of the resin, the device stops working for 0.3-2 hours about 2-3 times a week. Systems that include one ion exchange filter are considered variable.

And permanent devices have 2 ion exchange sections, which are alternately restored without stopping the softening function.

Depending on the design, there are several types:

• balloon-type devices;
• compact, where 2 elements (filter and tank) are connected into a single housing;
• automatic systems.

The advantages of using the system include a high degree of removal of hardness salts and long service life.

To protect household appliances from scale and soften water entering washing machines, dishwashers, boilers and radiators, softeners in the form of flasks are installed in front of the devices. These are transparent containers filled with polyphosphate crystals or filter material - ecozone, with a service life of about 6 months.

Water that has undergone a softening procedure must undergo additional filtration to remove other compounds for consumption.

In some countries, such as India, drinking tap water is dangerous and can cause stomach upset or intestinal infections. In Russia, things are better with water supply, but many still use a filter. Why is it necessary and which device is more effective?

In large Russian cities, water supply stations guarantee the safety of tap water. But before it gets into our tap, the liquid goes through pipes. Many pipes are old, rusty and worn out. Through them, harmful substances enter the tap water.

Some people don’t drink tap water because they smell a suspicious taste in it. But even if the water tastes normal, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. To check whether it contains impurities and contaminants, contact the sanitary and epidemiological service and submit a sample of the liquid there for testing.

You can roughly determine the water quality yourself:

• If scale appears in your kettle, white stains remain after washing the dishes, and after brewing tea a film appears in the mug - the water is hard, that is, it contains a lot of salts.
• A putrid taste of water indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and a tart taste indicates an excess of iron.
• If your clothes have a gray tint after washing, it means there is manganese and heavy metals in the water.

In addition, you can take a look at the Internet project of Rospotrebnadzor “Russian Water Map”. The website has a map of laboratory water tests in different regions. Most of the research is in the Moscow region.

Some people prefer bottled tap water from the store, but this also has its own nuances. According to experts, bottled water does not always meet safety requirements. A list of “unsafe” brands is available on the Roskontrol website. In addition, water from the store is usually more expensive than filtered water at home. That's why many people start buying filters.

The filter improves the quality of the liquid: it cleans it of heavy metals, impurities, viruses and bacteria. The worse the water, the more powerful and expensive the device is needed. We reviewed the types of water filters and at the end of the article we provided recommendations for their selection.

Rough or mechanical cleaning- from large solid particles of sand, rust, clay, etc. Coarse filters are meshes made of steel or polymer materials with small cells.

Filters fine cleaning use the following technologies:

• Sorption purification– from chlorine, petroleum products and other harmful compounds. During cleaning, water passes through a sorbent - as a rule, it is activated carbon.
• Ion exchange– water passes through ion exchange resins. As a result, magnesium and calcium ions, which give water hardness, are replaced by harmless sodium atoms.
• Reverse osmosis– the most effective cleaning technology. Under pressure, water passes through a membrane that allows almost nothing to pass through except the liquid itself.
• Ultraviolet disinfection– eliminates most microorganisms. In urban water supply centers, water is already treated with ultraviolet light, so it is more likely to be used for water supply from a well or borehole.

Types of filters for water purification in an apartment

The most popular kitchen filter for drinking water. The device consists of three parts:

• Jug made of glass or plastic. Capacity volume – 1.5–4 liters.
• Receiving bowl, or the funnel takes up almost half of the jug. A cleaning cartridge is attached to its bottom.
• Cartridge purifies water. It needs to be replaced periodically: depending on the model, it is designed for 100–450 liters. There are cartridges with and without threads. The latter can be installed incorrectly, then untreated water will leak into the tank.

The liquid flows through several cleaning layers inside the cartridge:

• prefilter traps solid insoluble particles;
• Activated carbon removes most harmful organic compounds. Typically, this is the main filter component;
• ion exchange resins soften water and remove heavy metal impurities;
• silver iodide kills bacteria;
• postfilter blocks particles of filter materials - for example, coal - from entering the water.

Sometimes consumables contain minerals and trace elements that make water more useful.

Pros:

• A filter jug ​​is a budget option. A jug costs from 300 rubles, a cartridge – from 150.
• You don’t need to understand the installation, it’s simple to use: pour water, wait, drink.
• The jug does not take up much space and is easy to lift and carry.

Minuses:

• Poor performance. Water flows slowly, so the jug is designed for a family of two or three people.
• May not remove all contaminants. If the tap water is of extremely poor quality, it is worth purchasing a more powerful device.
• Small tank volume.

When choosing a jug, pay attention to which cartridges are compatible with it and how long they last.

The principle of operation is the same as that of a jug: water passes through a cartridge into a reservoir. Only in terms of volume the tank is more spacious; There is a small tap on it through which water is poured. Typically, dispensers have a longer cartridge life than jugs. This type of water purifier is optimal for small offices and families of more than three people.

The nozzle is attached to the mixer and purifies the water from chlorine, rust and small suspended matter. Inside there is a cassette (cartridge), which must be changed every one to three months. The main filter component is activated carbon.

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive - from 170 rubles.
• Easy to use and install.
• The cleaning speed is higher than that of jug filters.

Minuses:

• You need to constantly remove and put on the nozzle so as not to waste purified water for washing dishes and other needs.
• If excessive water flow is passed through the device, the filtration quality may be reduced.

The apartment filter is placed near the sink and connected to the faucet using a flexible hose. The device has its own tap from which purified water is supplied. The cartridge needs to be changed every 2–4 months.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• The productivity is higher than that of jugs and nozzles - about two liters per minute.

Minuses:

• Need free space next to the sink.
• The price is higher than previous types - from 1,000 rubles.

Other names: pre-filter, mechanical (pre-) cleaning filter. It is inserted into the cold or hot water supply line. It is needed primarily to protect plumbing fixtures, dishwashers and washing machines. It is also used as a filter to purify water from a well.

For cold water, a standard prefilter is used, and for hot water, it is made from heat-resistant materials. The service life of such devices is up to 30 years.

A prefilter is not a panacea. It removes only large insoluble impurities, thus extending the life of the main filter.

Main filters are divided into several types:

• Strainers trap large particles of contaminants using a mesh. The smaller the mesh cells, the more particles of different sizes it will hold. There are flushing and non-flushing devices. In the first, dirt is automatically washed off with running water. To clean the no-rinse filter, you need to rinse the mesh yourself.
• Disc main filters They also clean from mechanical contaminants, but their performance is higher than that of mesh ones. Filter elements are compressed polymer discs. When the discs compress, the grooves on them form a mesh. They need to be washed promptly under running water.
• Cartridge filters are replaceable cartridges. They need to be changed much more often than the mesh or discs, but the quality of cleaning is higher. Cold water cartridge housings are made of transparent or opaque plastic. Transparent is more convenient, because through it you can see how dirty the cartridge is. For hot water, housings are made of opaque heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel. Cases come in different sizes: the larger they are, the higher the performance of the device and the longer its service life.

You can install the device into the water supply yourself, but this is a labor-intensive procedure. If you are not confident in your abilities, ask a specialist for help.

Prices for a prefilter start at 1,500 rubles, there are models for 13,000.

When purchasing this type, you need to know the cross-sectional diameter of the water pipe and the water temperature for which the device is designed.

Pros:

• Do not require frequent replacement.
• Serves for many years.
• Has high performance
• Easy to use.

Minuses:

• Removes only large particles.
• The pre-filter is difficult to install without the help of a specialist.
• To replace a cartridge cartridge, you need to shut off the water supply.

These are the most effective household filters for purifying tap water. The water goes through several stages of purification, is disinfected and softened. The system contains 3–5 sections – flasks with cartridges. Cartridges are replaced after six months to a year.

You need free space under the sink and space for an additional tap. The liquid is supplied through a separate mixer with a filter for drinking water. The device is connected to water pipes.

There are two types of under-sink filters: flow-through And reverse osmosis.

A flow-through water filter consists of three to four modules (cartridges):

• pre-cleaning– from sand, rust, silt;
• carbonic– from chlorine, salts, organic compounds, heavy metals;
• with ion exchange resins– for deferrization and water softening;
• with small particles of silver– cleanses from bacteria.

You can experiment with a set of cartridges - this way you will adjust the degree of water purification.

Some models are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp - it destroys dangerous microorganisms.

Reverse osmosis system– a special case of the “under the sink” type. A comparison of water filters shows that this is the most effective option. In such a system, water can be purified by 99%.

Cleaning goes through the following stages:

1. The pre-filter purifies water from large contaminants;
2. Water passes through the membrane - a material rolled into a roll, pore size 0.0001 microns. The membrane allows only water molecules to pass through; all other compounds are discharged into the sewer system by a forced flow of liquid.
   The water is then stored in a 4-12 liter tank.

Membranes are not changed as often as cartridges - their service life is 1–5 years. The productivity of household reverse osmosis systems is 150–300 liters per day.

After such thorough purification, beneficial minerals are also removed from the water, so a mineralizer is built into the reverse osmosis system. This is a cartridge with a mineral filling that gradually dissolves in water, saturating it with magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and other elements. Thanks to mineralization, the taste and quality of water improves. The cartridge resource is 3–4 thousand liters.

We have a number of well-founded claims regarding the quality, chemical composition and purity of water supplied by the central water supply. They are justified by deteriorating health conditions, rapid wear of equipment and eternal problems with water pressure. Both our physical and economic condition deserve attention, don’t you agree?

To combat the listed negative circumstances, there is a proven method - you need a coarse and fine filter. Depending on the tasks being solved, both individual devices and a group of interconnected devices that perform multi-stage processing are installed.

Here you will learn what kind of work a certain type of device does, in what sequence they are placed, and how they ultimately affect the quality characteristics of water. For a complete understanding of the information, we have included visual illustrations and video tutorials.

The first, most important step in water treatment is mechanical purification. Coarse cleaning devices remove particles of 1 micron and above from water. They perform an irreplaceable function in the filtration process, without which further water purification is impossible.

Rust, sand, clay particles, scale from old water pipes - everything is removed to obtain clear water at the output.

Image gallery

Only after the first stage of pre-filtration can you begin to remove organic impurities, heavy metal compounds, chemical elements and microorganisms. For this purpose, ultrafine filtration devices are used.

It is possible to determine more specifically the need for cleaning from certain contaminants only on the basis of analysis results.

To choose the right filter, you need to clearly define why its installation is needed:

• for filtering hot and/or cold water;
• what kind of contaminants need to be cleaned from;
• what capacity and loading volume should the filter have;
• for what purposes - to protect plumbing and equipment or for drinking water and cooking.

It is also necessary to take into account where the device will be used - in a private house, apartment, boiler room or industrial enterprise.

Self-flushing main devices

The filter structure consists of a housing, a cartridge, and a faucet for washing. The metal or plastic housing has two holes that are connected to the water main. The stainless steel filter mesh is removable and retains mechanical impurities from 100 microns.

There is a backwash tap at the bottom of the housing bowl. Some models are equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor the degree of contamination.

Self-cleaning filter for coarse cleaning is used for heating and plumbing systems. Removes impurities ranging in size from 100 to 150 microns

The principle of operation of the device is that the flow passes through a filter element - a removable stainless steel cartridge. Mechanical contaminants are retained in the mesh. Some of them remain in it, and some settle at the bottom of the case.

The peculiarity of self-flushing devices is the ability to remove accumulated dirt without disassembling or unscrewing the housing. To do this, you need to open the tap located in the bottom of the housing and drain the water into a container or down the drain.

The debris is washed away by the stream and the device continues to operate as usual. To remove old deposits on the mesh, you can remove it and clean it more thoroughly.

The flush valve can be connected to a drain pipe connected to the sewer system, this simplifies the maintenance process

Processing with disc filters

The devices are used primarily for preliminary water treatment, preparing water for further purification, softening and iron removal. They are installed in centralized and heating plants, and are used in irrigation systems, including drip ones.

The filter element is made of polymer disks, mounted on an axle and tightly compressed together. Their surface is covered with small grooves, the dimensions of which determine the degree of cleaning, ranging from 20 to 400 microns.

The cleaning process goes like this: a stream of water fills the housing and seeps through the flow grooves in the disks, and then is discharged into the outlet. Over time, dirt settles and accumulates on the surface.

Image gallery

Filter maintenance and cartridge replacement

Sediment filter maintenance involves periodically cleaning the filter mesh. Before starting work, you need to turn off the tap, then unscrew the inspection cover and remove the mesh. The frequency of inspections depends on the quality of the water and the degree of its contamination. After cleaning, you need to reinstall the elements and check for leaks.

To avoid destruction of the filter elements, it is not recommended to use detergents containing solvent

To clean disk filters, you need to remove them from the line, open the housing and remove the filter element. When the filter is removed, the clamp that presses the disks against each other is loosened and they unclench. Next, all elements are washed; for more thorough cleaning, the device is disassembled and cleaned with a brush or sponge.

You can carry out automatic flushing without dismantling the internal elements by starting the water flow in the direction opposite from the working one.

Cartridge filters made of polypropylene must be replaced after contamination. Manufacturers of different models indicate on the packaging the amount of water in liters that the device can clean.

Objectively, the life of the filter depends on the condition of the water in the centralized water supply or an autonomous source. Therefore, it can serve for up to six months. But if the water supply breaks or for other reasons, it can become clogged even in one day.

In fine reverse osmosis filters, the replacement period for replaceable elements depends on the type of filler. For prefilters it is six months, for a carbon postfilter - a year, for a membrane - 2 - 2.5 years.

To correctly place replacement elements, you need to remember their original location. Before you start drinking water from a new filter or cartridge, you need to flush the system - drain the water after filling the tank for the first time.

After a long period of inactivity of the system, more than 3 months, and even after replacing replaceable elements, it is disinfected. If rapid development of microorganisms and fouling of prefilters is observed in the filter, it is recommended to additionally install an ultraviolet lamp complete with the main prefilter.

Rules for installing filtration devices

When using a multi-stage cleaning device, the first stage is always a filter that performs rough cleaning. When using several types of systems, first install a device with high micropressure.

If you install filters of different cleaning methods in the wrong sequence, they will not be able to fully perform the task.

It is not recommended to install filter devices in front of pumping equipment. The exception is strainers with approximately zero resistance, which protect the pump from large debris.

The use of any other filters - iron removers, softeners, etc. - will increase the load on the pumping station and cause its premature wear. Installation, adjustment and repair are carried out in the absence of pressure in the water supply.

Installation of sediment filters (mud filters)

Oblique and straight coupling filters are installed on horizontal sections of the water pipe exclusively in the direction of flow. Oblique filters can also be mounted on a vertical pipeline if the flow moves from top to bottom.

The direction of flow must correspond to the arrow indicators marked on the filter. Incorrect installation will lead to deterioration of throughput and clogging of the pipeline (+)

The filter should not be subject to stress from vibration, bending, compression and tension of the pipeline. When installing it, ensure uniform tightening of the fasteners; if necessary, install compensators and supports that reduce the load.

The correct location of the filter is with the inspection cover facing down. For preventive maintenance, free space is provided under the device.

According to the insertion method, mesh filters are divided into coupling and flange filters. The first type is installed on pipes of small diameters, the second type is used for main water pipelines and junctions in the water supply system of apartment buildings. On pipes with a diameter of up to two inches, threaded filters, the so-called American ones, are used.

The filter, which is inserted into the water supply, can have different degrees of purification and filtration character, and can be washed manually or automatically

How to install a reverse osmosis system?

The filter is installed in an easily accessible place on a horizontal section of the water pipe with the flask pointing downwards. When installing a water meter, the filter must be placed in front of it.

Installation is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Apply anaerobic sealant to the connecting threads, filling all grooves with an even layer and leaving for 15 minutes to harden.
2. Next, attach the fasteners to the filter, paying attention to the direction of water flow in the water supply.
3. By placing the filter fasteners against the wall and making sure that the device's outlets coincide with the position of the pipe, mark the locations for the holes.
4. Drill holes and insert dowels, then, using self-tapping screws, screw the filter holder to the wall.
5. To connect the filter outlets to the main line, cut the pipe and bend it to align its axis with the axis of the filter. To prevent the pipe from breaking when it is bent, a special conductor is inserted into the middle.
6. Then put a ferrule and nut on the pipe, and insert the fitting (all the way). The ferrule is pulled tightly against the fitting and the nut is tightened.
7. Connect the fitting to the filter and screw on the union nut, tightening it tightly with a wrench.

After installation, turn on the water and check for leaks. For ease of repair and maintenance, shut-off valves are provided on both sides of the device.

Connecting a reverse osmosis filter

Installation of the treatment system involves assembling individual elements and does not require special tools. Therefore, even a person who has never done this can do it.

The manufacturer recommends placing the filter under the kitchen sink. To make it convenient to draw filtered water, a separate tap is installed. To install it, you will have to drill a hole in the corner of the sink or on the countertop area near the sink.

The standard configuration of the reverse osmosis system does not include a pump that would increase the pressure; if necessary, it is installed separately. Additionally, the system can be equipped with an ice maker and replaceable elements for more efficient removal of fluorine and nitrates

The reverse osmosis filter is assembled as a construction kit. Installation consists of the following steps:

1. installation of a drinking tap and connecting it to the filter;
2. connection to the cold water pipeline;
3. installation of the tank ball valve and drain clamp;
4. commissioning and flushing of the system.

For good operation and performance of the reverse osmosis filter, it is necessary to ensure normal pressure in the system. If the water pressure in the supply pipe does not exceed 2.8 bar, it is recommended to install a pressure booster pump.

It is installed in front of the first filter in the gap of the incoming tube. When using a pump, it is necessary to install a high pressure sensor - it automates the process of turning the equipment off and on.

Owners of their own swimming pools will receive a lot of useful information about filtration systems, which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

When choosing a device for water purification, there is no question of which filter to install - for coarse or fine purification. It is more correct to ask the question for what purpose the water will be used and what result should be achieved.

It is necessary to use devices for water filtration starting from coarse purification and ending, if necessary, with the finest purification, which will remove foreign impurities down to the smallest particles.