Choosing a coarse water filter for an apartment. Filter for rough mechanical water purification for apartments Water filters for rough purification

Even if the water in the area is crystal clear, and the chemical composition is impeccable, you will still have to clean the stream from impurities and particles of different sizes. Otherwise, household appliances will quickly become unusable, and there will be sand in the soup. Mechanical coarse filters solve problems of this kind; you just need to understand their types and types and choose a reliable manufacturer.

Rough cleaning is the first stage of water preparation. After the flow passes through the well filters, a lot of solid particles remain in the liquid, making the water unsuitable for use. Therefore, preliminary water treatment is mandatory, even if good well filters are installed.

The tasks of coarse filtration are simple; it is cleaning from solid inclusions of any kind. These include elements of sand and gravel rocks with a minimum size of 15 microns. The particles, visible to the naked eye, settle on the filters, so the stage is called coarse filtration, and is called “mechanical” because of the peculiarities of the technology, which is reminiscent of filtering water streams through a sieve. Filtration equipment is installed after the pressure tank in the supply pipeline section.

Regarding the number of devices, efficiency does not always depend on the presence of 2-5 filters if they are absolutely identical. In this case, the pressure only drops and the level of resistance in the line increases significantly, which leads to increased loads on the pump. If there is an urgent need for additional devices for the primary purification of water from a well, then it is better to select filters of different sizes, while installing a pump of increased power.

Important! Primary filtration devices are able to maintain efficiency under sudden pressure changes and temperature changes and ideally cope with contaminants of increased diameter.

Types and types of primary treatment devices

When choosing coarse filters, it is better to pay attention to fairly simple devices. The complexity of the design is not needed, and simple and functional models will last much longer.

Mechanical filters for pre-treatment of water from a well are selected solely based on the amount of suspended solids in the flow, as well as the average daily volume of water consumption: high intensity requires the installation of a powerful system.

Sump

This is the simplest and at the same time one of the best filters for coarse water purification from a well. Installed at the direct inlet of the flow and retains particles up to 300 microns in size. Structurally, mud collectors are divided into:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• Y-shaped.

The advantages are cleaning up to 90%, operation at temperatures up to +150 C, functionality at pressures up to 6 MPa and long service life. But the use of the device requires supervision of hydraulic resistance. The body of the mud tank can be equipped with a removable bottom, have a side hatch and devices for venting air masses and draining the water flow.

Based on the connection principle, devices are divided into welded and flanged. Users will be pleased with the possibility of using mud collectors without registering with regulatory authorities, as well as equipping the devices (in addition to the mesh) with magnetic catchers for selecting metal particles from the flow.

Important! Mud collectors are used in wells where the flow has sufficient power or is highly saturated with foreign large fragments. To expand the functions, it is possible to use a mesh fabric with a reduced hole diameter.

Coarse mesh filters

The devices are equipped with a mesh fabric with small cell sizes - up to 20-500 microns. When choosing a design, it would be correct to pay attention to the photo and understand the technological features. For example, there are devices with an automatic backwash function. This means that the user does not have to disassemble the filter to remove residual dirt.

As a rule, strainers are equipped with a pressure control valve located at the outlet. In addition, for apartments, devices are made of transparent plastic (for cold water) or durable metal (for hot water). The advantages of the model include the function of protecting the internal pipeline and household appliances from water hammer, pressure surges and debris. Combining a pre-filter with a pressure gauge will help regulate the output pressure of the fluid flow.

Small dimensions, strength, practicality and ease of use are clear advantages of this equipment. But it is important to know that filters with a backwash function require installation only in a well system equipped with a drainage pipe, where the flow of liquid with impurities will be drained.

Coarse cartridge filters

This is a cartridge system, which is a flask body with several replaceable cartridges. The ability to retain particles up to 30 microns, a variety of models, and a division for installing devices for cold/hot water determined the popularity of the models. However, despite all the advantages, equipment for cleaning flow from a well has a number of disadvantages:

1. The need to frequently replace cartridges, especially if the well is drilled into sand;
2. Mandatory inspections and pressure adjustments;
3. The inapplicability of such devices for high-power flows.

But at the same time, cartridge models capture even the smallest dust particles extremely well, as well as chlorine compounds (this applies to charcoal appliances). But the stocking-type device will cope with fibrous contaminants such as mud, algae and even clay slurry.

Bag filters

As you can see in the photo, this is a type of cartridge device where an empty flask is filled with granular material. The increased cleaning efficiency competes with the very high price of the equipment. As for washing, it is better to entrust bag structures to specialists.

High speed cleaning structures

Such filters are more used for primary water treatment on an industrial scale. Representing a column-container filled with filter material, the design has enormous throughput and can retain particles of different fractions, starting from 30 microns.

Although the best designs for pre-purifying water from a well, the devices have some disadvantages:

1. Serious dimensions;
2. The device should be placed only in rooms where a warm temperature is maintained;
3. To ensure regeneration processes, water filters require a drainage pipeline, which will have to be installed additionally.

About the manufacturers

When choosing a device for primary water purification from a well, you should pay attention to the manufacturers. Only a few offer truly good quality products, so do not neglect reviews, photos of models and descriptions of technical characteristics.

The most famous are the following:

• Honeywell. The company offers equipment that removes small debris, sand, clay and mud. The devices are distinguished by good protection against pressure surges, ease of installation and use.
• Arkal. Provides water purification equipment equipped with special polymer discs that are non-corrosive and perfectly resistant to pressure surges. The devices of this Israeli company are characterized by absolute reliability and long service life.
• Rusfilter. These are devices that are 100% adapted to our working conditions. They are used where the flow is saturated with small particles of suspended sand, mud and clay. A distinctive feature is extreme control over the quality of equipment. Among the models, defective devices are extremely rare. Disadvantage: poor ergonomics and difficulty of maintenance.
• Valtec. A huge range of equipment for every taste and budget. Advantages: materials are brass and bronze, and the filtration element is always made of stainless steel. Long service life (up to 30 years), convenient maintenance and practicality. There is only one drawback - this is a joint project, so you need to be extremely careful when choosing models and it is better to buy from an official dealer.

Coarse water filters for apartments (FGOV) retain relatively large insoluble elements, for example:

• rust components;
• scale from welding, sealants;
• sand.

Therefore, it is necessary to install FGOV in the apartment.

Their work is based on the mechanical retention of large particles. The devices differ in:

• parameters;
• form;
• throughput potential;
• highest operational period;
• cleaning blocks;
• manufacturing materials;
• purification method;
• type of filter component.

Types of federal state government

Let's take a closer look at the types:

1. Reticulate. This is one of the most common varieties. It has a long service life without replacement of the working component. In the grid, the cells have parameters of 50 – 400 microns. The device is made of stainless steel. Differences between mesh types are associated with the method of their entry into the pipeline, methods of regular cleaning and service.
   These devices are divided into two further subcategories:
   1. With backwash. The deposited components are automatically removed.
   2. Without such washing. The device can only be cleaned by disassembling it.

   Devices that work with cold water have a transparent body. This way you can monitor the conditions of the grid.
   Devices operating with hot water are metal. After all, metal can withstand high temperatures.
   Many models also have other functions. For example, they can have a valve built into them to adjust the pressure. They can be combined with a pressure gauge. This is a safety measure for the internal space of the pipeline and household models against pressure surges.
   It is logical to install devices with automatic flushing where there is a drainage pipe and dirty water with impurities flows into it.

   Pros of mesh models:

   1. Simple and effective design.
   2. Acceptable price.
   3. Ease of installation, use and maintenance.
   4. No consumables needed.
   5. They work in domestic and industrial networks with any water (hot and cold).

   There are also disadvantages, but they are conditional:

   1. During standard maintenance, you have to turn off the water.
   2. Relatively weak cleaning performance.
2. The second type of FGOV. Flange and coupling. They differ in the method of connecting to the main line. If the pipe diameter is over two inches, it is better to use a flanged type. Bolted connections allow the device to be removed without dismantling other structural components. Pass-through models are placed on the pipes during system design.
   If the pipe has a smaller diameter, the coupling model is used. Typically these are residential and private networks. The device is directly screwed onto the pipe or connected to it using American ones.

All FGOV have similar installation criteria:

1. For tapping, scale, corrosion and other dirt are removed from pipes.
2. The water is shut off.
3. Any sealant is wound onto the threaded section of the device cover. The same treatment is carried out with the connecting section of the device and the pipe.
4. When installed, the filter component is directed towards the bottom.
5. The device is secured with a clamp. Mechanical wear is reduced there.
   All filters have pipes (one at the inlet, one at the outlet) and a settling tank that purifies the water. Depending on the position of the sump, the device can be straight or oblique.
6. Direct version at the entrance to the apartment. In it, the settling tank has a vertical position to the flow. Its dimensions are large. The quality of cleansing is better because of this. The speed of water flow decreases. Large particles sink to the bottom.
7. Oblique version. The position of the settling tank to the flow is at a slight angle. The device is installed when the pipe is located next to a wall or floor. Flange covers or coupling plugs are used to close settling tanks.
   Items 3 and 4 have different purification methods. Devices with and without this option are used.
8. Cartridge models. They are attached to the wall. They have a flask. It can be transparent or opaque. Inside it are replaceable cartridges. The materials for their manufacture are:
   • press-treated polypropylene fiber;
   • polyester;
   • twisted thread.

   They have different cleansing potential. But the rough cleaning parameter is 20-30 microns.
   The cartridges of these devices can be changed frequently. The devices themselves are usually placed where there are small debris components that are poorly captured by mesh models.
   The cartridge retains such particles. And the carbon-treated fiber cartridge can remove chlorine from water.
   Installation of these models occurs where weak flows are observed. In conditions of strong flows, a large device is used.

   For your information! The cartridges do not have auto-rinsing. They have to be changed.

9. Speed ​​models. They are needed when you need to remove various insoluble impurities. They contain special stainless steel containers.
   The filter component is located in the housing. There is a block in the upper zone of the device that automates the cleaning process. The water purification level is 30 microns.
   But such coarse filters also have disadvantages:
   • solid parameters;
   • placement in heated rooms;
   • An additional drainage pipeline is definitely needed for restoration.

Installation and maintenance

In this activity the following criteria must be adhered to:

1. It is better to place the device in front of the meter. Although in reality there is not enough space for this. For this reason, an oblique modification is performed. It protects the mechanism from clogging with suspended elements and protects the meter from damage.
2. The oblique model must be placed on a pipe with a horizontal position. The flask is placed at the bottom. This makes cleaning easier. It is important to know the direction of flow. Usually there is an arrow on the body of the device indicating this direction. The oblique device can also be mounted on a vertical pipe. Only the flow should follow from top to bottom. If such a device is mounted upward with a sump, then dirt will not penetrate the system, but the likelihood of device failure will increase. After all, this dirt will prevent the faucet from opening.
3. Direct model. It is installed only on the horizontal water supply area. There is some room left for removing the flask (if necessary).
4. The device with direct flushing is also complemented by an automatic flushing option. To do this, a water bypass loop and several taps are installed. They can convert the flow direction to counter flow.

If you use the filter several times, you will need to disassemble it to clean or replace the mesh or cartridge.
Before disassembling the device, you need to relieve the pressure in the network. To do this, the water supply stops.

Oblique models have plugs with convenient caps that have six sides. This is made specifically for a wrench. The paranite gasket is removed. A tow winder is installed. This makes the connections more airtight. And in the future, the functionality of the device improves.
The flask of straight filters with a vertical position can be removed with a wrench. The flask is put back with new gaskets.

You can remove dirt from an oblique model like this: the model is disassembled and the dirt is drained. The mesh is removed. Contaminants are removed. This area is dried with compressed air. The damaged mesh is replaced.
In the direct modification, the bulb is unscrewed. Sediment pours out of it. The mesh is washed. Drying. Or a new cartridge is installed.

It is easier to work with models with automatic flushing. The tap at the bottom of the flask opens periodically. The mesh and flask are cleaned. A pressurized water stream is used. Then the water flows into the drainage or into a substitute container.
For more convenient work, an automatic flushing device is installed on the water supply itself. Then the water follows the flow in the opposite direction. And cleaning the mesh is more efficient.

There are many FGOV models on the market today. Below are the TOP 5 most common devices.

Rating. TOP 5

Here is a good selection of filters for any type and budget.

Honeywell FF 06 1/2″ AA

• working with hot water
• delicate elimination of various foreign elements from water
• filtration component – ​​stainless steel mesh
• device weight – 1100 grams
• diameter – 1/2 inch

• water is purified better if the device is mounted with the bowl down
• The device does not allow harmful impurities to accumulate
• guarantees a stable supply of purified water and operation of household appliances connected to the water system
• price and quality are in optimal proportion
• durability
• compactness
• mesh is easy to replace
• high strength

• not found

• productivity – 2 cubic meters. m/h
• selectivity – 100 µm
• attachment DN – 15
• functional pressure under flushing conditions – 16 bar
• thread 1 - 1/2″
• thread 2 - 3/4″
• total height – 20.4 cm
• device type – prefilter
• purpose: work with cold water
• protection of pipelines and their fittings from breakdowns and corrosion

• the highest functional temperature of the cleaned medium reaches 40 °C
• removing hazardous impurities from water
• The device can work with a pressure gauge

• if there are large particles in the water, place a mud trap in front of the device

The kit includes:

1. Transparent plastic body.
2. Filter component.
3. Additional connections "American". Their appearance is 1/2. They have o-rings.
4. A fitting with a tap for draining water.

AquaHit 1/2″, art. FW.110.04

A coarse water filter is an effective filtration system; it can be used when installed on a system with a drainage pipe. Everything works automatically, you do not need to configure them regularly. Sometimes they are called main filters or mud filters; they are easy to use and durable.

There are several types of coarse water filters. Each of them has its own design features. Today, the most popular filters are cartridge filters and high-speed pressure filters. Cartridge filters are equipped with a replaceable cartridge that performs filtration. Such a cartridge delays inclusions with a volume of up to 30 microns. The cartridge is replaced as necessary. The use of this model is advisable in relatively small water supply systems with low flows, where very small inclusions are present in the water.

The high-speed pressure version is a one-piece container with anti-corrosion material and contains filter material. Liquids pass through it and are purified; the material effectively traps particles larger than 30 microns in size. They are installed in the upper part of the block, and the work of rough cleaning and regeneration is automatically monitored.

You can buy a high-quality filter in our store in Moscow at affordable prices. Applications from other regions of Russia are also possible. Check out the offers from our catalog and sort the products using the filter.

There is a wide range of products from different manufacturers, differing in design, technical and operational characteristics.

If you have any questions regarding the purchase process, payment and delivery, please call our consultants or contact us online in electronic form.

Agree that when it comes to a well, most of us immediately have a strong association with perfectly clean and tasty drinking water. Surely weighty contribution Literary works contributed to this strong opinion - very often they mention “crystal clear well water.” In addition, many have their own experience when, during a hike in the summer heat, a few sips of cold water from a nearby source become a great pleasure - it really seems amazingly clean and fresh.

But those people who constantly use water from a well or borehole often have a different opinion on this matter. Alas, the quality of autonomous water supply sources is very often far from not only ideal, but also from established acceptable sanitary standards. And in order to make the use of the source completely safe and as comfortable as possible, special water treatment systems are used, which include coarse and fine water purification filters of various designs and operating principles.

Why are coarse and fine water filters needed?

It is extremely rare for autonomous water supply sources to “boast” of absolute purity of water. Neither the surface aquifers, from which wells are fed, nor the deep ones, to which wells are drilled, are immune from certain types of pollution. All this has an explanation - such manifestations are caused by both quite ordinary natural processes and man-made factors, which, by the way, often include violations of construction technologies and equipment of water intake points or violations of the rules of their operation.

How are sources of autonomous water supply created?

Each type of water intake has its own rules for its creation and equipment. In the special publications of our portal you can find a lot of useful information on how to do it yourself, and then how to do it from water intake points.

• What features may differ in water from wells?

Most nearby aquifers to the surface of the earth are naturally and to the maximum extent vulnerable to external negative influences.

— First of all, even in the most favorable areas from an environmental point of view, a “biological cycle” is constantly going on - the soil is saturated with organic matter, the natural process of its decomposition continuously occurs, and this in itself is ideal conditions for the development of microbiological life forms. Of course, all this “rich variety” of microorganisms, including those of a pronounced pathogenic nature, has every chance of leaking into the water source used.

— The second component of the problem is the contamination of surface soil layers with industrial emissions, car exhaust, spilled petroleum products, chemicals for agricultural or even household use. All this is actively transported along with melt or storm water, absorbed into the soil and may well end up in the upper aquifers. This is often facilitated by improper well equipment, in particular, poor-quality external waterproofing.

As a result, water from a well, even a fairly deep one, about 20 meters, can “give off” petroleum products, have a pronounced putrid odor or a characteristic “aroma” of hydrogen sulfide. It happens that even organoleptically To the touch, the water has a slimy consistency or “blooms” - this is a clear sign of an abundance of bacteria. But the smell is a smell, and practically undetectable without special laboratory tests, but this does not make it any less dangerous, are salts of heavy metals, nitrite or nitrate compounds, pesticides and other components that pollute water. And on top of that there is silt and sand deposits that are gradually deposited at the bottom of the well. In short, using well water without treatment is associated with very high risks.

• What can you say about wells?

Here, it would seem, everything should be more prosperous? Surface pollution practically does not penetrate into the lower aquifers, and there is no pronounced biological activity either. However, not everything is so rosy.

Water from a well can also bring “surprises”

First of all, it should be noted that some types of microorganisms not only survive at significant depths, but also actively reproduce in such conditions. We are talking about the so-called sulfur bacteria, the presence of which often leads to quite widespread phenomenon - water from a seemingly “clean” well begins to smell of hydrogen sulfide after a certain period of time.

And the second thing is that wells are characterized by another extreme - this is excessive mineralization of water. The constant contact of aquifers with layers of various geological rocks causes saturation of water with salts - sulfides, carbonates, calcium and magnesium chlorides, dissolved iron, and other inorganic components, depending on the structure of the soil in a particular region. Such water has pronounced hardness, and causes a number of problems during its domestic use.

Only laboratory analysis can give a detailed picture of the state of the water consumed, especially in cases where there are no special external manifestations. Based on it, it will be possible to properly plan and purify water for specific conditions. It should be remembered that the state of autonomous sources can be highly dependent on the time of year and established weather, so for the reliability of the picture, most likely, it will be necessary to test several samples, separated in time and falling on the most “extreme” periods - massive spring melting of snow, the peak of hot, dry weather and prolonged autumn rains.

The problem of water purification, in many of its aspects, directly affects the owners of even those homes that are connected to the central water supply system. Even with a high-quality multi-level water treatment process at the central water intake and at pine stations, along the way to consumers, the quality can significantly decrease - due to the unsatisfactory condition of old worn-out water supply lines.

The variety of devices for filtration and water purification is very large. However, two main groups can be distinguished.

• The first is filters for coarse water purification, that is, its mechanical filtration from suspended solid impurities. Without this “frontier”, the use of any post-treatment systems will be either impossible or extremely ineffective.
• The second group is fine purification devices, which will directly depend on the quality of a particular water source. This will be discussed below.

Filters for mechanical water purification

As already mentioned, it is probably impossible in principle to do without a coarse filtration system, no matter how clean the water its source is famous for. No one and nothing can guarantee the ingress of small grains of sand or silt, organic fibers, particles of scale, fragments of limescale torn from the walls and etc.. Such suspensions are unpleasant in themselves and lead to overgrowing of pipes, especially at fittings or bends, and quickly damage plumbing equipment. The abrasive effect of solid inclusions “eats” rubber and polymer seals and damages ceramic parts of faucets or faucet cartridges. Large household appliances - washing or dishwashers, boilers, speakers and other appliances - can also be seriously damaged by this.

If an autonomous source of water supply is used, then, as a rule, the first line of mechanical cleaning is located at the submersible pump itself or at the end of the intake hose. When choosing pumping equipment, this point must be taken into account - based on the characteristics of the well, open reservoir or well.

How to choose the right pump for autonomous water supply?

Pumping equipment used to supply a residential building with water must meet a number of requirements. Recommendations for this can be found in a special publication on the portal.

Of course, at this stage of primary filtration only large suspended matter is removed, and there is no talk of acceptable water purity yet. This is where the work for coarse filters is now.

Filters for primary mechanical water purification - mud scavengers

The principle of their operation is simple. Water passes through a cellular structure of one type or another, which does not allow further suspended solid inclusions to pass through. The diameter (size) of the mesh cell determines the cleaning depth. As a rule, when we talk about coarse filters, we mean retaining particles with a size of 100 microns and above. However, there are often products that are also called coarse filters, but have the ability to separate inclusions with a diameter of about 50 microns.

Many coarse filters additionally use a different principle - their design is such that the water flow enters an expanding space, where it sharply loses speed, and the largest particles settle to the bottom under the influence of gravitational forces. Typically, such filters are placed in “advanced positions”, before being inserted into the water supply system of a private or even multi-storey city building.

If possible, you can install two or even more coarse filters, naturally with a gradual reduction in the mesh size - this will achieve the optimal result with the least likelihood of rapid failure of the devices or without the need for frequent flushing.

• Filters, which are the first to meet the flow of water from a source and cleanse it of the largest inclusions, are often called a completely understandable term - mud collectors. They can differ in size, the way they are inserted into the pipe - be flanged or coupling (threaded), and design features. Thus, there are mud collectors in the form of a vertically located cylinder - they use the principle of gravitational settling of sediment. Very common so-called "oblique" mud collectors, with a characteristic configuration of a filter chamber located obliquely to the pipe.

The well-known “oblique” filter

All such mud collectors require regular inspection and cleaning of accumulated sediment (sludge). To do this, they are equipped with threaded or flanged plugs, after removing which there is access to the filter mesh element and the storage chamber. Often, magnetic inserts are located under the plug, attracting iron-containing solid particles, thereby increasing the quality of filtration.

Mud traps are an important element of plumbing and heating systems

Most devices of this class used in domestic conditions are quite suitable for both water pipes and heating circuits. More details can be found in a special publication on the portal.

Mechanical mesh filters

Mesh wash filters are much more convenient to use and regular maintenance.

They consist of a metal body (item 1) with threaded couplings or pipes for insertion into the pipe (item 2). Many filters are immediately equipped with union nuts (“American”), which extremely simplify the installation process and allow you to freely remove the product if necessary.

A metal or transparent plastic cup (item 3) is hermetically screwed onto the body from below. Inside it there is a mesh, usually made of food grade stainless steel (item 4). The glass ends at the bottom with a tap and a drain pipe, allowing the filter to be washed with a stream of water.

Of course, backwashing is of better quality - a flow of water directed from the opposite side cleans the mesh cells much better. Some filter models have this function built into their design. If not, then you can simply organize a reverse loop when installing the piping, which allows you to temporarily redirect the flow of water during flushing.

Many filters are equipped with a pressure gauge (item 6), which shows the pressure in the water supply. There may be two pressure gauges, at the inlet and at the outlet - the difference in readings makes it possible to judge the degree of clogging of the filter element. Often such a filter is combined with a pressure reducer - this makes it possible to regulate the level of water pressure, which can be important for household appliances connected to the water supply.

The recognized leader in the production of such mesh filters is the Honeywell company. Its range is extremely wide - from the simplest inexpensive types to those equipped with a mechanism backwash, or even self-cleaning - backwash in automatic mode, as the filter element becomes clogged.

Some models of Honeywell mesh filters are presented in the table:

Model	Illustration	Short description	Filter cell size	Dimensions (installation length × height), weight	average cost
FF06 1/2" AA (miniplus)		External threaded connection ½", "American" included. Brass body, transparent glass made of impact-resistant plastic. Maximum water consumption is 1.5 m³/hour. The pressure in the system is up to 1.6 MPa. There is no additional equipment.	100 µm	140×158 mm, 0.7 kg	2740 rub.
FF06 3/4" AAM (miniplus)		¾" connection. Brass body and glass. Can be used for both cold and hot water - upper limit 80°C. Maximum flow rate – 3.0 m³/hour, pressure – 2.5 MPa. No additional equipment	100 µm	158×180 mm, 1.0 kg	3880 rub.
FK06 1/2"AA		½" connection. Brass body and clear impact resistant glass. For cold water – up to 40°C. The maximum inlet pressure is 1.6 MPa. Built-in pressure reducer with output adjustment range from 0.16 to 0.6 MPa. Peak flow rate – 1.8 m³/hour. There are two mounting holes for installing pressure gauges at the inlet and outlet.	100 µm	140×245 mm, 0.7 kg	5200 rub.
FK06 3/4" AAM		Filter for purifying cold and hot water. Metal opaque glass. Connection ¾ ". Working pressure at the inlet – 2.5 MPa. Built-in reducer with a range from 0.15 to 0.6 MPa at the outlet. Peak flow for domestic use – up to 2.9 m³/hour.	100 µm	160×245 mm, 1.0 kg	7950 rub.
F74С 1" AA		Main mesh filter for cold water purification (up to 30°C). Connection 1". Built-in backwash mechanism with filtered water. Possibility of connecting an automatic flushing drive. Ring reminder about the need for maintenance. Consumption 4.0 m³/hour. Working pressure – from 0.15 to 1.6 MPa. Built-in pressure gauge.	Depending on the modification: AA – 100 µm; AC – 50 µm; AD – 200 µm.	105×324 mm, 3.2 kg	11650 rub.
F76S 1/2"AA		Filter for cold water with a ½" connection, but high performance - up to 3.2 m³/hour. Backwash mechanism with manual control or automatic cleaning mode at a specified time (unit purchased separately). Built-in pressure gauge.	At the consumer's request, a mesh from a wide size range is used: B – 20 µm; C – 50 µm; A – 100 µm; D – 200 µm. It is acceptable to use liners assembled with meshes: E – 300 µm; F – 500 µm.	140×449 mm, 2.9 kg	13850 rub.

Honeywell mesh filters are of the highest quality, and are always accompanied by a product passport with a mandatory manufacturer’s warranty. You should purchase them in specialized stores so as not to run into fakes, of which, unfortunately, there are many.

Video: “Honeywell” mesh filter

Cartridge-type mechanical cleaning filters

Leaders in breadth of use - cartridge (cartridge) type filters

Cartridge type mechanical cleaning filters are very convenient to use. Among household devices, they occupy one of the leading positions - due to their low price and ease of operation.

Structurally, they consist of a body (item 1) with threaded sockets for connecting to the water supply at ½; ¾ or 1 inch (item 2). The case is usually equipped with a suspension system on the wall on bracket (item 3) or console. Usually there is a button or plug (pos. 4) on top of the housing to relieve pressure in the filter during maintenance. A cylinder (glass) made of metal, opaque or transparent plastic (item 5) is attached to the bottom of the body. Compound sealed an annular gasket and a union threaded coupling (item 6) (in some models the bulb itself has a threaded connection to the body). The filter kit includes a special key (item 70) for sealing the glass.

A replaceable cartridge (cartridge) is installed inside the glass. It is always a hollow cylinder, the walls of which perform a filtering function. Water, when moving through, enters the outer volume of the glass, penetrates through the cartridge machines into its internal cavity, and from there it moves to the outlet of the filter. Naturally, the design of the filter and cartridge implies a tight fit to each other so that water does not find “loopholes” for free passage.

The material and shape of the filter walls of the cylindrical cartridge may vary. So, you can purchase a filter element made of wound polypropylene threads (pos. A ), made of foamed sponge polypropylene (pos. V ), polypropylene corrugations Polypropylene was not chosen as a material by chance - it is chemically inert and is certified for use in the food industry and for medical purposes, that is, it is unable to have a negative impact on water used for drinking purposes.

It is clear that such cartridges have a certain service life, and after it is exhausted they must be replaced. But you can also purchase a cartridge with a mesh structure, which can be maintained - cleaned and washed (pos. b ).

The sizes of the vast majority of cartridges follow the same standards: SLIM LINE or BIG BLUE with a length of 5, 10 or 20 inches.

Filters of two standards are mainly used - SLIM LINE (left) and BIG BLUE with different cartridge lengths

The size of the filter cell of such cartridges can be so small (about 1 ÷ 5 microns) that it is even difficult to call them coarse filters. It is rather a fine mechanical filtration system. But to prevent such a device from quickly becoming clogged with large inclusions, it is recommended to install it after the already mentioned mud traps or strainers.

The only drawback of this scheme is the need to purchase a replacement cartridge. However, their cost is low, and everyone can afford to regularly replace the filter element.

Model	Illustration	Main characteristics	Filter cell size	Price
PS-1M (5M; 10M; 20M)		Standard “Slim Line”, size 10" (254 mm). Filtration material – foamed polypropylene. For cold water (from +2 to +35°C). Resource – up to 10 m³, but replacement at least once every 6 months. Recommended productivity – up to 10 l/min.		75 rub.
PP-1M (5M; 10M; 20M)		All data is the same as indicated above. The difference is the filter element made of wound polypropylene cord (“rope”).	Depending on the model – 1; 5; 10 or 20 µm	90 rub.
EL-5M (20M)		The difference is the filter element is made of corrugated polypropylene non-woven fabric. The cartridge can withstand up to 6 washing cycles. Filtration rate - up to 20 l/min.		200 rub.
NET-10		A “Slim Line” standard cartridge with a mesh polymer structure that allows regular maintenance (rinsing). Filtration rate – up to 50 l/min.	150 µm	220 rub.
PS-5M-10BB (10M, 20M)		Standard "Big Blue", length 10". Material – foamed polypropylene. Recommended flow rate is up to 15 l/min. Resource – up to 20 m³, but with mandatory replacement every six months.		280 rub.
PP-5M-10BB (10M; 20M)		The same thing, but made of wound polypropylene.	Depending on the model – 5; 10 or 20 µm	370 rub.
EL-5M-10BB (20M)		The difference is their polypropylene corrugated filter element with the ability to carry out up to 6 washes. Filtration rate – up to 30 l/min.	Depending on the model – 5 or 20 microns	500 rub.
NETSS-10BB		Stainless steel mesh cartridge, Big Blue standard, 10" long. Filtration rate – up to 200 l/min.	150 µm	3000 rub.

For more productive filters of the “Big Blue” standard with a length of 20 inches, corresponding cartridges are also produced, generally repeating the structure of the element and the cell size of the models indicated in the table. Naturally, they have a larger resource - up to 40 m³, and a higher filtration rate. But the frequency of replacement (or washing - for serviced models) is still kept the same - at least once every 6 months. Accordingly, the price of products is higher.

The great convenience of filters of the SLIM LINE and BIG BLUE standards is also in the fact that their bodies are fully universal - they can use cartridges not only for mechanical water purification, but also for deeper ones, which will be discussed in the next section.

Filters and fine water purification devices

Removing solid inclusions from the incoming water does not solve all problems. As already mentioned, a particular problem is the mineral or organic substances dissolved in the liquid and the microorganisms present in it - all this can make the water unsuitable for food needs, dangerous for consumption, or, at best, significantly reduce it taste qualities.

There are several basic technologies for fine water purification, which are implemented in various filter devices or replacement cartridges for them. The advisability of using specific filters depends solely on the results of the analysis of the main water source.

Iron removal from water

Excessive iron content in incoming water can cause a lot of inconvenience and serious trouble. Unfortunately, very often it exceeds the maximum permissible concentration established by SanPiN - 0.3 mg/liter.

Iron in water can take different forms:

• Dissolved iron is always present in free divalent form (Fe+2). It absolutely not noticeable visually, and does not lend itself to conventional mechanical filtration.
• The interaction of divalent iron with oxygen in the air or dissolved in water causes its transition to the trivalent form. This is already a finely dispersed consistency suspended in the thickness of the liquid. The very rusty coating that water leaves is a manifestation of just this chemical form of iron. Amenable to settling and fine filtration.

Rusty stains are particles of ferric iron suspended in water

• Organic colloidal iron, although it is a suspension, is so fine that it practically cannot be settled and filtered.
• Iron hydroxide is an insoluble precipitate that can be easily removed by mechanical filtration.
• A very unusual form is bacterial iron. It manifests itself as mucous deposits on the walls of blood vessels or a thin film on the surface of the water. Essentially, these are colonies of bacteria and their metabolic products - these microorganisms feed on the energy released in the process of converting the divalent form into the trivalent one.

How dangerous is excess iron concentration in water?

• In principle, an element useful in moderate doses for the human body, but with high content often causes metabolic disorders, dysfunction of the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, thyroid gland. The composition of the blood may negatively change, which will lead to severe and frequent allergic manifestations. And iron bacteria often cause serious poisoning or chronic disorders of the digestive system.
• Water with a high iron content becomes unpleasant to the taste.
• Solid forms of iron, if not removed from the water, lead to gradual clogging of pipes and rapid wear of plumbing and household appliances.
• After washing, yellow stains may remain on the laundry. Sinks and bathtubs will always look untidy.

There are many deferrization technologies, but many of them are applicable only on an industrial scale - at water treatment stations. How can you get rid of iron in water at the household level?

• Aeration and subsequent filtration

Since divalent iron reacts with oxygen into an insoluble trivalent form, it means it is necessary to create conditions for maximum contact of water with air. One of the methods is aeration (bubbling) - passing small air bubbles through water. This is implemented in aeration columns.

Water from a source is supplied to such a column, through which air pumped by a compressor is constantly passed. Control is usually carried out in automatic mode - when the tap is opened, the flow sensor is triggered, transmitting a control signal to start the compressor.

Aeration, in addition to deferrization, can perform a number of useful functions. Thus, air bubbles can entrain and remove small solid inclusions of a mineral or organic nature into the drainage - reducing the load for subsequent filtering devices in the chain. In addition, this has an effect in the fight against hydrogen sulfide - this will be discussed below.

An aeration column, if required, is usually placed after the main coarse filter. These are quite expensive products(usually the cost of a complete set of aeration, even with minimal productivity, starts at 30 thousand rubles), but in conditions where the autonomous source of water is not clean, it is difficult to do without them.

• Iron removal using reagent technology

The rapid oxidation of iron and its transition to a state suitable for mechanical filtration can be caused by special powerful oxidizing components - a prime example of this is ordinary potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate). However, this method requires a very precise dosage, constant replenishment of the reagent, and at the slightest violation of the technology is not entirely safe for the human body. It is not used at the household level.

• Reagent-free method for removing iron

This is the most widely used technology. Its meaning is that water comes into contact with a special backfill, which itself does not react, but stimulates the use of oxygen contained in the water to oxidize iron.

The backfill can be either mineral (for example, dolomite, zeolite, glauconite), or synthetic or complex (“Pyrolox”, “MZhF”, “BIRM”, “MGS”).

Such purifiers can be made in the form of columns, or in the form of cartridges for the already mentioned cartridge-type filters.

It is characteristic that in the process of iron oxidation the component backfill is practically not consumed. The iron that has passed into the solid phase either remains in the backfill itself, or is removed further along the water flow in a sorption or fine mechanical filter. The filling composition is easily regenerated - cleaned by washing with water. True, cartridges for iron removal are disposable and, alas, cannot be regenerated.

Model	Illustration	Main characteristics	Price
Iron removal column Clack 1054		Manual flush valve. The volume of filler is 40 l, drainage gravel is 10 kg. The volume of water for regeneration is 300 l. The diameter of the pipes connecting to the water supply is 1", to the drainage - ½". Weight – 40 kg.	18,000 rub.
Column for deferrization Runxin 1054		Based on reagent-free filler “Superferox”. Automatic reagent and drainage flushing. Capacity 0.9 m³. Installation height – 1520 mm, depth – 550 mm. Weight – 40 kg.	26900 rub.
Cartridge for iron removal IR-10		Standard “Slim Line” 10" long. Backfill - BIRM. Resource – 4 m³ or six months of operation.	380 rub.
Cartridge for iron removal IR-10BB		Big Blue standard 10" long. Backfill - BIRM. Resource – 12 m³ or six months of operation.	1200 rub.
Cartridge for iron removal IR-20BB		Big Blue standard 20" long. Backfill - BIRM. Productivity – up to 15 l/min. Resource – 24 m³ or six months of operation.	2300 rub.

The reagent-free method has its disadvantages:

• There are certain restrictions on the chemical composition of water - in particular, on its acidity and the concentration of alkaline components. This must be indicated in product passports. It is also necessary to get rid of the increased concentration of dissolved hydrogen sulfide before such deferrization.
• The “own” oxygen of water may not be enough for high-quality purification of iron from it using this method. Exit – recommended pre-aeration .
• Such purification does not have any effect on the biochemical, including pathogenic, composition of water. Subsequent disinfection is required.
• During operation, the system requires regular maintenance - washing and cleaning. Neglect of these operations can result in equipment failure—the backfill loses its catalytic qualities.

Many cleaning systems are very closely functionally interconnected. Thus, the reagent-free method of deferrizing water also successfully affects dissolved magnesium salts, which cause increased water hardness. Just like other purification methods (for example, ion exchange or reverse osmosis technology) also affect the iron content in water.

Methods for purifying water from hydrogen sulfide

The smell of hydrogen sulfide is unpleasant in itself, and such water is unsuitable for household and food use. However, the danger is even more serious than it seems at first glance.

This is a very toxic compound, and even a small dose that enters the body with water or even through the respiratory system can cause dizziness, nausea, and more serious damage to the nervous system with very sad consequences. The fact is that hydrogen sulfide enters into an irreversible reaction with red blood cells, which are affected and cease to perform their main function - the delivery of oxygen to the tissues and systems of the body.

There is one more characteristic feature - this gas, even with not very frequent contacts, reduces the sensitivity of taste and olfactory receptors, and a person simply stops paying attention to it. And its pathological effect continues unnoticed until it manifests itself as obvious signs of poisoning.

Hydrogen sulfide has another negative property - it sharply reduces the resistance of metal pipes to corrosion - their fragility increases, walls collapse, valves fail, etc.

In a word, if the analysis shows the presence of hydrogen sulfide above the permissible standards (more than 0.03 mg/liter), or a characteristic odor appears, measures should be taken.

It has already been mentioned that hydrogen sulfide can appear in wells Not not immediately, but over time - this indicates the appearance of colonies of sulfur bacteria. By the way, they can “make a nest” in heating devices - suddenly, a seemingly clean boiler begins to emit a characteristic “aroma” at the outlet.

What methods are used to get rid of hydrogen sulfide:

• Already mentioned above aeration becomes quite effective in this case:

— Firstly, this gas is poorly soluble in water, and the flow of air bubbles is able to “drag” it upward, and then it exits into the atmosphere through the valve of the aeration column. This is a kind of “airing” of water.

“Secondly, the abundance of oxygen in the water is an extremely unfavorable environment for sulfur bacteria, whose colonies begin to die in such conditions.

- And thirdly, the compound itself, due to hydrogen molecules, is an active reducing agent, reacting with free oxygen. The output is water and sulfur precipitate, which can then be easily removed by mechanical filtration.

• There are technologies that are quite complex and require special qualifications of personnel. chemical and biochemical water purification from hydrogen sulfide. In conditions of autonomous water supply they are not used.
• Sorption cleaning is something that is widely used in industrial on a large scale and in everyday life.

Special sorption backfills, usually based on activated carbon, are capable of removing dangerous chemical compounds from water, including chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, becoming a catalyst for oxidation processes, and even a filter “grid” for fine mechanical purification. Carefully selected compositions become an insurmountable barrier to various pathogenic microorganisms.

Many sorption backfills (for example, “Centaur”, for the production of which certain types of coal are used) have a considerable resource and are able to be regenerated after a certain washing, of course, up to certain limit Such sorption filters can be in the form of columns - on powerful filter complexes, or again in the form of replaceable cartridges of a standard size.

Model	Illustration	Short description	Approximate price
Sorption column CF-1054/F71B1-T		Sorbent – ​​activated coconut carbon, quantity – 42 l. Column productivity is up to 0.7 m³/hour. Dimensions 260 ×1550 mm, connection – ¾".	17700 rub.
Carbon cartridge BL-10		Standard size “Slim Line”, 10". Filtration rate – up to 2 l/min. Resource – up to 4 m³ or six months of operation, without the possibility of regeneration	130 rub.
Carbon cartridge BL-10BB		Standard "Big Blue", 10". Productivity – up to 12 l/min. Resource – up to 12 m³ or six months of operation, without regeneration.	450 rub.
Carbon cartridge GAC-KDF		Standard size - “Slim Line”, 10". Backfill – granular activated carbon. Increased degree of purification, including from heavy metals due to the KDF component additive. Productivity – up to 2 l/min. Resource - up to 4 m³ or six months of operation.	340 rub.
Carbon cartridge GAC-20BB		Standard "Big Blue", 20". Granular activated carbon. Productivity – up to 20 l/min. Resource – up to 24 m³ or six months of operation.	1200 rub.

Filters – water softeners

Another “disease” of water is its increased hardness, caused by a high concentration of magnesium salts (sulfates) and calcium (usually bicarbonates). Although salts of other metals are present, their effect is small compared to those indicated above.

Hardness is more typical for well water, although this is not a dogma, and well or tap water can also have a higher degree of hardness.

What negative consequences does such water entail:

• Rapid accumulation of scale on dishes and household appliances.
• Decreased taste V in odes - it begins to taste bitter, especially after cooking.
• There is poor solubility of detergents and washing powder, and a decrease in the effectiveness of shampoos and shower gels. As a result of reaction with salts, detergents form T an ore-washable insoluble film of slag, and this can result in skin irritation, hair diseases, and allergies.
• Fabrics after washing in such water can quickly wear out - the fragility of the fibers increases.
• Overgrowing of pipes with limescale. Even worse, if heating elements of household appliances are covered with it, their efficiency sharply decreases, and the heating elements themselves quickly burn out. In addition, the seals lose their elasticity, which leads to leaks.

How to reduce water hardness:

• We do not consider the boiling method - it has nothing to do with filtration systems.
• Chemical softening technology has been used at the household level for a long time, for example, by adding soda to water. A more technologically advanced option is to use special chemical softeners like cartridge filters, but only with crystalline or tablet filling.

The partially soluble backfill (most often sodium polyphosphate) is gradually washed out and requires regular replenishment.

The method is effective and proven. But it is more suitable for household appliances (washing machines or dishwashers), in front of which such filters are usually installed. For food purposes, a different solution is needed.

• The most effective method currently is the use of ion exchange technology. Calcium and magnesium atoms are replaced by more active metal – sodium, and its salts do not have any negative effect on the composition and consistency of water.

For such a reaction, special artificial resins are used - cation exchangers, with a significantly high sodium content. The reaction does not require any special temperature or pressure conditions - everything proceeds “by itself”. And one more important advantage is that cation exchangers can be regenerated after treating them with a concentrated solution of usually table salt - NaCl. In this case, magnesium and calcium ions are released and removed with water into the drainage.

Such filtration is implemented in special ion exchange columns - with the possibility of regular washing and regeneration of resins (in manual or automatic mode). For cartridge filters, cartridges with appropriate filling are used, but they usually cannot be restored and are used until their service life is exhausted.

• Separately, we can note the technology of magnetic water softening, although it is also unlikely to apply to filters.

Special compact devices either cut into the water supply or are placed on top of the pipes. Various devices use either powerful neodymium permanent magnets or electromagnets - then they require connection to power. Their energy consumption is low, no more than 15 W, and the built-in resource can be up to 10 years or more.

Magnetic water softening devices - with permanent (left) and electromagnets

The physicochemical mechanism of the magnetic effect on salts has not been fully studied. But the fact remains that crystallization of magnesium and calcium salts occurs not on the surface of pipes or priors, but in the water itself, and this T The solid precipitate can then be easily filtered out mechanically.

Model	Illustration	Short description	Approximate price
"Magnolia - Silver"		An original magnetic softener in the form of a ball, placed in a washing machine or dishwasher while they are in use.	1200 rub.
"AquaShield DU60"		Electromagnetic water softener. Power supply and wires for winding onto the body of a water pipe. Consumption – 5 W/hour. Block dimensions 150×100×70 mm. The maximum pipe diameter is up to 60 mm.	8800 rub.
"Akvasoft ECO ONE"		Softener with permanent magnets. Installed on pipes in front of the entrance to household appliances. Productivity – up to 0.6 m³ hour. Dimensions 75×55 mm (for 16 mm pipe)	1700 rub.
"New Water" B120		Chemical softener with bulk reagent (sodium polyphosphate). Filler weight – 235 g. Productivity – up to 0.8 m³/hour. For non-food use.	920 rub.
Ion exchange column “ATOLL EcoLife S-20”		Regeneration is automatic with continuous water consumption. Productivity – up to 1.8 m³/hour. The volume of ion exchange resin is 20 l. Indication of the filling level of the regeneration salt backfill. Dimensions: 870×350×510 mm	26,000 rub.
Ion exchange column “EcoWaterESM 11”		Full degree of automation of the process, the possibility of remote control, an intelligent control system with a flow analysis unit and decision-making on the need for regeneration. Productivity – 0.9 m³/hour. The volume of ion exchange resin is 11 liters, the capacity of the salt tank is 25 kg.	43,000 rub.
Softening cartridge ST-10		Standard "Slim Line" 10". Productivity – up to 2 l/min. Resource – 4 m³ or 6 months of operation. Not recoverable.	370 rub.
Softening cartridge ST-10BB		Standard size “Big Blue”, 10". Productivity – up to 8 l/min. Resource – 12 m³ or 6 months of operation. Not recoverable.	850 rub.

Integrated water filtration and purification systems

All of the above-mentioned filtration stages, as necessary (based on laboratory studies of the source), are usually combined into entire complexes that provide high-quality water purification. There are no uniform “recipes” here, but as an example, one of the variants of such a scheme can be given:

Water comes from an external source (item 1) and immediately passes through a sump or mechanical mesh filter (item 2).

After primary filtration, the flow enters the aeration column (item 3) into which air is pumped using a compressor (item 4). In order for the compressor to work only as needed, it is connected by a signal cable to a flow sensor installed already at the outlet of the system (item 5).

Oxygen-saturated water passes into the deferrization column (item 6). Precipitated oxides are partially discharged into the drainage (item 7), or are retained on a coarse mesh filter (item 8).

The next column is with ion exchange resin (item 9) for water softening. It also has its own drainage system (item 10) which is used for washing and regenerating the resin. Between this and the next line, the slurry filter (item 11) is installed again.

The next installation is a sorption purification column (item 12), which will remove chemical and biological components and improve the overall organoleptic quality of water. A drainage system is necessary for regular washing of the filter media.

Water goes directly (pos. 15) for technical and economic use. And for food (drinking) use, it also goes through a stage of ultraviolet disinfection in a special installation (item 16) where all pathogenic microbes are reliably destroyed. And only then (item 17) it goes to the food water intake.

Video: another example of a water treatment system in a private house

Such schemes, of course, are suitable for fairly large houses and significant levels of water consumption. However, nothing prevents you from assembling it yourself in a city apartment, using cartridge filters and cartridges for them for a variety of purposes.

But in any case, it is very important to take into account that the performance of the system must fully correspond to the possible total water consumption. Otherwise, the effectiveness of cleaning will be in question.

Overall performance of the water filtration and purification system

In order to ensure that the required amount of purified water is provided at any time and at any point of water collection, the overall performance of the created filtration system must be assessed. A characteristic feature is that the overall performance can never be higher than that of an individual filter module, and, therefore, must be assessed by its “slowest” element.

• First of all, it is necessary to estimate the total required volume of water needed to meet the needs of all family members. For example, the norm for daily consumption is approximately 200 liters per person. Based on this, it is easy to calculate that, say, a family of four will need 200 × 4 = 800 liters or 0.8 m³ per day.
• Water consumption is not constant throughout the day. This means that the ability of the filtration system to produce this volume in a shorter period of time should be assessed. Typically, a usage time of 10 hours is assumed. This means that in the case under consideration, with a total flow rate of 800 l/day, the productivity should be no lower than 800 / 10 = 80 l/hour.
• But that's not all - there is the concept of peak consumption. It is highly unlikely, but still possible, that all water consumption points in the house are turned on at the same time. Water consumption at a particular point in time can reach the maximum possible value, which significantly exceeds those calculated above

Water delivered to a home through a water supply system contains a certain percentage of impurities in the form of sand, scale fragments, corrosion, lime particles, etc. In order to protect people and household appliances, it is imperative to install a filter on the water pipe for coarse and sometimes fine purification (the second option is used to eliminate odors, organic and chemical contaminants, and individual microorganisms).

How do coarse filters work and what are they?

All devices that perform mechanical filtration of water are characterized by structural similarity. The housing is equipped with an internal metal mesh or other filtering device. These can be special discs for cutting off coarse sand, corrosion, etc. An important part of the design of such a filter is the outlet that collects retained debris.

When the sump tank is completely filled, the water must be turned off and the outlet cleaned and rinsed. The frequency of such cleanings is directly affected by the degree of water contamination. For prevention purposes, this procedure should be carried out at least 4 times a year.

Regardless of the specific model, all mechanical cleaning filters operate on a similar principle. In this case, a number of design features may differ: we are talking, first of all, about the type of filter, its configuration, installation method and method of removing dirt that has accumulated in the pipe.

Mesh and cartridge filters

The mesh dirt filter has a cleaning element in the form of a metal mesh, the manufacture of which is made of stainless steel. This mesh has cell sizes ranging from 50-400 microns. When mounting the filter on a water pipe, you need to make sure that the inspection cap is facing down. Installation into the pipeline system is carried out using conventional tools included in a standard plumbing kit. When making threaded connections, it is important to achieve complete tightness to avoid water leaks.

The popularity of the mesh filter is explained by its good service life, without the need to replace the filter element. This is precisely why they compare favorably with another model of coarse filter - cartridge (cartridge). These devices are mainly wall-mounted due to the large bulb included in their design. The flask itself can be transparent or opaque: inside it is equipped with a replaceable cartridge, for the manufacture of which polyester, twisted polypropylene thread, or pressed fibers are used. When installing the filter, a plumbing sealant is used, which will help prevent leaks in the future.

The cleaning abilities of such cartridges may vary: coarse mechanical filtration of water is carried out by products of 20-30 microns. A dirty filter element must be replaced with a new one: it is prohibited to rinse and reuse the used cartridge. When installing water filters on pipes in an apartment, most often cartridge models are combined with mesh ones, which significantly increases the effect of mechanical water filtration. In this case, it is better if the mesh filter is in front of the bulb filter, because this extends the service life of the latter.

Straight and oblique mesh water filters

Any type of mechanical filter is characterized by the presence of two pipes - inlet and outlet, as well as a special sump where water is cleaned. Based on exactly how this sump is located, mesh filters are divided into straight and oblique. In the first case, the settling tanks are located at a slight inclination to the water flow, which is very convenient in situations where the pipeline runs above the floor. In addition, such models are equipped with vertical pipeline sections.

In the second case, the sump is perpendicular to the water supply. The direct filter for the pipeline is of considerable size, which requires a lot of space for its installation under the water communication. The large size of the settling tank allows vertical filters to achieve a good level of purification. To close it there is a convenient threaded plug or flange cover.

Strainers with flanges and couplings

Depending on the type of insert with which filters are installed on pipes for water purification in the water supply system, they can be flanged or coupling. It is customary to equip pipes with a cross-section of over two inches with flanged products. First of all, we are talking about main water pipelines and junctions located in the basements of high-rise residential buildings.

Bolts or studs make it possible, if necessary, to quickly dismantle such a filter: while all other parts of the water supply remain in place. Sections of highways that are equipped with flanged filters are identified at the stage of drawing up project documentation. As for pipes with a diameter of up to two inches, they are equipped with threaded filters. In such a situation, quick-release union nuts (so-called “American” nuts) are used as connecting elements.

Mud collectors and mesh filters with a washing system

Another type of classification of strainers is based on the method of removing accumulated debris from the sump. Mud traps are models that do not provide for flushing. This mainly applies to all oblique mesh filters, as well as some models of the direct type of pipe arrangement. To clean the accumulated dirt, the device must be disassembled and washed. On direct filters with a perpendicular arrangement of the settling tank, where there is a flushing system, an outlet tap is also installed: through it, the settled area is drained into the sewer system and the outlet is cleaned with a water flow.

The principle of fine water purification in pipes

Using rough mechanical cleaning, most of the debris is removed from the water, but some chemical elements and their compounds still remain.

In this case, fine cleaning equipment is used, the main ones of which can be the following filter elements:

• Sorptive substances (activated carbon and aluminosilicate).
• Reverse osmosis membrane.
• Ion exchange resins.

You should know that this filter for water pipes is mainly equipped with replaceable working elements. Each manufacturer indicates the frequency of replacements in the attached instructions: this is influenced by the period of operation of the device and the amount of water volume processed.

Ultrafine multi-stage cleaning

In systems with several stages, after mechanical filtration, the water flow is passed through ultrafine filters, which are located in several groups, one after another. As a result, the output is high-quality drinking water. At the first stage, mechanical debris is removed from it: the water becomes almost transparent, but this is only the beginning of the cleaning process.

The second stage is equipped with an ion exchange cartridge, which allows you to change the chemical composition of water, removing from it all elements and substances harmful to health. As a result, traditional scale formation is not observed during boiling. At the third stage, the water is purified with compressed activated carbon: thus, conditioning of the water flow is achieved.

After this, the water becomes tasty and begins to smell pleasant. It is also given crystal transparency: now it can be safely used for drinking and cooking. Typically, the place to install three-flask systems is under the kitchen sink. This approach allows you not to disturb the overall appearance of the interior. To remove purified water outside, the sink is equipped with an additional tap.

Molecular purification with reverse osmosis filters

It is not for nothing that reverse osmosis systems are called the highest quality water filters: in the process of such purification, the molecular level is affected. For filtration in this case, a thin-film membrane of a semi-permeable type is used, where the pores have a size of no more than 0.0001 microns.

This makes it possible to eliminate almost all impurities (99%). Microscopic membrane pores allow only water molecules to leak through. Before reverse osmosis, water is passed through several purification stages to prevent rapid clogging of reverse osmosis filters with large debris.

Most often, these systems contain the following degrees of purification:

• The first stage is equipped with a cartridge for mechanical pre-treatment: it is capable of ridding water of impurities measuring 15-30 microns.
• The second stage consists of activated carbon to remove gas, chlorine and organochlorines.
• The third stage carries out fine cleaning of debris 1 - 5 microns in size. For additional cleaning, there is also activated carbon.
• The fourth stage is reverse osmosis itself. At this stage, water is passed through a thin film membrane.
• The fifth stage is another carbon cleaning.

Reverse osmosis filtration removes harmful chemicals and metals from water. In addition, in this way water can be purified from many harmful microorganisms, as a result of which it becomes crystal clear and safe.

The disadvantage of this method is that it removes both harmful impurities and beneficial minerals and salts from the water. To solve this problem, some manufacturers of reverse osmosis systems began to include mineralizers and ionizers in the design. If the pressure in the water supply is less than 3 atmospheres, reverse osmosis filters are equipped with special pumps: they help create optimal functional pressure in the system.

How to choose the right cleaning option for your plumbing

When choosing the optimal method for water purification, it is important to determine exactly what goal should be achieved. It is hardly reasonable to purify the entire volume of water entering a home to drinking level. To extract large particles from it, mesh filters or filter flasks are sufficient. Usually a hard water filter is installed on the cold water and hot water pipes. The resulting water can be used for water procedures, laundry, and floor cleaning. The kitchen can additionally be equipped with a multi-stage fine cleaning system, containing or not containing reverse osmosis.

Most often, such a filter is mounted under the kitchen sink, on the surface of which there is an additional tap (if you need to cook food, water is taken from it, if not, from regular taps located nearby). In addition, fine filters can protect plumbing fixtures and household appliances from excessively hard water.