How Do Iron Filters Work?
Iron filters are a popular choice for households that suffer from high iron levels in their water supply. These filters work through a three-stage process to effectively remove the iron particles and improve water quality.
Pre-treatment or Oxidation
The first stage is pre-treatment or oxidation, which involves introducing an oxidizing agent to the water before it enters the filter.
During this stage, the oxidizing agent reacts with the iron particles, causing them to form larger clumps that can be more easily filtered out.
Filtration
This is followed by filtration, where two layers of different media are used for optimum removal efficiency.
Backwash
Finally, backwashing takes place where reverse flow is applied to flush out any accumulated contamination, and media beds get refreshed.
The last stage of backwash is crucial as it ensures that any trapped particles are removed from the filter and prevent potential fouling issues.
How Long Does Iron Filter Cartridge Last?
Iron filter cartridges are a popular solution to eliminate iron and other contaminants from water. If you rely on these cartridges for your drinking water, you might wonder how long they will last before needing replacement.
The lifespan of an iron filter cartridge is influenced by the amount of iron in the water, the frequency of use, and its capacity. If your water has high levels of iron, it can shorten the life span of the cartridge because there’s more to filter out. Likewise, using your system constantly or having a large household that consumes a lot of water daily can also reduce its lifespan. However, with average usage, most cartridges last between 6 months to a year.
It is important to do water testing for iron so that you can have an idea of the iron levels in your well water and the need of changing the cartridge.
How to Replace Iron Filter Cartridge?
Replacing the iron filter cartridge is an important maintenance task that ensures the continued functionality of your water filtration system. Now, we will go through a step-by-step guide on how to replace an iron filter cartridge:
- Step one is to turn off the water supply to your filtration system. This will prevent any accidents or leaks while you’re performing maintenance.
- Next, remove the housing cover from your filtration unit by loosening any screws or clamps holding it in place.
- Carefully remove the old iron filter cartridge from its holder and dispose of it properly.
- Then, insert a new iron filter cartridge into its holder and secure it before reassembling the housing cover.
It’s important to note that each filtration system varies slightly in how installed and maintained.
What is Iron Filter Media
Iron filter media is a water filtration system that eliminates iron, manganese, and other impurities from water. It consists of various materials such as greensand, zeolite, and manganese dioxide that act as filters to remove iron smells. This type of filtration system is commonly used in residential, commercial, or industrial settings where high iron levels are present in the water supply.
Greensand Filter Media
Greensand filter media is an iron filter media that has been used for over a century. It is made from a naturally occurring mineral called glauconite, found in marine sedimentary rocks. The unique properties of this mineral make it an excellent choice for removing iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from the water.
One of the key benefits of using greensand filter media is its ability to remove iron and other contaminants without the need for chemicals or electricity. This makes it an environmentally friendly option that can help reduce overall water treatment costs. Additionally, greensand filters are relatively low maintenance and can last up to 10 years with proper care.
Birm Filter Media
Birm filter media is made from a natural mineral called manganese dioxide. This media effectively removes iron and manganese from water supplies, making it an ideal solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
One of the benefits of using Birm filter media is that it does not require any chemicals to operate effectively.
Manganese Oxide (Pro-OX, Filox, MangOX, and Pyrolox)
Manganese oxide is a natural mineral that has recently gained popularity as an effective water filtration media. This mineral is commonly used in residential and commercial water treatment systems to remove iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from the water supply. Some of the most popular brands of manganese oxide include Pro-OX, Filox, MangOX, and Pyrolox.
Manganese oxide works by oxidizing iron and manganese into solid particles that can be easily filtered out in the water supply. The oxidation process also helps eliminate hydrogen sulfide gas from the water supply, which can cause a rotten egg smell or taste. This makes it an ideal solution for homeowners experiencing well or municipal water supply issues.
Conclusion
The lifespan of an iron filter cartridge depends on many factors, such as the amount of iron in the water, the frequency of use, and the capacity of the iron filter. However, with average usage, most cartridges last between 6 months to a year. In addition, iron filter media consists of various materials such as greensand, zeolite, or manganese dioxide that act as filters to remove unwanted substances.
