Which filter is better

Kinds

Fine or deep cleaning is understood as a set of processes, for each of which there is a separate type of filter elements.

Multilayer fabric

These blocks are made in the form of a cylinder with a continuous circular winding of textile strips, bundles. Multilayer fabric filters can purify both cold and hot water.

The fabric layer does not provide very deep cleaning, the water thus obtained can be supplied to sanitary equipment.

fine-meshed

An alternative to filtering on several layers of fabric is water purification on metal meshes with a large number of small cells.

There are modifications of mesh filters with a silver-plated surface. They can not only retain debris, but also have a bactericidal effect on water.

Reference! Metal meshes are convenient because they can be easily and reliably washed from adhering dirt.

Elements with polymer filler

Polypropylene cords or granules are most often used as a filter element. The technology for the production of a polymer with a large number of cells and pores has been developed.

Polypropylene actively retains impurities. Possibilities of fillers can be restored by washing.

Filter blocks with mineral fillers

Have good filtering ability

• clay,
• silica,
• silica gels.

Minerals are carefully cleaned, calcined to increase porosity, washed and used for purification. The nature of the filler significantly affects the sorption capacity.

Interesting! So natural alumina absorbs mainly organohalides, arsenic derivatives.

Shungite purifies water from a large number of impurities. Zeolite exhibits not only filtering, but also ion-exchange properties, removes many substances from water, including hardness salts.

active carbons

Coals in the activated state are characterized by sorption capacity in relation to a large number of impurities.

The following is used as a source for obtaining sorbents:

• wood,
• shell nuts;
• fruit bones,
• coconut shavings,
• stone coals,
• peat.

The disadvantage of active carbons is the need for frequent replacement. Several times it can be restored by washing. The number of regenerations should not exceed four times, after which the coal must be disposed of or thrown away.

Ion exchange resin systems

An example of a natural ion exchange material is zeolite. In practice, specific polymers are often used to fill ion-exchange columns. Charged ions are movably attached to them.

During the passage of the water flow, the cations of hardness salts are exchanged for sodium cations. As a result, the water softens. Ion exchange resins can be regenerated by aging in a common salt solution. Fillers are inexpensive, successfully cope with part of the pollution.

Reverse osmosis systems

Reverse osmosis is the process by which a pure liquid, such as water, passes through a membrane. On the other side of the membrane, all the dirt remains, the liquid concentrate with impurities enters the drain.

Only previously purified water can be supplied to the membrane element.

Therefore, several blocks are installed in the system:

• rough cleaning;
• sorption;
• ion exchange;
• reverse osmosis.

In some units, at the final stage, the water is subjected to mineralization.

Water filter selection criteria

To determine the choice of the right filter for your home, you need to consider several significant criteria:

The number of filter layers - the more of them, the better the cleaning will take place;
Performance. On average, a person has 2 to 3 liters of water daily. Therefore, taking into account the people living in the family, it is possible to calculate the monthly fluid intake.Based on this data and the performance of each of the models, you should choose the best option for you. Filter capacity: jug 200-300 l; for sorption flow through 4000-8000 l; for a reverse osmosis system 3000-6000 l; the filter system "under the sink" 8000 l.
Filtering features

It is important to determine the quality before filtration, this can be done by giving water for a special examination. You will find out the necessary indicators: pH, transparency, radiation level, hardness, the amount of harmful elements and many others

With a high level of rigidity and organics, it is worth thinking about reverse osmosis systems.
Confirmation of the required level of cleaning (certification and acceptable standards). This can be seen in the technical data sheet of the filtration system.
Price. Prices for filters vary from 500-1000 rubles for filter jugs and tap nozzles to 12-13 thousand. This is due to the quality of the material and production technology.
Free place. The most compact filter jug ​​and nozzle on the tap. Most of the space in your kitchen will be taken up by under and above the sink systems.
Difficult to install and use. Some of the options require installation by special craftsmen and professional service. It is necessary to regularly replace cartridges, flush and change membranes, clean valves and other parts.

External aquarium filters

These are filters that are installed outside the aquarium, only tubes (outlet and intake) are lowered into the aquarium.

Advantages of such filters:

- a large number of purification steps - with different filter materials;

- additional volume for the settlement of nitrifying bacteria;

— possibility of free combination of chemical, mechanical and biological filtration;

It makes sense to put such aquarium filters on an aquarium from 100l. with a high stocking density. What recommendations can you give when choosing the best external filter for an aquarium:

1. Look at the performance (l / h) of the filter, choosing it for your volume.

2. Study the issue of noise.

3. Evaluate the equipment (the number of compartments in the bucket, the purpose and the presence of nozzles for the tubes in the kit: prefilters, flute, do you have to buy something extra).

4. What sorbent materials are included in the kit. What and for how much you need to buy, what mode of changing filter materials.

5. Study the issue of connecting the filter head and the bucket (how it is attached, what are the weaknesses of the mounts, is there a risk of leakage, are there any manufacturer's and seller's warranties). There were cases when an aquarist, coming home from work, found an aquarium without water, and the water pumped out by the filter flooded the neighbors from below.

Below, for visual understanding, we will briefly consider the package of external filters of the Tetra Ex and Hydor Professional series (detailed links to them were given above - at the beginning of the article). So, here is Tetra Ex:

No. 2. Why is the main filter better than others?

The problem of polluted water is so massive that mankind has come up with a lot of different devices for cleaning it. We will not go into details, but among the most popular filtration systems today they use the following:

• pitcher-type filters and dispensaries do not belong to flow filters - a certain amount of water is poured into them, which after a while is cleaned by built-in cartridges.This solution is only suitable for water purification for drinking and cooking, since the volume of vessels, as a rule, does not exceed 3-4 liters;
• the filter nozzle on the tap allows you to purify water from large mechanical impurities, improve its organoleptic qualities. The filter is suitable if the water quality is satisfactory, meets the standards, but you just want to improve it a little. Such a filter is easy to install, you can even take it with you on trips, but it will not cope with serious pollution, has low performance and requires frequent replacement of cartridges;
• the “next to the sink” filter is also easy to install, connects to the water supply using a special adapter and provides an average level of purification, ridding the water of large contaminants and unpleasant odors;
• stationary filter "under the sink" is installed under the sink, allows you to purify water from mechanical impurities, chlorine, heavy metals, eliminate odors and tastes. This is a very popular system, it is easy to maintain, requires replacement of cartridges every 5-6 months, but the cost of its arrangement is higher than the previously listed options. This solution also has some drawbacks. The filter will not cope with the most serious contaminants, it has limitations in terms of performance and cannot be installed on pipes with hot water.

If any of the listed filters allows you to purify water to an acceptable quality, you are very lucky. But if you are not lucky, then you should not be upset, because there are flow-through main filters, which are actually a miniature water treatment station.

The main filter is built into the water supply system of an apartment or house, crashes into the water main and creates a serious barrier to the water entering the apartment, which, passing through the filter system, is cleaned of mechanical impurities, harmful elements and compounds. The filter can be put on hot and cold water, and since it will stand at the inlet, purified water will flow from all taps.

A flow-through main water filter is usually used in houses that have their own source of water supply (a well or a well), but recently a similar system has often been installed in apartment buildings where the water pipes are very worn out. Such filters allow you to solve several problems at once:

• water purification from harmful impurities, chlorine and microorganisms;
• improving the taste of water and getting rid of metallic and other tastes;
• softening, because hard water negatively affects the skin and hair, leads to the rapid wear of some household appliances;
• keeping plumbing fixtures in good condition. Conventional (non-main) filters purify water only at one point of consumption, and it runs through the rest of the pipes in the apartment silted and contaminated with particles of rust and other debris, which gradually leads to blockages and breakdowns. With the main filter, this problem disappears.

The main advantages of main filters include:

• high cleaning efficiency;
• high performance (the filter cleans 20-50 liters of water per minute);
• variability. Depending on what it is necessary to purify water from, various cartridges can be used;
• the ability to purify water for all water intake points with one filter;
• durability with proper use.

Among the shortcomings, we note only the complexity of installation - you will need the help of specialists. You can service the main filter yourself, but if a blockage occurs, you can hardly do without a professional. The cost of trunk systems, of course, is higher than that of simpler filters, but it is not sky-high.

The best inexpensive water filters for washing: budget up to 5,000 rubles

No. 5 - Aquaphor Crystal A

Aquaphor Crystal A

A product rated almost at the highest level, if we talk about inexpensive options. This model is a three-stage cleaning system. It ideally fights free chlorine, has a moderately good service life of the filter module - 6 thousand liters.

According to users, the device is as simple as possible to install. Water stops smelling like chlorine. Build quality is high level. Among the shortcomings, the uselessness of this filter is noted if the water is too hard and scale forms in the kettle.

pros

• well purifies water from impurities
• good build quality
• ease of installation
• three stages of cleaning
• low cost

Minuses

does not fight scale

Prices for Aquaphor Crystal A filter

Aquaphor Crystal A

No. 4 - Barrier Expert Single

Barrier Expert Single

A filter that will help eliminate iron and free chlorine in the water, with a separate faucet included, but it has only one purification stage. However, the product still does its job well. The resource of the filter module is 4.5 thousand liters.

This model is optimal for a family of 2 or a single person, as it has low productivity. But it does its job of cleaning really well.Scale does not form on the dishes, and the water becomes tasty, the unpleasant smell disappears. The cost of the device is pleasant, so the filter is in great demand.

pros

• inexpensive option
• from famous brand
• purifies water well
• helps fight pimples

Minuses

• not suitable for a large family
• one cleaning step

Prices for Barrier Expert Single filter

Barrier Expert Single

#3 - Unicorn FPS-3

Unicorn FPS-3

This is one of the inexpensive, but effective models, the main disadvantage of which is its little known. The three-stage filter does its job perfectly, helps to get rid of free chlorine and drink water with a pleasant taste and smell. A carbon filter is used for cleaning. The resource is very good - 12 thousand liters of water.

Users write that this product is one of the most inexpensive, but at the same time effective. Does not leak, cleans water well and prepares it for drinking. No plastic smell

Despite the fact that this brand is little known, the product deserves attention for exact compliance with all declared characteristics, high quality and easy installation.

pros

• effectively removes chlorine
• high build quality
• low cost
• ease of installation
• easy to change filters

Minuses

little-known brand

Unicorn FPS-3 Filter Prices

Unicorn FPS-3

№ 2 — Barrier Profi Standard

Barrier Profi Standard

A filter with three stages of water purification, which will allow you to get rid of both chlorine impurities and an increased concentration of iron in the water. The product has a good performance of 3 l / min. Also, the models can remove both heavy metals and organics from the water. Coal is used to purify the liquid. The resource of work is 10 thousand liters.

Buyers who have used this filter option note an increase in water quality at times, it can be used both at home and in the country. Cartridges are enough for about a year of use. One of the drawbacks is the wrong equipment in some cases. For example, one of the users had problems with installation due to too large slots. Also noted is not the best quality of the elements of the product.

pros

• effectively removes chlorine
• removes iron and heavy metals from water
• carbon filter
• great work resource
• can be used in the garden

Minuses

• not the best build quality
• assembly problems

Prices for Barrier Profi Standard filter

Barrier Profi Standard

No. 1 - Aquaphor Trio Norma

Aquaphor Trio Norma

This inexpensive three-stage Aquaphor will allow, having spent a small amount, to drink delicious and clean water at home directly from the tap. The cost of the model is only 2200 rubles, and for this little money the buyer will receive an ideal chlorine-removing device. Also, there will be no traces of rust in the water, there will be no turbidity and other impurities. A unique sorbent called Aqualen is used to purify water. The resource of one filter module is 6 thousand liters.

Buyers choose this option for its high reliability and the ability to trust the manufacturer. Installation is quite simple, the product lasts a long time, if use it correctly. The cost is low, and the size of the product itself is small. Of the minuses - sometimes a precipitate appears in purified water. This is due to the installed filters and is solved by replacing them.

pros

• well purifies water from impurities
• inexpensive option
• removes rust
• long life filter
• ease of installation

Minuses

sedimentation (not always)

Good manufacturers and their prices

Tap water, even if it corresponds to SanPiN, will not suit everyone. That's just the filter of which brand to ask? When choosing a manufacturer, one should abandon the unambiguous characteristics of “best” or “worst”.

Whatever marketers say, the following parameters are more important for an ordinary client:

1. Cost and operational reliability.
2. The cost of replacement filter cartridges.
3. their service life.
4. Their availability.
5. Their variety.

That is why it is better to choose filters of popular brands. There will be fewer service issues. To find yourself in a situation where the resource of the filter cartridge has already expired, and you cannot find a new one is not a pleasant pleasure. So brands.

Aquaphor

At one time, Aquaphor conducted an aggressive advertising campaign, so everyone heard at least something about it. It produces all types of filters and water softeners in different price categories.

The advantages include ubiquitous distribution, the company occupies about a third of the Russian market for water filters.

The widest selection of jug-type filters and cartridges for them is available in Aquaphor. Cartridge resource: 300-350 liters. Cost: about 300 rubles. Kits are also on sale. The disadvantages include the lack of narrow-profile modules.

Also on sale are flow-through systems for washing for various purposes.

Barrier

The product line includes both pitcher filters and in-line filters. Barrier offers its customers filters with a specialized purpose:

• for people leading an active lifestyle
• for people who should take care of their hearts,
• children's water filters.

The manufacturer claims that the filters enrich the water with specific beneficial substances.The cost and performance of basic cartridges is comparable to the cost of Aquaphor cartridges. But there are also more expensive cassettes. A cassette enriching water with magnesium will cost 600 rubles.

Geyser

The company appeals to the international recognition of its activities.

In particular, to the research of the Italian University of Ferrara and the American company Ahlstrom Filtration.

Nevertheless, there are Geyser representative offices in only 8 cities of Russia so far. The distribution network is much wider and covers 120 cities.

Geyser has a line of filters for washing water with varying degrees of hardness, but nanotech filters have become more famous.

The manufacturer claims that filtration is carried out using a membrane with a pore size of 0.001 microns.

How convenient it is to use a nanofilter in everyday life and how much more “nano” geyser filters scientists from Ahlstrom Filtration know better.

As for filter cartridges, the cheapest ones for filter jugs cost about 200-250 rubles. But modules for filters for washing can cost a tidy sum: a cartridge for removing excess iron can cost up to 7,000 rubles.

new water

The company uses filters developed by the German DWT Deutsche Wassertechnologien GmbH. On sale there are all types of filters from jugs to the main.

Now New Water is more focused on the residents of the capital. For Muscovites there is free delivery and installation. For a few hundred rubles, specialists can also come and change the cartridges.

The company sells in all price categories, you can find both expensive and budget models.

Cartridges for jugs cost about 300-400 rubles. Membrane, for reverse osmosis systems - up to 12 thousand rubles.

Atoll

Atoll has focused on the sale of flow filters and reverse osmosis filters.

The cost of their models is slightly higher than that of the main competitors.

Installation is also not free and will cost 1,500 rubles, and replacing cartridges will cost 1,000 rubles. The offer is valid within the Moscow region.

The high price is explained by the fact that Atoll is only a distributor of the American Atoll in Russia.

Not so long ago, some models began to be produced directly in the Russian Federation.

They are cheaper, not only because at the moment only the simplest models have been mastered, not because costs have decreased.

So Atoll is a company providing services for the upper middle class. However, there may be problems with replacing cartridges. They are not always available for purchase.

What are sink water filters?

Flow filters

The design consists of 2-4 modules connected in series with each other. Water goes through several stages of purification, each filter has its own purpose:

• Mechanical cleaning filter. Removes solid particles from water. It is a cellular fabric or mesh material. Cell size - up to 30 microns.
• Fine filter. The carbon filter, which retains particles up to 5 microns in size, effectively fights odors.
• Ion exchange filter. Its main purpose is water softening. Calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium, chloride and other soluble compounds. The cartridges contain both artificially synthesized resins and sulfonated carbons.
• Iron-free elements.The filter contains chemicals that help bind the iron and oxygen atoms. Metal oxides form a precipitate, which remains inside the filter.
• Antibacterial filter. Purifies water from bacteria and viruses, manufacturers claim that silver ions are used in the manufacture of such filters. Less commonly used ultraviolet lamps.
• Combined. They are almost never used in multistage systems, only in single-flask filters. One cartridge combines several types of filter elements.

Reverse osmosis systems

The design of the reverse osmosis system is similar to the flow one, the difference is in additional modules and advanced filters. Most often, membrane filters with micropores are used in such installations. Almost all organic and inorganic substances remain on the filter, pollution is removed by the flow of water into the sewer. By performance, filters are:

• 50G - this marking indicates the rate of water purification up to 200 liters per day.
• 100 G - a capacity of about 400 liters per day.

In reverse osmosis systems, there must be a polypropylene filter (coarse cleaning), a carbon or iron-removing element, less often an ultraviolet lamp. Only after that the water passes to the membrane filter

It is very important that the water supply system has normal pressure (1.5-3 bar). If the pressure is low, you will have to additionally purchase a pressure pump

Since the water that has passed through the reverse osmosis system is close in composition to distilled water, it will not bring benefits to the body. The necessary salts and compounds are simply removed from it. The filter-mineralizer restores its structure and saturates it with minerals.The liquid is enriched with magnesium, calcium, sodium, silver ions, sulfites, chlorides, fluorides. A high-quality filter allows you to get water in composition close to mineral.

How to choose an installation: characteristics of water treatment and cartridges

Household water filters for washing under the sink will help protect you from pollution. In order to determine the manufacturer and select the appropriate manufactured product, it is necessary to identify the state of the liquid in the tap, which depends on many factors, for example, the quality of the laid pipelines.

To conduct an examination, it is necessary to collect a bottle and take it to the sanitary and epidemiological station. The results of the analysis will have to wait. If you take a sample to a private laboratory, you will need to pay for the assessment, but the answer will be given immediately.

The sample will be analyzed according to 30 criteria. As a result, you will learn about the presence / absence of salts, the level of iron inclusions, radiation and lime, the presence of organic matter. The pH value is also checked, i.e. color, smell and taste. You will be given a written test report.

If microbes, viruses and other organics are found, a good solution would be reverse osmosis method. The thinnest membrane not only traps parasites, but also prevents their reproduction. For even greater safety at the outlet, the system is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp that disinfects the flow.

How to choose the right cartridge

After receiving the test results, you can decide which filter for preparing drinking water for the kitchen under the sink is best for you.

There are several types of internal devices that differ in function:

• for mechanical cleaning;
• universal (for filtration not burdened with complex contaminants);
• softening;
• coping with excess metal content;
• antibacterial;

• formed using a coal sorbent (exclude the smell of chlorine, salt, organics and hydrocarbons);
• deironing (created on the basis of active chemicals that react with zinc and filter it).

With increased rigidity, flow-type installations should be abandoned, even if they have softening blocks. They will quickly fail and will require constant replacement. Also, as in the previous version, it is better to use the reverse osmosis method.

If the composition contains chemical elements and compounds, the above filter will come to the rescue. It remains only to choose its filling: options containing activated carbon, an iron remover, a flask for mechanical cleaning are suitable.

Devices without replaceable cartridges (line type)

Designs with permanent cassettes occupy a special position in the world market as fine cleaning devices. As a filtering component, a winding of thin silver-plated wire is used, the distance between the turns of which is 1 micrometer. This layer protects against corrosion and disinfects water. Periodically, the element must be washed from accumulated contaminants. Usually the system is produced self-flushing, therefore, to eliminate blockages, it is enough just to briefly open the necessary tap.

The main advantages of such installations are:

• the flow pressure does not decrease, since the process of contaminant retention does not take much time;
• no need to replace consumables;
• affordable prices and long service life;
• simplicity of design and ease of installation.

The only drawback of such devices is their inability to retain already dissolved particles.

The most famous is the Titanof titanium apparatus. It removes salt inclusions, toxic chlorine, aluminum and iron particles, nitrates and other harmful chemicals from the incoming liquid, without affecting the mineral component.