Water filtration: there is a solution for every problem. Types of filters for water purification by configuration and installation method Advantages and disadvantages of modern filtration systems

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. Sometimes FGOs are 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 well has been operating without disinfection for more than five years and it is impossible to carry out aseptic treatment, use ozone filters or reverse osmosis units.
If you live in an apartment with a centralized water supply, use reverse osmosis 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 filtration system is a set of complementary equipment aimed at providing mechanical, biological, chemical filtration, as well as water disinfection using special UV lamps. Filtration systems are used both for the treatment of drinking water and for the purification of water in reservoirs, for example, in ponds, garden aquariums, and swimming pools.

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Subtitles

Mechanical filtration

Mechanical filtration is the primary stage of water purification. At this stage, the water is freed from large particles of dirt. This part of cleaning is very important. By reducing the number of large particles entering the biofilter, the efficiency of biofiltration increases significantly. Also, reducing the amount of solid particles in the filter reduces the time it takes to clean the system itself and allows you to use significantly less water for these purposes. date=April 30, 2016

Biological filtration

It is used to optimize the nitrogen cycle by creating a suitable habitat for nitrifying bacteria. This habitat is a filter medium. In this case, the bacteria have a constant supply of food (i.e. waste) and oxygen due to the flow of aquarium water through the filter. In any filter (mechanical or chemical), if you leave it in the aquarium so that water constantly flows through it, the necessary population of bacteria will form, and then it will partially turn into a biological filter. Biological filters should be disturbed as little as possible. Water must flow through them constantly - if you turn it off for more than an hour, the bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle will die due to lack of oxygen and time will again be required for the biological “maturation” of the filter. Keep in mind that this will take several weeks, during which time your fish will likely die due to ammonia and nitrite poisoning. From time to time, the biological filter requires maintenance - for example, washing the mechanical cleaning sponge. However, this should be done with extreme caution. Some filter maintenance procedures lead to the death of bacteria inhabiting the filter, as mentioned above. Therefore, special care should be taken when cleaning the filter in a biologically filtered aquarium. Water that is too acidic can limit the effectiveness of biological filtration. Sometimes you can come across statements that if the pH is less than 6.5, then this is below the optimal level for the activity of bacteria inhabiting the filter. However, in practice it turns out that biological filtration works even at much lower pH values.

Chemical filtration

For such filtration, fillers are used that change the composition of water chemically. Chemical filtration is used to improve water quality or change its chemical composition. The following materials are used for chemical filtration:

Charcoal (activated carbon, activated charcoal) - to remove dyes (eg, methylene blue), some drugs, tannins (eg, peat), and some pollutants; - corals (crushed corals or coral sand) - to increase or buffer the pH; - limestone (dolomite) chips - to increase or buffer the pH; - peat - to reduce pH; - zeolite (natural ion exchange resin) - for removing ammonia. Please note that the use of zeolite can only be a short-term measure and should only be done in urgent cases (for example, to compensate for a temporary increase in ammonia levels).

It cannot serve as a replacement for the nitrogen cycle. After a short time, the zeolite loses its effectiveness, which can expose fish to lethal levels of ammonia. Charcoal also has a limited lifespan and needs to be replaced regularly. Since it is preferable to remove contaminants from the water before you even add it to the aquarium, it is usually not necessary to use carbon in your aquarium filter on a regular basis. It has the remarkable ability to remove certain medicinal substances at the end of the course of treatment. For this reason, charcoal should certainly not be used during treatment. Peat also needs to be updated regularly. Corals and limestone can remain effective for a very long time.

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 after washing your clothes have a gray tint, 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 prefilters 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:

The pre-filter purifies water from large contaminants;
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.

The quality of our tap water, to put it mildly, is far from international standards. Agree, drinking untreated tap water is an extreme activity that can result in serious health problems. Therefore, purchasing a good filter is of utmost importance.

If you don’t like to risk your health, then you’re probably thinking about how to choose water filters. The variety of offers on the market will make even the most daring at a loss.

We will help you put everything in its place and make a choice - this article discusses the existing types of filter devices and their characteristics.

The main criteria influencing the choice of the most suitable filter and the rating of the best manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, are also given. For better perception of information, visual diagrams and photographic materials, as well as expert video recommendations to choose from, have been selected.

There are several main types of household water filters.

To make a choice, it is better to study in detail the operating principle, advantages and disadvantages of each type, so as not to get lost in the variety of offers.

Water filters offered on the modern market are represented by a wide range of devices and devices that differ in the principle of operation, degree and speed of cleaning

Type #1 - jug for clean water

The simplest type of drinking water filters is jug. It looks extremely simple, the name speaks for itself. The filter is a plastic vessel in the shape of a jug.

A replaceable cartridge is installed in a special hole. It purifies water from impurities using methods combining mechanical, chemical, and less often biological treatment.

To understand the principle of operation of a filter jug, you need to consider its “heart” - a replaceable cartridge in section.

Its internals can be very diverse, it all depends on the manufacturer, but the technology is always the same. Water enters the filter from above, sequentially passes through all levels of purification and enters the jug bowl.

Type #2 - flow-through filter options

In the range of devices for mechanical water purification, flow-through varieties are the leaders.

There are several options for implementing this method:

desktop;
in the form of a faucet attachment;
under the sink and on the highway.

Desktop- the easiest option to use. The cleaning system is a replaceable cartridge in a plastic case.

On one side there is a tap for purified water, on the other there is a flexible hose connecting the filter to the water tap.

You can collect several containers and always have a couple of liters in reserve, or you can filter the water as needed

To purify tap water, put a nozzle on the faucet and turn on a low pressure. After passing through all levels of purification, ready-to-drink water flows out of the filter.

Filter nozzle for faucet– the same technology, but in a different design. Manufacturers simply reduced the distance between the cartridge and the faucet spout.

The filter attachment has a universal fastening and can be installed on a mixer with both external and internal threads. The obvious advantage is that it does not take up space. Installing the nozzle is as easy as installing a table-top model—no need to call a plumber.

Filter system under the sink– the most radical method among flow filters.

Installation requires free space directly under the sink and space for a separate tap from above. connects directly to the water pipes, and then to the mixer.

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The modular filtration system is a console with plastic flasks. They are installed in the direction of water movement in accordance with the degree of cleaning performed.

The first is mechanical filtration with retention of large mineral and organic inclusions. Next, the water passes through modules that carry out sorption, softening, and iron removal.

Apart from its large dimensions, this option has no significant disadvantages. The degree of purification, of course, does not reach the level of more expensive reverse osmosis systems, but it is quite suitable for domestic use.

To purify water in a private home, it is better to choose a modular filter system with a membrane tank, which allows you to create a supply of clean drinking water and maintain pressure in the system

Type #3 - modernized ultrafilter cleansing

Despite the loud name, the ultrafilter is a type of flow-through device located under the sink. It also consists of several series-connected flow modules with different characteristics.

In fact, an ultrafilter is something between a conventional flow system and a reverse osmosis system.

The main difference between an ultrafilter is the presence of a special finely porous membrane located in the cartridge of the fine cleaning module. The hole size ranges from 0.1 to 0.01 microns.

Water enters the membrane after going through all stages of mechanical purification: carbon, polypropylene, etc. The pore size of the membrane is so small that even some bacteria and viruses, not to mention large particles, do not pass through.

The ultrafilter disinfects water without changing its chemical structure and mineral composition, which happens when boiling, for example.

Type #4 - reverse osmosis system

The reverse osmosis system is by far the most advanced method of purifying tap water. The system includes mechanical filters for preliminary cleaning of sand, rust, organic compounds, chlorine, and ammonia.

Next comes a membrane with pores of 0.0001 microns, filtering water at the molecular level. After membrane cleaning, filtered water enters a special tank, and all harmful impurities are drained into the sewer.

Reverse osmosis units carry out the finest water purification at the molecular level. Excellent retention of heavy metal salts, organic matter, and do not allow microorganisms to pass through

The design of the system is quite complex; at the customer’s request, it can be equipped with additional components:

pump– at low inlet pressure;
pressure reducer– if the pressure is too high;
tourmaline cartridge– to restore the structure of water;
increased water capacity– for apartments with high consumption;
mineralizer– enriches water with calcium, magnesium, sodium;
ultraviolet block– control sterilization of water.

The disadvantage of reverse osmosis systems is their energy dependence and the need to maintain a stable pressure.

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Our website also has other materials about reverse osmosis systems, we invite you to read:

Criteria for choosing a good filter

How do you know which of all the water filters is best? When choosing a filter for or, it is important to pay attention to several important criteria.

To understand which one is right for you, consider:

average water consumption;
degree of purification;
availability of free space in the kitchen;
estimated purchase budget.

First of all, water consumption is taken into account. It depends on the number of people living in the apartment.

Criterion #1 - daily water consumption

It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of water daily. Add to this amount 1 liter in the form of soup, tea and coffee, which are also best prepared with filtered water, and we get an approximate norm of 3 liters of water for each adult per day.

Using simple calculations, you can derive the monthly consumption rate for a family of three:

3 people*3 l/day*30 days =270 l.

By comparing the obtained figures with the declared resource and performance of the filter, you can select a suitable model.

If we consider that the average life of a cartridge for a jug is 250-300 liters, then a family of three will have to change it every month. This is not very rational. It is better to buy a jug as a temporary portable filter, for example, for travel or for the garden.

A family's water consumption depends on the number of active people. An average of 3–4 liters per person, including cooking

Let's consider the same family of three people, who, according to our calculations, consume 270 liters of purified water per month.

Having studied the market, we see that the resource of cartridges for a reverse osmosis system is 3-6 thousand liters. The picture is approximately the same with sorption flow filters - 3.5-8 thousand liters.

Min. 3000 l: 270 l/month. = 11 months
Max. 8000 l: 270 l/month. = 30 months

However, manufacturers do not recommend using the same one for more than a year or even less. For a family of 3 people, any of the filters under the sink will be suitable. Moreover, there is no point in buying a filter with a longer consumption resource - it is unlikely that you will be able to use all 8000 liters in a year.

Criterion #2 - water quality without a filter

What doesn’t come into our apartments under the guise of tap water: sand, rust, algae, fungi, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, all kinds of salts, acids and bases - the list goes on.

Therefore, it is advisable to see the initial picture before purchasing a filter.

You will not find out this on your own, unless you have your own mini-laboratory and you are a chemist. The rest will have to collect water for testing. You can go to the sanitary and epidemiological station and submit samples for analysis. Faster, but more expensive - private laboratories.

At the conclusion of the examination, you will see a large number of important indicators: acid-base balance, hardness, transparency, color, smell, background radiation, the presence of organic matter, chlorine, iron, fluorine and other data

One of the key indicators is rigidity. It's no secret that our tap water is very hard. But how much? The laboratory will give you the exact value in mEq. If it is within 8, then installing a flow filter is allowed.

But such a system is unlikely to cope with very hard water – 8-12+ mEq. At this level of hardness, only a reverse osmosis system is suitable, which simply will not allow molecules of hardness salts to pass through the membrane.

Another direct indication for installing a reverse osmosis filter is the presence of organic matter in the water.

Fungi, bacteria, viruses, even the simplest multicellular microorganisms - none of the above will get into your glass after passing through the membrane and final cleaning with ultraviolet light.

Criterion #3 - free space and price

Availability of free space - everything is clear here. Not every kitchen has space for a large “under the sink” system, while the extra 15 cm2 for a jug on the table can always be organized.

Often the choice of filter is limited by financial issues.

Let's arrange the filters in order of increasing cost:

Jug – average price 10-12$.
Faucet attachment – $12-15.
Tabletop flow-through – $22-25.
Flow-through system for washing $60-80.
Flow filter with membrane - ultrafilter - $80-85.
Reverse osmosis system in different configurations – $180-200.

An important nuance is the quality of the parts. All connecting elements must be of proper quality.

Cheap plastic will not last long, so it is advisable to twirl all the parts in your hands before purchasing

Criterion #4 - need for filter maintenance

Buying and installing a filter is not everything. He needs to be constantly looked after.

Some systems are designed in such a way that for full operation you do not need to contact a specialist; everything is easily replaced and installed by yourself in a few minutes.

Complex models of filtering equipment require advanced skills and require professional installation supervision and maintenance

The list of mandatory regular procedures includes:

replacing mechanical cleaning cartridges(for any filter - after consumption of the declared amount of water or after the expiration of its service life);
replacing reverse osmosis membrane or in an ultrafilter (the period depends on the quality of the water and the mode of use, on average - once every 1.5 years);
membrane flushing(if it can be restored chemically, then it is much cheaper to wash it than to change it);
valve flushing and its prevention;
refilling filters(replacement of cartridge fillers, iron removers, softeners);
softener restoration chemicals (if any).

There are operations that only an experienced master can perform. For example, if you decide to install some additional elements to your reverse osmosis system, such as a UV purifier.

Rating of the best manufacturers

To make your task a little easier, we offer you a rating of the most popular (and for good reason) manufacturers of water filters. Perhaps this will narrow down your search.

At least, most filter buyers chose these brands.

No. 1 - ICAR sink filter

Development of the Russian company Research Center “IKAR”, which is a manufacturer of installations for producing drinking water of the highest quality. The ICAR filter rightfully occupies a technological leadership in the household water treatment market.

The filter is equipped with a microprocessor unit for controlling and monitoring the output parameters of water: level of mineralization; control of reverse osmosis membrane contamination; water activation power (change in ORP); level of pH increase.

The ICAR filter is mounted under the sink and consists of:

5-stage premium reverse osmosis system - the degree of water purification is the highest among competitors (~ 98%) according to WHO criteria.
patented module of the Research Center “Icarus”, which activates very fresh water, structures and gives it a negative redox potential ( ORP) the average value is -300. In this case, the ionization of water lasts from 3-7 days in the storage tank. Water boosts immunity and has antioxidant properties.
The mineralization unit built into the module operates in automatic dosage mode using the injection method, which ensures the saturation of water with useful substances: K+, Ca++, Mg++, Se++, Iodine ions. Mineralization is carried out using the mineral additive “Severyanka Plus” No. 4. The additive consumption is calculated on average for a year of use.

The system has low power consumption - 50 W. The cost of the highest quality water produced is 3 rubles/l. Also, the Research Center “IKAR” has developed a pH reactor to raise the pH of water to values of 7.5 – 8.5, since the water leaves through osmosis with a lower value by about one unit from the pH of the input water, it is purchased separately.

It is believed that drinking water with such pH values increases overall life expectancy and helps maintain the acid-base balance of the body. The unique patented ICAR filter technology has won prestigious international awards in Switzerland and Belgium. The installation has no analogues in the world; the technology allows you to obtain clean, tasty and healthy water at home.

The largest dealer of ICAR installations is. Delivery is carried out throughout Russia and around the world. There are always some discounts. Installation services are provided in Moscow, Moscow Region and St. Petersburg.

Among the disadvantages of the installation, the following can be highlighted: at first glance, the high cost of the system compared to filters of a lower class; it is also necessary to change replaceable reverse osmosis filter cartridges at least once a year (as with any other filter), once a year to purchase the mineral additive “Severyanka” plus” (cost about 1 thousand rubles). However, the output is water whose properties are comparable to water from Lake Baikal and its cost is 3 rubles. for 1 liter.

No. 2 - Russian Aquaphor, also known as Aquaphor

The well-known Russian brand Aquaphor produces all of the above types of water filters. In principle, this manufacturer can satisfy every buyer; there are offers for any budget.

Cartridges for Aquaphor jugs can be purchased not only in specialized stores, but also in many large supermarkets. This is very convenient, since they will have to be changed with enviable regularity.

Aquaphor Ocean;
Aquaphor Prestige;
Aquaphor Premium.

Aquaphor flow filters are available in a wide range. The innovative development of the manufacturer Aquaphor - the substance Aqualen - is used as a filter media.

This material is a variation of the polypropylene filter patented by this brand. Aquaphor offers flow filters with collapsible cartridges (you can add or change the filler) and non-separable (can be completely replaced).

Aquaphor is one of the few manufacturers that produces and offers a flow-through cleaning nozzle for the faucet

Top flow models:

Aquaphor Trio;
Aquaphor Crystal;
Aquaphor Favorite.

Aquaphor reverse osmosis systems are also in great demand in our market due to their good quality, availability of consumables and components, and reasonable price.

The main element of the system, the membrane, is produced in China and Taiwan. This is considered a disadvantage of such filters. Reverse osmosis systems are available in different filter designs Aquaphor OSMO And Morion.

No. 3 - domestic development Barrier

Like its main competitor Aquaphor, Barrier offers both pitcher filters and simple tabletop flow-through devices, as well as more complex flow-through systems and even reverse osmosis filters.

Popular jugs are easy to find in city supermarkets; cartridges for them are sold in many stores. Since Barrier consumables are only suitable for filters from this manufacturer, this is quite convenient. The jugs themselves differ only in their design.

Another popular mass market brand is the Russian Barrier. Among the sales offers are devices for the preparation of technical and drinking water

Popular models:

Barrier Extra;
Barrier Smart;
Barrier Grand.

The line of barrier flow filters is very widely represented. Depending on the type of water you have, you will be able to choose a suitable offer.

For example, if the iron content is high, they buy a system with Ferrostop technology, and if the hardness is high, they buy a softening cartridge.

The barrier proudly names all the technologies used: if connected to a water supply system, then "QuickFitting", if the carbon filter – then "Carbon block", if some of the water goes past the cartridge, then this is already "ByPass".

Reverse osmosis systems from this manufacturer have appeared on sale relatively recently. A 100-gallon membrane made in Russia is used.

There is also an unusual model - K-OSMOS. Its uniqueness is that all the flasks and other elements are in a stylish translucent case, and not in the public domain, like most other manufacturers.

Among the other assortment of TM Barrier, there are very interesting items, such as a children's filter, a shower filter (important for bathing children), and a filter status sensor.

The most popular models of Barrier flow filters:

Barrier Expert;
Barrier Standard;
Barrier Pro.

Reverse osmosis systems are called Barrier Profi OSMO, SPACE, Barrier WaterFort Osmo.

No. 4 - inexpensive Taiwanese Aqualine

Taiwanese manufacturer Aqualine specializes in reverse osmosis systems, as well as flow-through filtration systems.

The high quality of all components and the operation of the entire system has allowed Aqualine to occupy a fairly large niche in the market of filter manufacturers.

One of the most popular reverse osmosis filters is Aqualine, which purifies tap water from chlorine, manganese, and iron.

One of the features of these filters is that the first filter flask is made not of the usual white plastic that we are used to seeing from other companies, but of durable transparent one.

Why is this being done? For ease of maintenance. Through the transparent walls you can see when it is time to change the cartridge filler.

Flasks are easily installed in the system Quick Connect. It is possible to install a mineralizer after the membrane to restore water. The membrane used is made in Korea.

High quality flasks with double rubber seal prevent possible leaks. The devices use a unique filter material that softens water and neutralizes viruses and bacteria

Models: Aqualine Standard– flow-through under the sink; Aqualine RO-6- reverse osmosis; Aqualine RO-5- reverse osmosis.

No. 5 - South Korean Raifil (Raifil)

Another popular brand is Raifil. This company began its production activities in the early 00s and focused primarily on the South Korean market.

The plant for the production of components and fillers is located in Taiwan, but the company closely cooperates with the South Korean company S.S.K.

In addition to household models, Raifil also produces large, industrial units for water purification using reverse osmosis.

One of the advantages of Ryfil is that they do not use widespread Chinese membranes, giving preference to Korean and American models. Raifil offers some of the best water purification filters among reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration systems.

The advantages of filters from this company are high quality plastic, a double sealing ring, stiffeners along the length of all flasks, and Teflon tape included for better fixation.

Reverse osmosis systems are equipped with high-performance pumps. The flasks used are universal; if desired, flasks from any other manufacturer can be installed.

Like many other manufacturers, Ryfil placed all of his filter bottles on a metal mounting plate for protection from damage and ease of installation.

Raifil offers ultrafilters called Raifil Novo and reverse osmosis filters Raifil RO in different designs.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video provides an overview of the most popular Aqualine filter model:

You can install the filter under the sink with your own hands, if these hands grow “from where they need to”. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

The selection of water filters in specialized stores is dizzying. With such an assortment, choosing a good quality model for reasonable money is a completely feasible task. Buy responsibly and drink only clean water!

Are you looking for an effective water filter or do you have experience using such installations? Please leave comments on the article and your impressions about using water filters.

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

People “drink” 80% of diseases with water. The reason is pathogenic bacteria and high concentrations of dissolved impurities harmful to the body. Wells and boreholes installed in dachas are especially vulnerable in this regard. A water purification system helps solve the problem.

Filtration methods: “living” and “dead” water

The water in wells and artesian wells is rightfully considered “living”: a nearby garbage dump or hazardous industry, coupled with rain, can endow it with all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Of course, this does not threaten home owners in ecologically clean areas, but they are not immune from calcium and magnesium in the water. These hardness salts regulate various chemical processes in the natural environment, but have a destructive effect on the human body and household appliances. Iron can also get into the water from collapsing rocks, which also sometimes causes premature breakdown of washing machines, skin problems and exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases. An excess of hydrogen sulfide even leads to serious poisoning, not to mention an unpleasant odor. In city apartments the situation is better, if we are talking about new buildings and areas with a good water deferrization station. However, the older the house, the more worn out the communications there are: for example, cast iron and steel water pipes with corrosion guarantee an additional dose of iron in the water. In a word, there are many risks, so water filtration in our time is not a fashionable fad, but a necessity.

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

Trunk filters are often used as a water filtration system for summer cottages. This is a cylindrical flask that is mounted into the water supply line - hence the name of the filter.

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

Methods for “catching” iron are divided into two types: reagent and non-reagent.

Reagent-free water filtration devices efficiently defer the liquid and remove hydrogen sulfide and manganese from it. They work using two technologies. First, aeration technology, consists in artificially creating intensive air exchange in the aquatic environment. The liquid absorbs oxygen, the dissolved substances are oxidized and sink to the bottom of the aeration tank in the form of III-valent particles. Next, the oxides enter the backfill filter to remove iron from the water, where they remain. The advantages of this method are full automation, environmental friendliness, the ability to purify large volumes of liquid and an affordable price compared to other methods. In addition, oxygenated water becomes pleasant to the taste. Aeration can be ejector, pressure and non-pressure. In pressurized air, air is forced into the water column using a high-pressure compressor. With non-pressure aeration, the liquid is sprayed at the top point of the aeration tank. The resulting droplets absorb oxygen as they fall. Ejector aeration takes place using a compact installation that operates on the energy of water flow without connecting to the electrical network.
With the second technology , catalytic loading, iron removal is carried out using filter materials with catalysts “Sorbent AC/MC”, “Birm” or “Pyrolox”. Sorbents act as oxidation catalysts. They filter out iron, petroleum contaminants, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese, and are sold as granular media. The production rate for ferrum is 99.2%, for manganese - 96.1%. The best oxidation characteristics are found in the combination of MC and AC catalysts in a 1:1 ratio. Sorbents work for 6 years without replacement. “Burm” is a porous backfill charge made of synthesized aluminosilicate coated with iron, silicon, and manganese. Removes ferrum up to 7 mg/l, manganese up to 0.5. Loading is easy and does not require much flushing pressure. The deferrization filter for water with Birm backfill, depending on the contamination of the liquid, lasts 2–5 years. "Pirolox" is a natural filter material with manganese dioxide. It has been used in water treatment for 75 years. Areas of application of the substance are demanganation, deferrization, removal of hydrogen sulfide. Removes iron - up to 4 mg/l, manganese - up to 0.5. This filter material is heavy, so it is important to provide good pressure for flushing. To increase the oxidation rate in treatment plants, filters with Pirolox are often combined with aeration. Service life - 4–7 years.
Reagent filters remove large concentrations of impurities: iron - up to 15 mg/l, hydrogen sulfide - up to 5, manganese - up to 12. For this, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4), better known as potassium permanganate, are used. Potassium permanganate has good oxidizing characteristics: it is used to disinfect water, oxidize soluble “ferrum” and trap some other pollutants. It is supplied to the liquid in front of deferrization filters for rapid oxidation and conversion of dissolved II-valent iron into insoluble III-valent iron. Potassium permanganate is also often used as a regeneration solution for iron removers. Sodium hypochlorite disinfects, removes iron, manganese, organic compounds and hydrogen sulfide. In water treatment, a method of proportional dosing of an aqueous hypochlorite solution is used. Potassium permanganate and hypochlorite are used mainly in the form of solutions in water treatment. They are supplied in purification plants in close proximity to the deferrization filter or sediment filter. A special dosing pump measures the solution. It pumps in an amount of solution proportional to the volume of incoming water and makes a specified number of injections. The more fluid passes through the pipeline, the more injections. Thus, the water deferrization filter does not pollute the water with chemicals. Solutions of NaOCl and KMnO4 are supplied in strictly dosed quantities, change during oxidation and settle in the backfill filter layers along with oxidized pollutants. Purified water without impurities goes into the water supply system. Ion exchange granular resins are also included in the group of reagent filter materials. The cleaning method using ion exchange is used in everyday life and in industrial enterprises. Ion exchange is an effective technology for softening, purifying and deferrizing water. With its help, heavy metals, lime, hardness salts and radioactive substances are removed. The advantages of the ion exchange method are high-quality removal of iron (up to 30 mg/l), affordable price of equipment and versatility, because one cylinder is required to remove iron, hardness and manganese. Ion exchange resin is an artificial filter material consisting of yellow or orange granules. If the substance is obtained using polymerization technology, the granules are round; if polycondensation is used, the granules have an irregular shape.
When water comes into contact with the ion exchange resin granules, calcium and magnesium ions responsible for hardness, as well as iron and other pollutants, are removed from it. This happens as a result of the exchange of charged particles. Impurity ions remain in the ion-exchange filter layer, securely secured by a chemical bond. Resin-based iron removal filters lose their ion exchange properties over time. This happens due to the fact that iron and hardness salts replace resin ions. However, the process can be reversed - the filter material regenerates if a solution of table salt is passed through it. After this, the ion exchange backfill will again efficiently purify the water.

What to consider when choosing filtration equipment

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

In addition, you need to take into account:

Work resource. If you use the equipment regularly, it is not profitable to buy an expensive water filtration system for your home with a short service life, so as not to waste money on replacing it.
Performance. This is the maximum water flow rate that the filtration system is designed to handle. This item directly depends on the type and nature of the water supply in the house.
Degree of purification. When choosing a water filtration device, you need to clearly understand for what purposes the purified liquid will be used. Watering garden beds or washing a car is one thing, and quite another thing is cooking, where you need the cleanest possible water without impurities harmful to the human body.
Water consumption. First of all, it is related to the number of its consumers, but the presence of a dishwasher and washing machine in the house also plays an important role. It is not difficult to calculate water consumption per person, but it is better to buy a system “with a reserve”. This is especially true for cottages and country houses, where people come for weekends in the winter, and live full-time in the summer, receiving guests.
Cleaning object: hot or cold water. For cold filters, any filters are suitable; for hot filters, only steel or special plastic. Replacement cartridges must also be resistant to high temperatures.
Features of service and care. Service includes checking the serviceability of the system, delivery of consumables, changing the program of automatic filters for regeneration, adjusting compressors and dispensers, cleaning injectors and much more. All this costs money, so before purchasing a water filtration system, you should carefully study its warranty period and the cost of various components.

Overview of water filtration systems

The market for water filtration equipment is vast, but, unfortunately, it is not without fly-by-night companies that sell obviously low-quality goods at reduced prices and then “unexpectedly” go bankrupt. To avoid becoming a victim of such a scam, it is better to order a water filtration installation from a trusted organization. Below are five companies whose household water filtration equipment and home water filtration systems have proven themselves well in the market.

ProfWater

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

"Geyser"

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

"Water Doctor"

It sells unique household and industrial filters, taking into account technological processes of varying complexity, the customer’s financial resources and requirements for treated water. The cost of such filters is calculated individually. In addition, this company offers softener filters and devices for deferrizing water in a private home, as well as luxury purifiers for offices, fitness clubs, schools and shopping centers. Among them is the water purifier-corrector “Water Doctor VD-TM 205 Lux WF” with a water softening function in a floor-standing VATTEN purifier.

"Barrier"

It has been producing household filters for water purification since 1993 and successfully sells them in Russia and abroad. In addition to a large assortment of filter jugs, Barrier produces kitchen faucets with a built-in faucet for water purification. For example, the elegant BWT 3C model, which has a classic design, will significantly save space on the sink due to the combined supply system of tap and purified water in one device. These faucets are available in different colors, including black and bronze.

"Aquaphor"

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

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