If there are quality problems in the house drinking water, best reverse osmosis water filter – great solution. Which reverse osmosis filter is best to buy for home use, which brand should you prefer? We present a rating of popular filter devices that have gained popularity among numerous users. The top 10 list includes the best models that received the maximum number positive feedback. The article is devoted to reverse osmosis filters and the operating principle of the devices. Here are recommendations for the right choice and operation water equipment. The description of each item is accompanied by corresponding photographs depicting a specific model.
Regardless of the brand and cost of the equipment, the filter system includes special modules that are regularly replaced during operation. Reverse osmosis filters practically do not differ from each other in design; they have a standard set of filter elements with a service life of 3 to 6 months.
Cleaning steps
- rough cleaning (polypropylene filter);
- water softening (carbon);
- deferrization;
- ultra-fine cleaning using a membrane;
- post-filter mineralizer.
Operating principle of the fine cleaning module:
- The node is separated by an ultra-thin membrane.
- The first compartment receives water under pressure, which has undergone primary purification.
- The purified liquid passes through the membrane into the second half.
Interesting: The pores of the membrane are so small (0.0001 microns) that only pure water molecules can pass through.
The best Aquaphor filters with reverse osmosis.
Compact, inexpensive filter. The kit includes a 5-liter storage tank, two pre-treatment filters, one fine filter, a membrane filter, a mineralizer, two taps, connecting tubes, fittings, and a drain coupling. The elements are installed on a single platform. Aquaphor "Morion" is easy to install, connect, and maintain. Works at low pressure in the water supply. Ideal for a family of 2-3 people.
- Compact size.
- High-quality materials are used in production.
- Sufficient supply of filtered water.
- High filtration speed.
- Mineralizer.
- High price per 1 liter of filtered water.
- Large waste of water.
- Increased filter consumption.
- Crane design.
- The quick-release connections are not tight.
- Work in a narrow pressure range in the water supply system.
- Most of the claimed characteristics do not correspond to the facts.
It features five levels of cleaning and an increased volume of the storage tank. Filtration is provided by two mechanical polypropylene cartridges, a membrane, and a universal module B510-03. A carbon post-filter is installed at the outlet. The system is compact, all-mounted. The tank is installed separately. Satisfies the daily need of a family of 4-5 people for drinking water.
- Great performance.
- Compact sizes.
- Possibility to turn off the storage tank.
- Materials.
- Availability of additional filtration stages.
- High quality water.
- The ratio of filtered water to used water is 1:10.
- Formation of condensation on the surface of the system.
- Non-standard dimensions of the pre-filter gasket.
- Connection gaskets are prone to leaks.
- Noise during operation.
The best Geyser filters with reverse osmosis.
The system consists of a mechanical filter, two carbon filters, a reverse osmosis membrane, a carbon post-cartridge and a 12 liter storage tank with a useful volume of 7-8 liters. Delivery includes check valve, high and low pressure switch, drain flow limiter. Additional equipment consists of a pump and a mineralizer. The design uses membranes with an increased service life. The resource is at least 3500 liters. Filtration rate 0.13 l/min. The multi-stage system provides high parameters of drinking water purity.
- Possibility of choosing a complete set.
- High quality filtration.
- Increased membrane service life.
- Filtration speed.
- Low quality materials.
- Replacing some cartridges yourself is difficult.
- Price.
Has design feature storage tank. It is made of transparent plastic and equipped with replaceable antibacterial membranes. PP cartridge mechanical cleaning made of foamed polypropylene. Two cartridges of CBC - pressed coconut activated carbon. Effectively remove chlorine compounds and organic matter. To improve the taste of water, a carbon post-cartridge is installed.
- Long warranty period.
- Service life 10 years.
- Improved leak protection.
- High water consumption.
- The need to adjust safety valves.
- In some cases, the installation of a gearbox is required.
- Noisy during operation.
The best Barrier filters with reverse osmosis.
Four-stage cleaning system. The system is cased with an external storage tank of 8 liters. Resource 5000 liters of purified water. Warranty period 1 year It differs from models from other manufacturers by placing the cartridges in a single closed block. This gives the node additional mechanical protection and aesthetic appearance. Provides high-quality cleaning and is in the middle price segment. The filter has good performance.
- Russian manufacturer.
- The volume of purified water is up to 200 l/day.
- Working pressure with wide variation.
- High quality cleaning.
- Minimum equipment.
- Small cartridge resource.
- Connections are leaking.
- Loses to competitors in terms of price/equipment.
A five-stage cleaning system has been implemented. Consists of two mechanical cleaning filters, a chemical cleaning cartridge, a membrane filter and a post filter. The package includes a faucet, connecting hoses, fasteners, and seals. Storage tank capacity 12 l. Installed separately. Satisfies the daily need for drinking water for a family of 4-5 people.
- Easy to install.
- High degree of purification.
- Acceptable cleaning speed is up to 0.2 l/min.
- Takes up a lot of space under the sink.
- Seals are leaking.
- Small resource of replaceable blocks.
- High cost of cartridges.
It takes into account and eliminates the shortcomings of earlier models. The five-stage system is equipped with a boost pump. Installation is performed on a single platform. The equipment is standard: faucet, connecting pipes, fasteners. Additionally, it is equipped with a set of keys for replacing the membrane and filter of the fifth stage. There is a ball valve for connecting to the water supply. There is a repair kit with additional O-rings for the first stage. Storage tank capacity 8 l.
- Automatic control of the cleaning process.
- Possibility to equip the system with a sixth stage.
- Multifunctional monitoring.
- Set price.
- Cost of replacement filters.
The best Atoll filters with reverse osmosis.
Five stages of cleaning. Storage tank 8 l. The kit is standard and includes fittings, hoses for connection, fasteners, and tap. A distinctive feature of the Atoll filter line is its durable housing with stiffeners. This adds reliability to the entire structure. The equipment is minimal. If necessary, it can be supplemented with a high pressure reducer.
- Quality materials.
- Reliability of the design.
- Long cartridge life.
- Long lasting ceramic ball valve.
- Filtration quality.
- Cost of cartridges.
- Difficult to install.
- Large dimensions.
- Service is not available in every city.
Very productive system. It is capable of dispensing up to 360 liters of filtered water per day. Its use in factories, offices, preschool institutions will be a good alternative to delivery services. The standard equipment includes Rentek cartridges and a mineralizer. The kit includes a gearbox and pump. The elements are installed in a stylish closed housing.
- Performance.
- Design.
- Economical.
- Price.
- Dimensions.
- The use is justified for crowded rooms.
The best Novaya Voda filters with reverse osmosis.
Represents a new product in this market. Distinctive feature small dimensions serve. At the same time, four stages of cleaning are provided and high quality water. The model is equipped with a mineralizer and a 10 liter tank. A special coating on the inner walls prevents the development of bacteria and algae. The system uses innovative proprietary development filter membrane with increased performance and service life.
- Innovative product.
- Small drain into the sewer.
- Resource.
- Economical.
- Easy to maintain.
- Design.
- Warranty period.
- Price.
This system emphasizes the removal of heavy metal impurities, iron and salt hardness. The Japanese-made polymer membrane provides high selectivity. The filter has a large safety margin. It is designed to resist water hammer up to 45 atm. Cost-effectiveness of everyday use is achieved by reducing the number of replaceable cartridges, increasing the service life of the membrane, and reducing the amount of water drained into the sewer.
- Degree of membrane selectivity.
- Cartridge life.
- Reducing the amount of waste water.
- Strength characteristics.
- Quality of drinking water.
- Installation.
- Quiet operation.
- Price.
- Performance.
Which reverse osmosis filter is better to buy?
When choosing the most suitable filter, you should pay attention to the following basic characteristics:
- The throughput of the prefilters facing the main membrane (in micrometers - µm).
- Availability of mineralization function.
- Quality of materials used to manufacture filter elements.
- Equipment cost.
- Manufacturer.
It is up to the buyer to decide which reverse osmosis filter is best suited for specific conditions. Our task is to select the best models based on user reviews and familiarize readers with the offers of the modern market.
The quality of tap water leaves much to be desired, so it is not advisable to consume it as food; it must be subjected to additional purification. Water coming from the tap often has a foreign taste and smell - this can greatly spoil the dish, and it can be completely disgusting to drink. Largely for this reason, many people install special filters under the sink that remove additional impurities from the water that spoil its quality.
They remove harmful substances from water, including heavy metals, chlorine, and large impurities such as squeak. These designs are installed directly in the kitchen sink, due to which clean water will be obtained instantly, unlike pitcher-type filters.
What are the criteria for choosing a flow-through filter for a sink?
Before deciding to purchase a filter element, you need to find out the chemical composition of the water flowing from the tap. Due to this, it will be possible to select products that will purify water very effectively. For example, if tap water is too hard, then a filter equipped with a membrane is best - the so-called reverse osmosis, which is quite expensive. It is necessary to purify hard water if people with kidney diseases live in the apartment. For less hard water, an ion exchange filter will be sufficient.
When purchasing a filter for a sink, in addition to the cost, you should pay attention to a number of other components - the cleaning technology and whether it has a softener:
- Membrane filtration can completely purify tap water from bacteria and viruses. Only clean water, devoid of any impurities, will leak through such a filter. However, there is also a certain disadvantage - useful minerals are also removed along with bacteria, so such water will do no harm or good. Installing a filter with a built-in mineralizer can cope with this problem;
- To purify hard water from heavy metals, budget filter systems use only ion exchange. It will purify water quite acceptably, although not as subtly as reverse osmosis.
A water softener is one of the most useful functions, which reduces the proportion of calcium and magnesium salts, respectively, this will reduce the formation of scale in the kettle. Another important addition will be carbon filtration, which helps absorb chlorine, phenol, benzene, toluene, various types of petroleum products and pesticides that may be contained in water. This function is quite simple and is found even in the cheapest designs.
We tried to compile the most detailed rating of flow-type water filters, and we were based not only on the recommendations of experts, but also on the popularity based on user reviews. The ratio of price and quality of products played a very important role in the formation of our top 10 rating. We hope that the review will be quite useful.
The best water filter models of 2019
10+. Aquaphor OSMO 50 version 5
This model quite effectively softens water and removes turbidity. During manufacturing, an original semi-permeable membrane is installed in the filter, which is supplemented with special carbon modules. This allows you to remove from the water all dangerous impurities whose size is at least 0.0005 microns - these include chlorine compounds, rust, pesticides, nitrates, and heavy metals. Purified water acquires a pleasant taste, becomes beneficial for the body, and can even be used for cooking. baby food. The design includes a storage tank with a capacity of about 10 liters and a carbon post-filter.
Can only be used for cleaning cold water– its inlet temperature should be no more than +30 degrees. The device takes up little space, so it can easily fit under the sink. A separate tap comes from it; about 1.3 liters of water can pass through the filter per minute. The filter has four levels of purification: coarse, medium, fine and purification from chemical compounds.
Advantages:
- Very easy to install - you just need to connect it to the water supply system;
- High quality of output water;
- Significant work resource;
- Compact overall dimensions.
Flaws:
- Water passes through it quite noisily;
- Not too high filtration speed;
- The location of the tap is not very convenient; you have to reach for it.
10. Geyser Prestige PM
This model is a rather original design with a high-pressure pump. Osmosis has three stages of water purification. At the first stage, the water flow passes through a special cartridge made of foamed polypropylene with a cell size of 5 microns. It will trap any insoluble particles in the water. At the second stage, the water enters a carbon block made from coconut activated carbon, which neutralizes chlorine compounds and organic substances harmful to the human body. With its help, the taste and smell of water improves. In the third stage, the water passes through a SBC cartridge, also made of compressed carbon carbon, which removes residual chlorine and other chemicals from the water.
There is a storage tank with a capacity of 12 liters, which allows you to always have a small supply of clean water. The design includes a mineralizer that restores the chemical composition of moisture most suitable for the human body.
Advantages:
- Excellent water quality;
- The presence of a small reservoir;
- Filter reliability.
Flaws:
- The filter cover is not very reliable - there is a possibility of flooding;
- Due to the small size of the filters, they clog within a matter of weeks;
- The membrane body is also not very durable.
9. Atoll A-550 STD
This model is distinguished by excellent workmanship - it has a durable and dense plastic case, equipped with several stiffening ribs that make the structure quite reliable. Immediately after connecting this filter, the water can be consumed as food; it will not have any foreign odors or tastes. It looks quite attractive. The ball valve rotates smoothly and softly.
The first stage of purification is located immediately at the water inlet. The cartridge here is quite dense and hard. In the second stage, the water passes through the carbon segment, which can be replaced if necessary. Water enters here through a special distributor, ensuring its uniform infiltration. One such cartridge is enough to completely rid about 19 tons of water from chlorine. At the third stage there is a cartridge that prevents chemical residues from entering the tap; it is quite rigid, so there is no chance of it deforming during use.
Advantages:
- Allows you to obtain a large volume of clean water per unit of time;
- Standard shape with reinforced body;
- The ball valve is ceramic and is durable.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Not available in all stores;
- Oversized design, will not fit under every sink.
8. Barrier EXPERT Standard
This is one of the best household filters produced using osmosis technology. Perfect for purifying tap water from any mechanical impurities and chemicals. It uses multi-stage filtration technology, which has proven itself in many similar designs. This system has three main modules: mechanical purification of water from various contaminants, with its help it is possible to get rid of sand, rust and other large and small particles. The second module saturates the water with useful ions and removes chlorine, lead and copper compounds from it. The third uses PostCarbon, which removes organic substances from the composition.
This filter can be installed either under the sink or directly on it. The kit includes everything you need to get started; you don’t have to purchase anything extra. It can be used around the clock. The connection is quite simple - anyone can handle it. In order for the filter to start working fully, the first ten liters of water must be drained, only after that it can be used for its intended purpose. All cartridges are replaceable; they will have to be replaced as they become dirty.
Advantages:
- Convenient to change consumables;
- For a filter of this type, the cost is quite reasonable.;
- Beautiful appearance, allowing this design to be used also in a sink.
Flaws:
- You should very carefully monitor the condition of the filter elements, otherwise there will be a very high proportion of contaminants in the water passing through them;
- Sometimes it does not cope with its task, maintaining water hardness at the same level.
7. Geyser Nanotek
This is one of the best osmosis filters designed for installation under the sink. It takes up quite a lot of free usable space due to the presence of a spacious water tank with a volume of about 20 liters. This model filters water efficiently through a five-stage purification system and is designed for direct connection to the water supply. With its help, you can significantly reduce the concentration of iron, reduce hardness and completely get rid of chlorine.
The smart system allows beneficial minerals to pass through and retains those that can have a harmful effect on the human body. If you use this system correctly and change cartridges as needed, you will be able to drink absolutely clean water for a long time without any toxic impurities. The design's productivity is about one and a half liters per minute, which is quite enough for cooking.
Advantages:
- Very soft water without foreign impurities;
- Enough good build the entire structure reliable protection from any leaks;
- It's quite easy to connect.
Flaws:
- Most likely, you will have to purchase a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure in the water supply system (if it is below three atmospheres, the filter simply will not be able to function);
- High price;
- It's not easy to find replacement cartridges.
6. Aquaphor Crystal Eco
This design is very easy to install; the installation method is no different from connecting an ordinary kitchen faucet. However, you will have to be quite careful here, since the connecting pipes going to and from the manifold block must be connected in correct position. Be sure to remove the filter cover. After connecting all the modules, they will have to be washed with tap water for some time so that all filter elements begin to function normally. This design belongs to ionic cleaning systems, does not take up much space under the sink, and copes well with both mechanical and chemical pollution.
If necessary, you can install an additional water softening module, but you will have to purchase it separately. The manufacturer recommends changing filter cartridges approximately once a year, and the softening element even more often, approximately every seven to eight months. The design can be considered universal, since there are quite a few types of filter elements.
Advantages:
- Three standard modules included, additional elements can be installed;
- The housing of all filters is plastic, equipped with stiffening ribs;
- Very easy to install and operate.
Flaws:
- As the cartridge wears out, the taste of the water may change;
- Gradually, the filters become clogged, causing the yield of filtered water to decrease;
- The locking mechanism in the faucet may leak, which can damage the sink.
5. Aquaphor Morion M
This is one of the best models of water filters for washing, which works using reverse osmosis technology. If desired, the device can be installed not only under the sink itself, but also on it or in close proximity. This filter looks very stylish. The design of the cartridges is made according to the block-modular type. Their body additionally has stiffening ribs. The storage tank is built-in and has a small volume, so the dimensions of the filter are quite acceptable.
Other designs will function only with a sufficiently high water pressure in the central system; this filter is also tied to pressure, but here only one and a half atmospheres is enough. In addition, this moment allows you to significantly save water. The useful volume of the built-in tank is 5 liters of purified water. The output reaches one and a half to two liters per minute.
Advantages:
- Produces water with average hardness;
- There are no foreign odors or unnecessary impurities;
- There is no scale formation in the kettle.
Flaws:
- High price of replacement elements;
- Quite noisy during operation;
- In general, the level of durability leaves much to be desired.
4. Barrier EXPERT Hard
This model rightfully takes fourth place in our review of the best water filters of this year. We put it in third place, largely due to the finest mechanical cleaning among other models - the filters remove particles as small as 5 microns from water. During the manufacturing process the structure was used special technology Smart Lock, which allows the filter to remain in place even under strong water pressure. In addition, the byPass technique is used, which can significantly extend the life of the filter element - it will have to be changed less often, and this will also be a good preventive measure against softening the passing water too much. This filter is intended exclusively for central water supply.
The filter comes with everything you need for proper installation. Maximum productivity can reach 2 liters per minute. Moreover, due to the tap at the inlet to the filter, this figure can be reduced. The resource of one cartridge is 10 thousand liters, after which it will need to be changed. The maximum inlet pressure should be no more than 7 atmospheres.
Advantages:
- Long service life of cartridges;
- Cartridges are very easy to change;
- Softens and purifies water very well;
- The water becomes tasty and harmless to health.
Flaws:
- The cartridge resource is lower compared to that declared by the manufacturer;
- The ball valve at the filter inlet is not reliable.
3. New Water Expert Osmos MO530
This model is one of the newest on the market today. It belongs to the premium class, which is why it is quite expensive. Its beneficial qualities are at a very high level - with the help of this filter you can get rid of 99.9% of harmful impurities. The design easily removes particles up to 5 microns in size, removes organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides and other harmful compounds.
Here, four types of cartridges are used for cleaning: a standard one, designed for mechanical cleaning, which removes suspended matter from water various substances. Next is a carbon filter, which is made from activated coconut carbon. At the next stage there is a reverse osmosis membrane made in Japan; it is much more effective than similar parts in the models presented above. After it there is another carbon filter, which contains activated carbon in granules, as well as minerals that enrich the water with useful microelements and minerals. The filter elements are durable - they can last about 2-3 years without the need for replacement.
Advantages:
- For a reverse osmosis system it takes up really little space;
- High build quality;
- Durability;
- Long cartridge life.
Flaws:
- Price.
2. Geyser ECO
This is the most productive filter among all the models presented in our review; moreover, it does not take up too much space under the sink and does not require complex installation and frequent cartridge replacement. For all its positive qualities, it is not too expensive. With its help, you can completely rid water of chlorine, various oil derivatives and a number of other poisonous and simply harmful impurities.
Despite high performance In terms of water filtration, it is not too expensive. It contains the latest modification of the Aragon 3 ECO cartridge. With its help, mechanical and sorption purification of water is ensured; it is also enriched with ions. Filter replacement is rarely required.
Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions - can fit even under a small sink;
- Ideally purifies water;
- The cartridge is enough for 4-5 tons of water;
- Easy to install.
Flaws:
- Not found.
1. ICAR
The ICAR filter is currently recognized as the best filter for water purification. It produces superior quality water. This filter not only purifies water in the best possible way, but also improves its performance. The output is mineralized “living” water with a negative ORP. The IKAR filter consists of two main components: a reverse osmosis filter (premium - 5 stages of filtration), an IKAR module (water ionizer and mineralizer). It is possible to additionally connect the IKAR ph reactor to the installation, which increases the pH. The operation of the installation is automated and has a microprocessor control unit for monitoring water parameters and the quality of its purification.
The ICAR filter is installed under the kitchen sink. Despite the high cost of installation compared to other filters, the cost of water, which is comparable to water from Lake Baikal in its characteristics, is 2 rubles. per liter The filters have been commercially available for sale since 1997. The installation has received several prestigious international awards. The largest official dealer of water purification plants ICAR - home-spring.rf(delivery throughout Russia is free, installation service, discount system).
Advantages:
- The highest degree of water purification;
- Large installation resource - 1000,000 liters;
- Replacement cartridges are sold in any store;
- Electronic control of all parameters of water purification, mineralization and ionization.
Flaws:
- Not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
As can be seen from the review, most stationary water filters are very similar in their design and functions, however, some are better at removing mechanical contaminants, while others remove chloride compounds. To purchase the most suitable product, it is advisable to first analyze your tap water. As to whether you liked our review and whether it was useful to you, you can comment on this article.
The quality of our tap water, to put it mildly, is far from international standards. Agree, drinking untreated tap water is an extreme activity that can result in serious health problems. Therefore, purchasing a good filter is of utmost importance.
If you don’t like to risk your health, then you’re probably thinking about how to choose water filters. The variety of offers on the market will make even the most daring at a loss.
We will help you put everything in its place and make a choice - this article discusses the existing types of filter devices and their characteristics.
The main criteria influencing the choice of the most suitable filter and the rating of the best manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, are also given. For better perception of information, visual diagrams and photographic materials, as well as expert video recommendations to choose from, have been selected.
There are several main types of household water filters.
To make a choice, it is better to study in detail the operating principle, advantages and disadvantages of each type, so as not to get lost in the variety of offers.
Water filters offered on the modern market are represented by a wide range of devices and devices that differ in the principle of operation, degree and speed of cleaning
Type #1 - jug for clean water
The simplest type of drinking water filters is jug. It looks extremely simple, the name speaks for itself. The filter is a plastic vessel in the shape of a jug.
A replaceable cartridge is installed in a special hole. It purifies water from impurities using methods combining mechanical, chemical, and less often biological treatment.
To understand the principle of operation of a filter jug, you need to consider its “heart” - a replaceable cartridge in section.
Its internals can be very diverse, it all depends on the manufacturer, but the technology is always the same. Water enters the filter from above, sequentially passes through all levels of purification and enters the jug bowl.
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 9 minutes
The purity of the water entering the apartment determines the quality of our life. Hearing about environmental changes and the deterioration of drinking water, many people think about what this life-giving moisture actually brings and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. The right decision is to purchase a water filter with multi-stage purification, which will get rid of dirt, chlorine, scale in the kettle and put up a reliable barrier against heavy metal ions, pesticides and pathogenic bacteria. A rating of 10 models of water filters for washing will help you choose the option that is suitable for price and quality.
The results of studies and tests of bottled drinking water conducted by Roskontrol showed that it often does not meet standards and sometimes does not differ from tap water, which means that the use of household purifiers becomes especially relevant.
Filters for washing: types
Among all cleaning devices, they are expensive and relatively difficult to install; they require free space under the sink and regular replacement of cartridges. But, as professionals in this field note, it makes sense to spend once on a stationary filter in order to get an uninterrupted source of clean water in the house with a convenient separate tap.
Let's find out what features a filter for washing has and how to choose among the variety on the market.
The main difference is the principle of water purification. Such installations are divided into 2 main types.
Flow system with stacked cartridge modules
Such devices have a multi-stage design and consist of 2, 3, 4 or 5 modules through which water passes sequentially. The cartridges located in them perform various functions:
- retain mechanical contaminants (sand, rust from pipes);
- eliminate chlorine and unpleasant odors;
- remove excess metal salts;
- soften too hard water.
Advantages of flow filters:
- low cost;
- clean water comes straight from the tap;
- the ability to regulate the functionality of the system by selecting filter cartridges suitable for a particular case.
The disadvantages include the following:
- as the cartridges are used, the resource is exhausted and the quality of cleaning gradually decreases;
- Each cartridge module removes a specific contaminant and does not clean 100% of all possible harmful impurities.
Attention! A multi-stage installation requires good pressure in the water supply.
Reverse osmosis system
Such a device also performs multi-stage cleaning, the main difference is that the final treatment occurs using an osmotic membrane, which removes all harmful impurities at the molecular level. At the outlet, the filter unit produces the purest, oxygen-enriched water, discharging filtered dirt into the sewer through a drainage tube.
Advantages:
- the most effective purification from all possible impurities;
- the quality of cleaning is constant, always on the highest level and does not depend on the exhaustion of the cartridge resource.
Features that can be considered disadvantages:
- Low rate of obtaining purified water, due to which such filters are equipped with additional tanks with a volume of 8 to 12 liters. This will require more space under the sink.
- WITH harmful substances Almost all salts are removed from the water, so you need to select models with mineralizers that saturate the outlet liquid with useful microelements.
- To clean with a reverse osmosis membrane, you need high pressure in the pipes, so some models are equipped with a built-in pump (pump), which automatically turns on if the pressure is below the required level, and fully carries out the cleaning cycle. Naturally, they cost the consumer more, especially foreign products.
Price – from 2,328 rubles.
This is the most popular model in the Aquaphor line of budget devices. Equipped with three stages of purification, including carbon filtration and ion exchange. The installation is capable of purifying water from harmful impurities and performing microfiltration of particles up to 0.1 microns in size.
Productivity – 2 liters per minute.
The resource of the filter module is 6000 l.
- low price;
- compactness and efficiency;
- a separate faucet is included in the kit;
- easy installation;
- replacement of the filter module with the housing is carried out quickly and without interference;
- When the quality of cleaning decreases, the water softening filter is regenerated according to the instructions.
- short filter life, scale appears quite quickly in an electric kettle with very hard water;
- Some users do not like the taste of purified water.
Price – from 5,360 rub.
- has the highest degree of water purification;
- easy to maintain;
- will fit in the narrowest niche, the size of the prefilter block is 360x190x160 mm, plus a tank size (height/diameter) of 370x240 mm.
- The optimal ratio of the cost of a liter of clean water is that if you consume 10 liters of clean water daily for two years, the filter will pay for itself in a year and a half and the cost of 1 liter of clean water will be about 2 rubles.
How often do we think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or cooking? Alas, we have to admit that not everyone has yet fully understood the need for its purification and filtration. But this is by no means an idle question: the quality of water from autonomous sources or from the city network very often lies outside the limits of acceptable sanitary standards. Simple boiling or settling can help only partly, and is unable to cope with the overwhelming number of factors of pollution or even infection.
It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude towards health, their own and those around them, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the expanding popularity and demand household appliances for water purification. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety on sale can easily confuse a buyer who is purchasing such products for the first time and is not too knowledgeable about how to choose a water filter.
Where does the choice begin?
This publication will not contain a detailed story about water polluting factors, technologies for purifying water from certain substances, or the operating principles of various filtering devices.
How are coarse and fine filters designed and how do they work?
It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article on our portal is devoted to the issue of the design and functioning of various types.
Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person to ensure clean water your home. Let's also take complex, powerful water treatment stations out of the equation, assembled from several column-type filters - their selection, configuration and installation should only be carried out by specialists. Let's consider the problem in the context of purchasing a ready-made filter or filtration complex in a specialized store, designed for the needs of one average family.
Any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in the end. When purchasing essentially any thing or product, a person usually already has an idea of what functions or qualities he hopes to get for his money spent. The water purification filter is no exception in this matter. You need to confidently imagine what properties it should have.
A simplified approach like “just purify the water” is, of course, complete amateurism. Along with clear signs contaminants (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to sight, smell or taste and pose a threat to human health.
You should not trust your superficial feelings, much less the advice of your neighbors. Subjective opinions can lie in a wide range - from “we have been drinking this kind of water all our lives” to some far-fetched “horrors”, which more likely belong to the category of “urban legends”. And, in addition, the quality of water from neighboring nearby sources, or even in neighboring urban buildings, can vary significantly.
As a result, you can fall into one of two extremes:
- Purchasing a filter that does not have the required cleaning functions will simply be a waste of money.
- Taking advantage of the obvious ignorance of the consumer, store sellers will try to impose an expensive filter system for which there is absolutely no need. In the end, this is also lost money.
The optimal solution is to submit a water sample from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.
The best decision is to conduct a laboratory test of water from your source. Carrying out the analysis immediately solves a lot of questions:
- You can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
- The analysis results will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of its effectiveness.
- Regular testing will allow you to track the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important measure for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
- Having a laboratory test report in hand can become a document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims against city utilities.
By the way, many thoughtful people, when purchasing a new home, immediately require the presentation of a document on the quality of drinking water.
To carry out the analysis, you need to decide on a laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working at water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and at companies involved in the installation of filtering and purification systems (there, of course, there may be another extreme). It is best to choose an independent organization that has the appropriate government certification.
Laboratory tests are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should have already passed the stage of disinfection, they are often limited to only a chemical test, although a microbiology test will also never be superfluous.
It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers about the time of delivery of the collected water samples, since there are certain restrictions on their shelf life (2 ÷ 3 hours).
Water intake also requires compliance with certain rules:
For chemical analysis, 1.5 liters are required.
- The optimal solution is a clean plastic bottle, but only for drinking still water. It is prohibited to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
- The tap is opened and the water is given at least 15 minutes to flow freely. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will take even 2 hours).
- The bottle and cap are thoroughly washed with the same water that will be analyzed. None detergents not used.
- Then the pressure is kept to a minimum, so that when pouring into the bottle, aeration is not created—the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
- The container is filled completely, overflowing, in such a way that there is no air left under the tightly screwed cap.
For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.
- The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if used, for example, glass jar, then both it and the lid to it are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories accept samples for microbiology exclusively in their own sterile disposable containers, which are given to the customer.
- To collect water, you must wear sterile medical gloves.
For the “purity of the experiment”, taking a water sample for biological analysis is carried out wearing sterile gloves - Even before opening the tap, the cut of the spout is either burned with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is necessary to completely prevent microorganisms from entering the sample from the outside.
- The tap opens and water runs under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
- After this, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top and immediately sealed.
Typically, the execution time for an order for high-quality laboratory testing of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day or two, this should alert you. It happens that not entirely conscientious companies conduct a superficial rapid test, which is then passed off as an in-depth study.
As a result, the customer must receive a protocol certified in accordance with the established procedure, which has the force of a legal document.
As a rule, this is a table in which, for clarity, the maximum permissible standards for water established by SanPiN and the actual indicators obtained are indicated.
Having such a document in hand and highlighting the positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters for the appropriate focus of action.
The laboratory research protocol will help determine the “strategy” for water treatment, and can also be of assistance in filing claims against utility services. Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?
Experts have a unanimous opinion on this matter - such analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to laboratory analysis. Of course, it will show the presence of a problem, but it will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, the data for a high-quality selection of the filter system will be clearly insufficient.
And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. Since the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, we can proceed from the average norm of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not operate at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is advisable to increase this rate, say, by half.
Thus, if, for example, five people live in a house (apartment), then it is easy to determine that approximately 30 liters of purified water per day will be required. Accordingly, the purchased device must cope with such a load.
Now let's move on to consider various models household
The simplest option: filter - jug
Filter jug device
For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on purchasing a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to deal with any installation or connecting the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a “light option” - a jug. Of course, such a solution is only possible if the quality of the incoming water allows it.
The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution- purchasing a jug filter Although outwardly in shape and color design filter jugs can vary greatly. The basic design is always the same and is not very complicated.
Essentially, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.
The jug body (item 1) is used to collect purified water. It is always made of transparent food-grade polymer; a volume scale is often placed on its walls for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually there are a number of models on sale with a volume of filtered water ranging from 1.3 to 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family’s need for drinking water.
The upper container (item 2) is an insert into the housing. It is also made from impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has more dark tone(color may vary depending on design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity is usually about half the usable volume of the jug.
At the bottom of the insert, where it forms a kind of funnel, there is a socket into which the filter cartridge is tightly inserted and fixed (item 3). The purpose, that is, the functionality of the cartridge can be different - this is selected based on the existing “clinical picture” of the state of the water.
It is important to know that the locking or threaded connection between the cartridge and the upper container may vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Apparently, this is a method of encouraging the purchase of only branded components.
There is a spout in the upper part of the body for convenient directed drainage of filtered water (item 4). The design is such that even with a strong tilt of the jug, water from the upper and lower compartments does not have the opportunity to accidentally mix.
The collection of water for filtration is carried out with the lid folded back (pos. 5), which can be equipped with a convenient lock (pos. 6), or through the intake hatch, which also necessarily has its own lid to prevent accidental entry of dust or debris inside.
The filter jug always has a comfortable handle (item 7). A “reminder” can be placed on top of the lid or on the handle - a mechanical calendar that will prompt the owner about the timing of changing the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have an electronic display. Moreover, when selling some branded models, it is practiced to register customers who will subsequently receive Internet or SMS messages about the need to replace them.
The operation scheme is obvious - water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required cleaning and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are added to the receiving container.
Cartridges used
It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its selection.
The shape of the cartridge and its locking part can be different, and there is almost no question of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.
But cartridges for one filter model can have different purposes:
- Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, chlorine impurities, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
- There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - they additionally contain a certain amount of ion exchange resins.
- You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use reagent-free technology for iron removal and filtration.
- For sources whose water does not undergo disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
- Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluoridation effect on the water.
Most companies use silver in one form or another in cartridge fillers - this prevents the development of bacterial colonies inside them. And besides, each manufacturer tries to surprise the consumer with its own original developments.
Typically, at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, the replacement elements usually have a special throttle device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the level of filling of the upper section of the jug.
Advantages and disadvantages. Options for selecting filter jugs.
The following can be said about the positive qualities of filter jugs:
- Their operation is the simplest, which anyone can handle.
- There are simply no installation operations other than connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorms or rental housing.
- The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, when going on vacation.
- Low cost, affordable for any family.
There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:
- Cleaning occurs only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
- The cleaning speed is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often – even much less.
- Frequent (about once every month and a half) cartridge replacement is required. the period may be even shorter.
- Quite high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at it in perspective. So, after just one and a half to two years, the total costs can equal or even exceed the costs of a truly powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration installation.
When choosing a filter jug, you should be careful, as the market is replete with cheap counterfeits.
Under no circumstances should they buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models from well-known brands.
Carefully inspect and literally sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food-grade plastic must have the appropriate pictographic markings shown in the figure.
This sign indicates that food grade plastic was used to make the jug. You should immediately evaluate the possibility of purchasing original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.
It is necessary to choose a jug based on volume wisely. Remember - such a filter is not a “decanter” at all, but only serves to purify water. The capacity of the vessel should correspond to real needs with a small margin. It is not recommended to store filtered water for more than a day. This means that you will have to simply drain the excess, wasting the resource of the replacement cartridge.
Usually, a one and a half liter jug is enough for a single person or a couple. It is fashionable to think about purchasing a filter with maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.
Cartridges purchased must be in original sealed packaging. Their expiration date must be checked.
The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, but they should still be assessed last.
To complete the section on jug filters, here is a short overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.
| Model, brief description | Illustration | Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge resource (liters) | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER" | |||
| Barrier-Style jug, compact layout, mechanical resource indicator | 2.5 / 1.0 | 490 rub. | |
| Jug "Barrier Grand NEO Ruby", volume scale, mechanical resource indicator | 3.7/2.0 | 550 rub. | |
| Cartridge “Barrier – 7 iron” for standard and water purification and deferrization | 350 | 250 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for filtration and bactericidal treatment of water | 200 | 400 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER – “AQUAPHOR” | |||
| Aquaphor Line jug of classic design, compact size | 3.2 / 1.4 | 350 rub. | |
| Jug "Aquaphor Prestige", mechanical indicator | 3.0 / 1.35 | 540 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-15, universal action | 170 | 155 rub. | |
| Cartridge B100-6, softening | 300 | 320 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - "GEYSER" | |||
| Jug "Geyser Matisse-Chrome", graphite or deep blue, plastic with increased heat resistance | 4.0 / 1.5 | 840 rub. | |
| Jug “Geyser Dolphin” - stylish model, 5 shades to choose from | 3.0 / 1.4 | 380 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with a softening effect | 300 | 210 rub. | |
| Cartridge "Geyser 301", universal type | 300 | 170 rub. | |
| MANUFACTURER - "ВRITA" | |||
| Jug "Elemaris XL", with electronic cartridge resource indicator | 3.5 / 1.5 | 1450 rub. | |
| Marella XL jug, electronic display | 2.2 / 1.2 | 790 rub. | |
| "Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs | 150 | 290 | |
| "Brita Maxtra" - cartridge with four stages of water purification | 150 | 360 rub. |
Video: review of Barrier brand filter jugs
Filters in the form of a faucet attachment
Another type of filters that can be classified as the simplest water purification systems.
As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the faucet spout head. Filtration water is coming flow method, due to the pressure in the pipes. This allows the use of carefully compacted sorbent backfill in such filters, in contrast to jug cartridges, that is, to improve the quality of water purification.
The advantages of such tabletop filter attachments are increased resource and productivity. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.
However, there are also many shortcomings. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of useful space near the sink to which it is “attached”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect it with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may cause interference.
Drawing water from such a filter requires care - careless activation will result in liquid spilling onto the table surface. The possibility of accidental release of hot water into the filter remains fully intact.
| Model | Brief description | Illustration | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Modern" | The body is spindle-shaped, the spout is located on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration rate – up to 1.2 l/min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - reminder. | 770 rub. | |
| "Barrier Optima" | Original design, microprocessor control residual resource filter module. Swivel spout. Cartridge resource – up to 1500 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1 l/min. | 1200 rub. | |
| "Rodnik-3M" | Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight when not filled with water is 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration rate – up to 2 l/min. | 790 rub. | |
| "Geyser 1 UZH EURO" | A modern model with a wide selection of filter modules of various functionality with the possibility of regeneration. The module resource is up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1.5 l/min. | 1500 rub. |
Filter systems with installation under the sink
Universal installations for filtration and fine water purification, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are becoming increasingly popular among users.
The most rational solution is to hide the filter system under the kitchen sink Structurally, such systems usually represent a series of cartridge-type filters, each with its own cartridge of a certain type of action. (The design of such filters is described in detail in the article linked above). Along the path of movement from the water supply to the point of analysis, water passes through all the modules sequentially, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.
All filters, as a rule, are assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with a case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.
The arrangement of filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, an arrangement in two rows or two tiers is possible, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.
The number of modules, that is, cleaning stages: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This results in the highest “flexibility” of the system - the mounting dimensions of replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are kept the same from one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select general characteristics the entire complex depending on the results of laboratory water testing.
Such complexes are very convenient to use. When installing them, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last stage of filtration. At any time, you can substitute a container, open the tap and draw the required amount of purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide optimal pressure for high-quality filtration - there is no risk of exceeding it. In addition, the possibility of accidentally letting hot water into the filter modules is completely eliminated.
The disadvantages of such complexes can only be considered a certain complexity of the initial installation, although for the owner who is familiar with basic plumbing techniques, no special problems should arise. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be considered a disadvantage - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and the considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback for the filtering unit.
The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.
- Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, issues of external design, as a rule, are not among the priorities. It is much more important that the dimensions of the complex correspond to the actual dimensions of the space allocated for its installation.
- Since the system most often involves multi-stage cleaning, you should focus not on the persuasion of the sales consultant, but on the available results of laboratory research. It is important to determine priorities in advance in order to choose the right modular content of the kit.
- Some complexes have expanded functionality - after the first stage of mechanical cleaning there is a branch to a regular mixer or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
- When assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the “slowest” cartridge. Typically, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of about 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
- Filter modules may also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to monitor this on his own, since, perhaps, changing cartridges will sometimes need to be done not at once, but “in stages.” Some modules can be periodically regenerated.
Of course, you should check the completeness of the delivery. Usually the system is supplied with everything necessary for its complete installation - a hanging or floor-standing console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for inserting into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a tap for installation on a sink, a key for “packaging” of flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.
| Model | Brief description | Illustration | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor Solo Crystal" | The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260x340x90 mm. Capacity up to 2.5 l/min. | 2500 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor B510-08" | Replacement module for deep water purification. Resource – 4000 l or 6 months. operation | 350 – 400 rub. | |
| Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD) | Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and hard water softening. Dimensions 355x365x145. Productivity – up to 3.8 l/min. | 7300 rub. | |
| Atoll A-211E + Atoll A-211E g | An additional set of cartridges designed for 2 years of operation with replacement every 6 months | 4000 rub. | |
| "Barrier Expert Complex" | Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, softening and deferrization of water. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity – up to 2 l/min. | 3700 rub. | |
| "Expert Complex" | Set of cartridges. Resource 10,000 liters or 1 year of operation | 1400 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor Crystal ECO N" | A system with four stages of purification, including disinfection, softening, iron removal, mineralization and water conditioning. Dimensions 377×342×92 mm. Productivity – up to 2.5 l/min. | 4800 rub. | |
| "Aquaphor" K3, KN, K7 and K7V | A set of four replaceable cartridges with an increased resource - 8000 l or 18 months. operation | 2200 rub. |
Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter
Fibos type flow line filters
Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through a filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure created by a pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main line, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for initially connecting the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a specialist plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.
The advantage of mainline filters is that clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several water distribution points (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing and dishwasher etc.).
Let's look at how these filters work using the Fibos filters as an example.
- Unpurified water enters the outer filter flask.
- It passes under pressure through a filter element - a fabric wound with an ultra-thin microwire. The distance between the turns of the microwire is 1 micron.
- Contaminants remain in the outer part of the flask.
- Clean water from the filter element is supplied to the tap and household appliances.
- Contaminants are removed from the outer part of the flask simply by opening the drain valve.
The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?
Currently, the only mass production of microwire in the world is located in Russia. Its production technology was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of use of microwires are the military and space industries.
A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is no more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.
In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between turns of 1 micron. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer filter flask, then they are removed when the drain tap is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that contaminants do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off when washed.
If you look at a photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. If you look closely, you can see the gap between the turns is about 1 micron.
In addition to fine purification of water from mechanical impurities, Fibos filters provide protection against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter completely retains them.
If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, or reduce the iron content in water, an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties can be installed after the Fibos-type main filter. Cartridges last much longer and are replaced less often, since the Fibos filter does the preliminary fine cleaning.
In terms of performance, there is a line of Fibos filters from 5 l/min for the kitchen, 16.5 l/min for an apartment or cottage, 50 l/min for a cottage, 83 l/min for a cottage, swimming pool to industrial samples of 1000 l/min .
Fibos filters operate at water pressures from 0.5 to 16 bar. They are supplied with a pressure gauge showing the pressure in the system.
Another plus of these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.
For ease of use, Fibos filters are equipped with devices for automatic washing.
The filters are compact, with a height from 146 mm to 183 mm without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.
| Model | Description | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Convenient small filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | 6,990 rub. | |
| Compact filter for a cottage or apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 8,990 | |
| An excellent filter for a country house or cottage. Produces 50 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 1" or 3/4" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 13,990 | |
| The filter is ideal for cottages and swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to a 1.25 inch or 1 inch line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C. | RUB 23,990 |
Filters with reverse osmosis system
The highest rates of water purification from any impurities, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filter units in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.
For “apologists” of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis To begin with, what is reverse osmosis?
If a vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one, thus equalizing the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called forward osmosis.
But if you apply to a volume of more concentrated liquid external influence– increase its pressure, then the flow through the membrane will begin to occur in reverse side. And what goes into the neighboring section will depend only on the size of the membrane cells.
This is exactly how reverse osmosis filter units work.
Schematically - what is the reverse osmosis process? Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow), the size of the microholes is only about 0.3 nm, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small-sized water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where the filtered water flows to points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). Increasingly larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane and are removed along with the concentrated solution into the drainage (arrow No. 2). A common occurrence is the proportion of ⅓ of the total volume - purified water and ⅔ - discharged concentrate.
In principle, such a scheme is capable of independently purifying water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to “overload” the membrane and to prevent its pores from becoming overgrown, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, which is constantly present in tap water) are smaller in size than aquatic ones, and must be gotten rid of in advance. Therefore, pre-filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.
The output is water, which in its characteristics approaches distilled water. From the point of view of cleanliness, this is excellent, but from the point of view of consumer qualities, not very good. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, is of little use for drinking, and dishes prepared from it will not be the most delicious. Moreover, many doctors agree that water of this degree of purification can even be harmful to the human body.
To eliminate this drawback, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis for household purposes. Usually this is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for humans. A carbon post-filter and a biothermal module can also be installed, which normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can be used to complete the cycle.
The cost of such installations is quite high, so it is necessary to immediately determine how much there is a need for it. In addition, a number of other important criteria are taken into account when choosing.
- The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of about 2.8 bar. Water supply systems do not always meet these indicators. This means that you will either need to install a pump that increases the pressure in the system, or you will need to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will also be a need to organize power supply.
- The question of the performance of the filtering unit is very “how much”. Here it is important to find a “golden mean” so that the need for clean water is met and unnecessary surpluses are not created. We should not forget that in order to get a liter of purified water, about two liters will have to be drained into the sewer. That is, it would be extremely unwise to use such water for economic purposes.
Even the most small installations capable of dispensing up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So it’s hardly worth chasing high performance, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.
- You should decide which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow-through systems, filtration occurs only when the water tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another option, the system has its own storage tank - the filtration process occurs only when necessary - when the total volume of accumulated purified water decreases to a certain level. It is very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembled installation. But the price of such complexes is much lower.
The most expensive module, naturally, is the reverse osmosis module, but its resource is quite long - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. The remaining replaceable cartridges are changed more often as the resources contained in them are exhausted. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a post-cleaning carbon cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water may “signal” with a bitter taste.
| Model | Brief description | Illustration | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6" | Three-stage pre-cleaning, mineralizer and post-filter. Storage tank 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity 15.6 l/hour. | 14,000 rub. | |
| "Geyser Prestige PM" | Six stages of preliminary and post. cleaning. Storage tank 12 liters. Productivity – 12 l/hour. Two tap positions - for clean and mineralized water. | 14100 rub. | |
| "Barrier Profi Osmo 100 boost" | Five-stage cleaning, built-in pump. Storage tank 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/hour. | 11000 rub. | |
| "Atoll A-560E SailBoat" | An original monoblock design that simplifies installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. Built-in 8 liter membrane tank. Productivity – up to 6 l/hour. | 20,000 rub. |
Video: household filtration unit with reverse osmosis system "Aquaphor - Morion"