Filtration

The Advanced Upgrade has 5 filter materials, in addition to the pre-filter.  This is an addition of 3 filter materials as compared to the Whole House Wide-spectrum Chlorine or Chloramine systems.

The process begins with a sediment pre-filter to remove any physical, undissolved particles out of the water.  Although your water looks clear, you will be amazed by how much dirt & grime this filter captures.

The main tanks in the Advanced Filter System combine a proprietary patent-processed KDF mineral media (copper-zinc), high purity coconut shell carbon, zeolite (clinoptilolite), calcium-based carbon (bone char) & Rx Filtration media, all of which have been tested to NSF standard 42 and 61.

KDF is a great REDOX (oxidation/reduction) filter media.  The chlorine version uses kdf-55, the chloramine version uses kdf-85.  It delivers a unique natural process of electrochemical oxidation/reduction and adsorption. KDF targets the dissolved inorganic contaminants.  It filters up to 98% of soluble cation heavy metals including mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, etc.

Powerful KDF redox media creates a bacteriostatic environment that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold & other microbial contaminants.

KDF also prevents corrosion and eliminates hard scale by transforming hardness minerals into crystalline structures that do not adhere to plumbing & appliances.  Effective up to 8 grains.  (We have other units for higher hardness.)

The KDF in this filter has been processed using the FOAM ADVANTAGE patent, which means you get more filtration from less media.

SNRF Ion Exchange Coconut Shell Carbon is an adsorbent media that target the volatile organic compounds (chlorine, THMs, disinfection by products, herbicides, pesticides, etc). This carbon is supercharged with an internal modification for ion exchange properties.  This delivers soluble lead adsorption (Ion Exchange Capacity is 130mg/g). The heavy metal reduction capability is additive, given that FOAM ADVANTAGE KDF is also incorporated in to the system design.  Together they assure 99% removal of soluble lead, even at high flow rates.

In the case of Chloramine treated water, SNRF Catalytic Carbon is capable of adsorbing the entire ion – both the chlorine and ammonia simultaneously.

Media Added to this Advanced Upgrade System

The Calcium Based Carbon (BRIMAC), also known as Bone Char, has a unique porous matrix of ions created by heating a raw material in an oxygen rich vessel at 1,292 °F. The result is a unique type of Calcium-Based Activated Carbon with properties that are very different than the more common Coconut Shell Activated Carbon. While coconut shell carbon is great for organic contaminants, it is not effective for inorganic contaminants. However, Calcium-Based Carbon is selective for filtering inorganic contaminants.

Fluoride filtration is the most common application for Calcium-Based Carbon.  It is also used in applications for radionuclides reduction including lower levels of radium, uranium & arsenic present at levels.

Fluoride is one of the more slowly-adsorbed contaminants.  Lower water flow permits more fluoride filtration.  A large quantity of high-quality fluoride-filtering media is required for whole house reduction of this contaminant. 90+% removal of fluoride (as you get with other contaminants) is not realistic for whole house water filters.  However, this dual tank system will reduce fluoride exposure.   Removal rates might start about 85%, and they are apt to drop to around 30% over the life of the filter.  FLUORIDE IS  HARD TO REMOVE WITH HIGH FLOW RATES.  FLUORIDE TEST RESULTS ARE VARIABLE.  Learn More.

If you want to remove more fluoride than is possible at the whole house level, we can do so with a 2-canister kitchen filter.  The biggest risks of fluoride are from ingestion.

Zeolite Filtration Media is a great filtration material with both adsorbent & ion exchange properties. The most prominent application for Zeolite is ammonia removal. This comes into play when there is some unbonded ammonia. Zeolite compliments activated carbon’s adsorption of volatile organic compounds.  It tends to offer greater efficacy with the removal of some organics that activated carbon. It also has shown promise for the removal of various radionuclides with its unique ion exchange properties.

Rx Filtration Media is a mesoporous (nano-level) organosilica media that possesses a flexible and hydrophobic pore structure. Rx media is able to remove nearly all forms of pharmaceutical contamination found in potable water supplies.  Testing shows 99% removal of antidepressants, antibiotics, birth controls & 75% removal anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines). Rx media can also be used for the extraction of organic species, including hydrocarbons, all forms of oil, chlorinated solvents, esters & glycols.