Names of water filters. Water purification in the apartment. Reverse osmosis systems: which water filter is better

The quality of tap water leaves much to be desired. Boiling makes it relatively safer, but not cleaner. It is inconvenient and unprofitable to constantly buy bottled water - a decent amount accumulates in a year. Therefore, many people think about buying a filter for drinking water. They are different - they are put on directly on the tap or installed under the sink, they differ in the number of degrees of cleaning - it is not easy to choose the right device. Therefore, we decided to tell you which filter gives the best cleaning results, how to determine the right option to turn a hard, rusty, unusable liquid into good quality drinking water. Ten tips to help you make the right choice.

Main selection criteria

How to choose the best filter, taking into account the main parameters?

It is difficult to choose the right filter without understanding what task it should perform. Therefore, before going to the store, you will have to understand a few points.

Degree of water pollution. The worse the water quality, the more powerful the filter is needed. If even visually you notice that the color of the water is cloudy or reddish, pay attention to better systems.
The degree of purification. It all depends on your preferences. Most budget filters make water just drinkable, more expensive systems provide the maximum degree of purification. The composition of the water becomes closer to distilled.
Purpose of application. If for use at work it is more convenient to purchase an ordinary jug, then for an apartment the best option would still be a stationary model.

Filter types

What kind of filter is better to choose?

There are many water filters on the market. They differ in design, quality of cleaning, size, volume of water produced. Consider their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and you decide which option to choose.

Filter jug. Primitive in design, compact and inexpensive devices. They consist of a container with a volume of 1-2 liters, a reservoir and a filter located inside. The use is very simple - water is poured into the tank, passes through the filter and flows into the jug. An inexpensive and simple option - you can take it to work, travel, use it in an apartment, subject to small water needs. A device of this type copes well with light dirt, but you should not expect deep cleaning from it.
Flow filter. More complex systems connected to the water supply. Cheap models purify water only from chlorine and large impurities. Models that use carbon filters also handle phenol, a bacterial environment. More expensive filters are more efficient. Flow models differ in design. There are stationary devices installed under the sink or on the table next to the sink. A separate faucet is provided for the supply of purified water. Filter nozzles are less common. All flow devices are easy to operate, compact, and effectively purify water. For their installation, you do not need to resort to the services of specialists. But there are also disadvantages - a small resource for the operation of filters, the high cost of consumables.
multistage systems. The best filters for purifying heavily polluted water are devices with a reverse osmosis membrane, several stages of purification. They perfectly cope with any foreign impurities, substances. Many models are quite compact in size, like flow filters, they are designed for installation under the sink. Among the shortcomings can be called the rather high cost of the devices themselves and consumables, as well as a considerable amount of water consumption. For example, to obtain one liter of purified water suitable for drinking, about five liters of the original liquid will be consumed. For apartments with water meters, this option will result in an additional expense item.

Filter manufacturers

Which manufacturers produce the best filters?

If you want to get good quality water, you should choose well-known, positively proven manufacturers. Several brands are considered the best and most popular.

Aquaphor. A well-known Russian brand that produces all types of filters. The company offers models of different price categories. A big plus is that replacement cartridges for pitcher filters can be purchased even in ordinary supermarkets. On sale you will find many flow systems of this brand. Some of them use the unique Aqualen substance - our own patented development. Reverse osmosis models are also available. Among users, brand products are popular due to their good quality and moderate cost.
"Barrier". Another Russian brand that is a worthy competitor to Aquaphor. The manufacturer offers customers jugs, table filters, sink models, complex reverse osmosis devices. You can choose the best option, taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment and the kitchen in particular, the budget and needs. It differs from other companies in interesting offers - in the assortment there are shower filters, children's filters.
Aqualine. Budget, but popular brand of Taiwanese production. Specializes mainly in flow systems and reverse osmosis models. With a low price, the products are of good quality. The main distinguishing feature is that transparent plastic is used to make the first flask, through which you can visually monitor the degree of filter contamination.

In addition to these three brands, there are other brands that deserve attention - these are Novaya Voda, Kristal, Atoll, Geyser.

Price

How much do water filters cost, which one is better to choose - expensive or budget?

The cost of a filtering device for drinking water production depends on the type of construction, brand, performance, and set of functions.

The price of the simplest jugs starts at about 300 rubles. But here it is better not to save and take a model a little more expensive. For example, Aquaphor Provence with the function of free chlorine removal and water softening.
The cost of nozzles for a crane starts on average from 1,500 rubles. But here, too, we advise you to give preference to models with optimal cleaning quality. Users speak well of the Breeze filter with the functions of iron removal, water softening and its purification from free chlorine.
The cheapest desktop dispenser costs about 1,500 rubles. But, again, consider more solid models. The Keosan KS-971 filter is quite popular among users. It costs about 7,000 rubles, but it has six stages of purification, the function of iron removal, softening, water mineralization.
Under sink filters are more expensive. You can also find very cheap models from 500 rubles, but, as a rule, they do not cope with their functions, they quickly break down. The cost of reliable and efficient models starts on average from 5,000 rubles.
Reverse osmosis systems provide the highest quality cleaning, but also cost accordingly. The price of a functional and high-quality filter is at least 6,000 rubles. There are models that cost over 50,000 rubles. The price depends on the brand, the set of functions and the number of degrees of purification.

Initial water quality

How to choose the best filter based on the initial water quality?

The water that flows from the tap can contain a variety of impurities - harmless and dangerous to health. Therefore, before buying a filter, it is advisable to find out the quality and composition of the water. Do not be too lazy to take a water sample to a sanitary epidemiological station or to a private laboratory for analysis.

Based on the results obtained, you can already choose a filter. Be sure to pay attention to the hardness of the water. With an indicator of up to 8 mEq, you can install a conventional flow filter. If the hardness is higher - up to 8-12 mEq, only a reverse osmosis system can handle the cleaning. The same system should be preferred if the presence of organic substances, bacteria, fungi is indicated in the examination report.

Cleaning method

Which filters are better, which one to choose - absorption, membrane or osmotic?

Modern systems are made up of several types of filters at once for the most effective water purification. The most commonly used options are:

Absorption. An absorbent-based filter element, the function of which is most often performed by a carbon filter. With use, the quality of cleaning gradually decreases. The filter must be changed regularly. If this is not done, after a while it will itself become a source of pollution.
Ion-exchange. The principle of operation is based on the reaction of substitution of unacceptable substances for harmless compounds. It is good to use such filters, for example, when calcium salts are exceeded. A small minus - the exchange buffer is depleted rather quickly.
Membrane. Contaminated water is passed through a molecular sieve - microscopic channels in the membrane. Their diameter is so small that it does not exceed the size of a water molecule. All molecules and larger particles cannot penetrate the membrane. The filters are efficient and economical to operate.
Osmotic. Modern, most effective cleaning devices using the principle of reverse osmosis. They are distinguished by a high degree of purification, removal of all salts, minerals and other foreign substances from the water. Minus - high cost. Compared to flow devices, the performance is very small, so the reverse osmosis filter must be equipped with a storage tank.

Cleaning steps

How many stages of cleaning is better to choose?

Different filters have from one to eight stages of purification. The more of them, the safer and tastier the water. In multi-stage devices, the first three stages are considered the most important.

Water is purified from mechanical impurities - rust, silt, sand. Particles are retained by porous polypropylene filters. Some of them already at the first stage remove iron dissolved in water.
Heavy metals disappear from the water, it is softened due to ion exchange.
Absorption removes chlorine, odors, pesticides. The general properties of water are improved - smell, taste, color. The most common absorbent is activated carbon. Some companies make it from coconut shells, increasing the absorption capacity of the filler by 2-3 times. The addition of silver prevents the development of pathogenic microflora inside the filter.

The subsequent steps depend on the filter model. For example, reverse osmosis, iron removal, water mineralization.

Additional filter properties

What additional properties of filters to choose - iron removal, mineralization?

Some models provide for the possibility of mounting additional filters. For example, to enrich water with minerals after treatment with reverse osmosis systems.

Additional filters for cleaning from iron. It is advisable to install such a filter only in those areas where its high content is found in the water. Excess iron is harmful to health, the condition of household appliances. The water supplied through the central mains contains ferrous and trivalent iron. Coarse filters cope only with ferric iron. To get rid of ferrous iron, it is necessary to use more complex devices of the charging type with multicomponent mixtures. In addition to the main purpose, they eliminate excessive water hardness, manganese, and a number of other compounds.
Mineralization of water. Reverse osmosis filters "under the sink" retain not only harmful compounds, but also useful mineral components. Some models are equipped with an additional mineralization option. If not, then you can install the mineralizer yourself. Just before buying a filter, check with the seller whether it is possible to add a mineralizer to the model you have chosen. It is a small plastic device filled with slowly dissolving minerals. They get into the purified water.

Water consumption

How to choose the best filter, taking into account the calculation of water consumption?

Before buying a device, you need to calculate how much drinking water your family needs per month. Every day a person needs two liters of clean water. To this volume, you need to add about another liter, which will be consumed in the form of soup, coffee. That is, one person needs about three liters of water per day. For a family of three, the average water consumption per month will be about 270 liters. This figure should be compared with the performance of the model and the resource of the filter.

For example, cartridges for jugs have a small resource - only 250-300 liters. It will require monthly replacement, which is not very economical. Models with the principle of reverse osmosis have a longer service life - 3000-8000 liters. At maximum performance, the duration of use of one cartridge is about 30 months. But experts do not recommend using the same filter for more than a year, as it can itself become a source of water pollution, so purchasing devices with a maximum service life also does not make much sense. Choose the golden mean.

Filter media

What filter media is better to choose - coal, shungite, zeolite?

The cleaning principle is approximately the same for all filters, but various substances can be used as a filler.

Activated carbon. It is used very often due to the high level of absorption. It purifies water qualitatively and at the same time is quite affordable.
Zeolite. Quite often used to fill filters. Removes ammonia and other harmful organic compounds from water. The unique natural mineral easily copes with the absorption of heavy metal salts, chemicals, nitrates, phenols, bacteria, pathogens and radioactive elements.
Shungite. This is a rock with powerful cleansing properties. It is considered the optimal filler for the removal of chlorine, a number of complex organic, organochlorine compounds. Simultaneously with purification, shungite saturates the water with useful microelements, magnesium and calcium salts.

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Increasingly, people are faced with the problem of poor quality tap water. And if in cities where there is a central water supply, it is still at least somehow cleaned (although not ideally), then in private territories there is not even this. In mountainous areas, with many springs, the situation is better, but in general, water from there often requires high-quality filtration. Nowadays, many different installations for such cleaning have appeared on store shelves. And in this huge assortment of types, firms and models, it is not surprising to get confused. Today we will try to figure out how to choose water filters for a private house and which of the devices is necessary in a given situation.

A water filter for the kitchen is a must these days.

It has long become not a luxury, but a necessity. In addition, now a person with any income can purchase such equipment. After all, manufacturers offer both quite expensive models and budget ones, such as filter jugs, which can be bought for 500-700 rubles. Of course, more expensive filters connected to the water supply system provide better cleaning, but there are nuances here too. After all, if you choose the wrong cartridges, then the quality of the water will not change.

Important information! Before purchasing a treatment plant, it is necessary to call specialists for the production of an examination of water. Only she can determine which elements in the water are overabundant. It is on the basis of the results of such an examination that a conclusion is made about the need to purchase filter elements with certain properties.

Household filters for water purification can be placed under the sink or on the wall, located directly on the inlet pipe to the living room, or even stand separately, without mounting to the mains. It all depends on the quality of the necessary filtration and the financial capabilities of the person. It should be understood that the purification of drinking water is very important. The health of everyone living in the house depends on this. This means that the need for filtering should never be underestimated.

What is the reason for the need for a water purification system in private homes

The main problem of the private sector is that wells, like some wells, make it possible to draw groundwater. And human waste can freely get into them. For example, not far from a well or well there is a small garbage dump. It rains and everything that is washed out of the waste ends up in the soil. Water with harmful impurities comes through the soil to the first solid layer of the earth and rushes to the well or well. Of course, the soil itself filters it a little, but such natural cleansing does not last forever. Over time, the soil itself, on the way to the water going to the well, is saturated with harmful substances. As a result, even pure water that has passed through it is saturated with pathogens.

Modern home water filtration systems are pretty good at dealing with these kinds of problems. At the same time, along the way, cleaning the liquid from excess iron, chlorine and other impurities, and even softening too hard. If we talk about jug filters, which are a budget option, they can be placed anywhere, they do not require a specific installation location. Of course, such a device will only be enough for one or two people. If there are more residents, then it is worth taking care to purchase a flow or storage water filter for the house. This acquisition may well provide several people with clean drinking water.

Even if the quality of water from a well or a well suits you, it is not always suitable for dishwashers or washing machines. Indeed, in any case, although rarely, some particles can get into it. For such cases, water treatment in a private house can be carried out using main coarse filters. They cost a little, but they also hold only fairly large fractions.

We will talk about the types of water filters for a country house, but for now we will figure out how things are with this in the apartments of Russian cities.

Do I need water purification systems in apartments with centralized water supply?

This question can only be answered unequivocally - it is necessary. With the rapid pace of construction of apartment buildings, as well as the lack of modernization of treatment facilities, the quality of tap water in our time leaves much to be desired. Water in the system requires purification from excess iron, chlorine, limestone, and sometimes even hydrogen sulfide and other rather harmful substances. Do not forget about the old age of communications. After all, rust from pipes also does not add purity. It is for these purposes that coarse and fine filters are installed in apartments.

Water purification systems for an apartment can be just as diverse, which means that choosing the right one in one case or another can be quite difficult. In this case, many parameters must be taken into account. Water filters in an apartment, as well as in a private house, can be classified according to various criteria, namely:

By installation method– accumulative, main or flowing;
According to the degree of purification- it can be coarse or fine;
According to the fundamental structure- cartridge or disk.

Also, filters for water purification in apartments and private houses are distinguished by the method of purification, of which there can be a lot. We will definitely analyze each of them in detail today, but first things first.

To begin with, let's try to figure out the classification of water filtration systems for apartments and private houses.

How water filters are arranged and their classification

First you need to understand how water filters work. Depending on the number of degrees of purification, the water in them passes through the elements (there can be from 1 to 5), which trap certain contaminants or saturate it with the necessary substances. Most often, with a five-stage purification, the water to the last of the elements is almost distilled. At the last stage, it is saturated with salts and minerals in the amount necessary for a person.

If we are talking about jugs, then such a household filter for purifying tap water combines all stages in one cartridge. At the same time, it is very important to choose a filter element with exactly the qualities that are needed. Otherwise, the water will not be purified as it passes through the cartridge.

Important information! Filters for water purification from wells must necessarily be equipped with coarse cleaning elements. If such water is poured directly into the same filter jug, then its cartridge will instantly become clogged with larger particles that will prevent it from performing its functions.

Classification of water filters by installation method

Filters for water purification can be installed on the inlet pipe to the dwelling (main) or directly under the sink (flow or accumulative). At its core, a flow filter differs from a storage filter only in the presence of a special tank in the latter. Such devices allow you to use purified water for some time even if its supply to the system is stopped.

Now our main task will be to understand what kind of work each of these devices does, what difficulties can arise when installing such equipment, and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

The nuances of using main filtering devices

The main water filter for a private house is considered preliminary. Of course, it purifies water from sand particles, and some models are able to remove harmful microorganisms, soften water and improve its taste. But it should be understood that such installations will not be able to clean to the extent that flow or storage type devices will do.

Important! Main filters for water purification in an apartment are recommended to be used in conjunction with flow filters. In this case, the water quality will be ideal. However, with a small amount of pollution, such installations can quite cope with filtration alone.

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A rather significant advantage of main filters is the presence of a water pressure regulator in them. You should definitely pay attention to this when choosing and purchasing. The pressure regulator allows you to extend the life of not only faucets, but also household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. The regulator eliminates the danger of water hammer that occurs when the pump is turned on, which are detrimental to household appliances.

The maximum number of purification levels for main filters is 3. If a device with one degree is selected, then here we can only talk about the removal of large particles, such as sand and rust. Such filters require replacement of cartridges at least once every six months. In addition, they should be washed periodically, especially with sufficiently dirty and “rusty” water.

Features of flow and storage water treatment devices

The most common location of such filters is under the sink or not far from the faucet on the wall. It all depends on the availability of the tank and its volume. Until recently, plants with five stages of purification were considered the most effective, but now there are even models with six.

Flow filters for water purification in apartments are usually equipped with an additional faucet, which is mounted on the sink next to the main one. At the same time, if main filters are installed on both hot and cold water, then flow filters are more often installed only for drinking water.

Important information! Not all flowing water filters for private houses and apartments are capable of operating at normal pressure in the water supply system. Some models require an additional pump installation. This is the only way to sometimes create a water pressure of 2.5-3 atm., Necessary for the normal functioning of the cleaning device.

And here is how netizens respond about one of these devices of the Aquaphor brand:

olga655, Russia, Koryazhma: After installing it in 2013, we used water for cooking and drinking, it has been used for a long time, we changed the filter only in April 2015. We coped with the installation easily on our own, it is advisable to treat the connecting hoses with a sealant to prevent leakage. From the company Aquaphor, fast delivery was ordered from the site. The support service is fast and efficient. The only drawback is that the faucet began to flow after six months. Convenient flow design. Did not regret the money spent. We change the filter cartridges every six months, the water has ceased to be hard, it has become pleasant to the taste, it has ceased to wash the kettle from scale every day. More on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_3390663.html

Classification of devices according to the degree of purification

Here we can distinguish 2 possible degrees - it is coarse and subtle. Surely the designations of the degrees themselves speak for themselves, but it’s still worth considering devices with different cleaning for a more complete understanding of all the nuances of the choice.

Important information! When installing a filter with multi-stage cleaning, one should not think that its first stages, which are considered coarse, can function for a long time without installing an additional main filtration device or at least settling tanks directly after emergency taps.

Coarse water filtration devices

Such devices are a fine mesh that can trap particles. These devices can be either washable or non-washable. A feature of coarse washing filters is that they have a special tap. By attaching a hose to the fitting and opening the valve, you can drain all the dirt contained in it. This makes cleaning the mesh easier. If you pay attention to non-flushing ones, then they do not have such a function, which forces you to periodically disassemble the device and clean the grid. It is to such coarse water filters that sedimentation tanks can be attributed, which are available in almost every apartment or private house. They are installed directly behind the emergency tap or water meter. Such elements are also called filters for the purification of technical water, which contains many large particles.

Important information! Even if the water in your apartment or private house meets the standards, then no one is immune from sand, lime or rust getting into it. And this can have a detrimental effect on household appliances connected to the system. It is for this reason that the installation of coarse filters is necessary.

Fine water purification: how it is achieved

The main task of devices that carry out fine cleaning is disinfection, iron removal and softening of water. Separate devices can have the functions of aeration, ionization and adding the necessary salts and minerals to it.

In fact, a great job is being done with fine water filters for apartments. First, various elements gradually purify water to a distilled state, and then give it the necessary properties and taste. Of course, such devices require periodic maintenance and replacement of filter elements, but this is a secondary issue. But at the same time, the quality of water (with the right selection of cartridges) becomes close to ideal.

Most often, the installation of filters for fine water purification is carried out by specialists, although, having some knowledge in this area, you can install them yourself. You can find information on how to do this in one of our articles.

Important! When purchasing such devices, pay attention to the terms of the warranty. Some manufacturers will void their warranty if they install it themselves. Their requirements contain a clause stating that installation should be carried out only by qualified specialists.

The difference between filters according to the principle device

According to the principle device, such filters can be divided into cartridge and disk filters. We can only say that the latter are used much less frequently, although they are in no way inferior in terms of characteristics to the former. But this applies only to rough cleaning. It is for this reason that such elements are applicable only for the main type of devices. Let's try to understand what are the fundamental differences between these filters and what is their principle of operation.

Cartridge filtration systems and how they work

With such systems, everything is more or less clear. Water passes through tanks filled with various substances, which first purify it from impurities of one composition or another, and then bring it to the desired state.

Activated carbon is traditionally considered the main element of fillers for cartridges. It can be cheaper (birch) or high cost (coconut shell charcoal). Various chemicals and minerals can also be added.

If we talk about rough cleaning, then often a winding of the thinnest metal wire or thicker cotton thread is used as a filter element in the cartridge. Such a material is quite capable of retaining particles with a size of 20 microns. This is enough to filter the smallest dust particles, sand or rust.

Cartridge water filters have one drawback - the elements must be replaced after a certain period of time. And if at the same time more expensive and high-quality models are chosen, then such a replacement can result in a decent amount. But at the same time, the range of cartridge filters for water purification is quite large, compared to disk filters, which we will now also dwell on in more detail.

Features and composition of disc filters

Less common, but not inferior, and in some cases superior in performance to the previous elements. The filter itself is a bag containing many polymer discs. On their surfaces are notches in the form of a trapezoid. Thanks to such design features, under water pressure, a kind of mesh is formed, which traps small particles.

The peculiarity of such an element is that in case of clogging, it is enough to rinse the bag under running water, squeezing and unclenching it a little. At the same time, all the dirt accumulated in the grooves is removed and the filter is ready for use again.

Here are some technical characteristics of disc water filters.

Table 1. Characteristics of disc water filters

Thus, it becomes clear that all cleaning performance is identical to the characteristics of the cartridge elements. In addition, in our time, the manufacturer offers similar filters with automatic flushing, which is quite convenient.

How filters are separated by cleaning method

There are quite a lot of types according to this parameter. This is:

Mechanical cleaning filters;
Ion exchange devices;
With reverse osmosis;
Aeration installations;
Ozonation systems;
ultraviolet;
Coal.

Which filter for cleaning is better to buy, everyone will have to decide on their own, but we will try to help with the choice. And for this it is necessary to more fully understand which of the household filters for drinking water purification is intended for what and what functions it performs. Of course, the purpose of some elements can be understood already judging by the name, for example, such as filters for hard water for a private house. But many varieties are not so simple, so let's start.

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Mechanical water filters and their purpose

Mechanical cleaning is most often called primary, coarse filtration. All main filters can be attributed to this type. Let's try to understand which manufacturers present goods from this segment on the shelves. The most popular brands here are Atoll, New Water, Geyser and BWT.

Table 2. Popular mechanical water filters

Make and model	Filtration speed, l/min	Maximum pressure, atm	Cost, rub
Geyser 1P 3/4 32009	10	7	9000
Atoll AFR-1/2CB (set of 2 filters)	25	16	10000
BWT Protector Mini 1/2 H604R11	27	16	5000
PRIO New Water A082	15	26	6000

As you can see, the price range is quite large. And that doesn't necessarily mean lower quality cheaper products. The point here is more about the brand and its recognition. After all, at first any company works for a name, and then, regardless of the quality of its products, the name works for it.

In general, mechanical filters for water purification nowadays are sold out very quickly. From conversations with the seller of one of the outlets specializing in such a product, we managed to find out that most often a queue of people who want to purchase main filters is already formed by the weekly delivery. At the same time, there is not enough such products for the whole week.

Ion exchange filters: how they differ from the rest

Ultra-high level of cleaning;
Removes all bacteria, heavy metals and viruses;
Removes dissolved gases of residual chlorine, petroleum products, pesticides, phenol, hazardous metal compounds and other toxic substances;
Household filters for softening water retain the mineral composition in it after cleaning;
Stabilizes the pH level to the optimum for humans;
Helps water to be charged with negative ions;
Converts organic salts for easy absorption by the body;
Provides high filtration speed, up to several liters per minute;
Durable to use cartridges and easy to replace them;
Has a variety of options for installation;
Allows visual control of the degree of contamination;
Provides the possibility of setting additional degrees of purification.

In fact, ion exchange is water purification by replacing heavy metals with neutral ones. Of course, we will not go into a full course of chemistry, but consumers consider this method to be quite effective. On average, the cost of such filters in the Russian market stopped at around 1500-3000 rubles. However, you can also find premium models at a price of 90,000-100,000 rubles. The main manufacturers are still the same - Aquaphor, Geyser, New Water and Barrier.

Reverse osmosis filters for the home - the most common type

Such reverse osmosis devices for water purification are installed under the sink or above it. The quality of cleaning systems with reverse osmosis reaches 99%. The cost of such devices is distributed as follows.

Table 3. Atoll filters

Make and model	Productivity, l/min	Number of cleaning levels	Price, rub
Atoll Patriot A-550	0,09	5	8000
Atoll A-310E/D-30 STD	2	3	5200
Atoll A-211E/D-21 STD	3,8	2	5000
Atoll Premium A-560Ep/A-550 MAXp	0,18	5	22000

Table 4. "Aquaphor"

Aeration system - what is it

The name itself speaks for itself. Aeration means saturation of water with oxygen. Many may ask - how is oxygenation related to filtration? The answer is simple. Aeration by itself does not purify the water, but with the help of other substances, by saturating it with oxygen, it helps to improve the quality of the final result. For example, aeration of water from a well improves not only its taste, but also increases the level of oxygen in the blood, which has a positive effect on human health. Surely many people know what an “oxygen cocktail” is. This same principle is applied here.

The use of a water aeration system is indicated for people with heart disease, hypertension and hypotension, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. But, in any case, you should first consult with a specialist.

Ozonation: what is the principle of such a system

Surely every student knows that ozone promotes oxidation. That is why water in some cases is purified by ozonation. So it is directed to a greater extent on iron removal. If there is no excess of iron in your water, then such cleaning is clearly useless. Ozone increases the intensity of iron oxidation, as a result, the particles begin to become covered with additional processes. In simple terms, they "rust". Having increased, such particles can no longer pass where simple water seeps freely.

Important information! Water ozonation is contraindicated for allergy sufferers. Ozone, in addition to its main work, partially remains in the water. As a result, an allergic person, consuming such water, automatically increases the risk of a reaction.

Whether ozonation is beneficial or harmful - this issue should be left to the competence of the doctor. But reviews of such devices speak volumes.

Denissasha, Ukraine, Chernivtsi: Ozone, in acceptable concentrations, has a lot of useful properties. You can ozonize drinking water, air, process food, places of cuts, burns and trophic ulcers. Ozonation of water and products is safe, all microflora and microfauna die in water, even those that survive chlorination, and the remains of drugs, hormones and other gifts of great chemistry are washed out of meat during processing. It has been verified that the processing of homemade village chicken practically does not give results, chicken meat bought in stores after processing is almost always covered with nasty mucus that must be washed off. How, what and how much to process is written in the instructions for the ozonator. More on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_167392.html

Ultraviolet and its effect on the body

Here we can say with confidence that such devices quite effectively fight pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. For example, we can cite UV lamps that can be seen in the treatment and operating rooms of clinics and hospitals. Like them, ultraviolet water filters completely disinfect the liquid. But there are also negative sides. All useful substances contained in the water also die.

Carbon filter and its properties

Coal itself is an absorbent substance. This means that any resins, formaldehydes and other similar substances are retained by them. Today, the carbon water filter is considered the best in terms of cleaning.

In fact, if you think about it, no cartridge can do without such a layer. This suggests that the use of a carbon filter for water purification provides purification from the most common harmful substances.

The average cost of water filters in private homes

Prices for water filters in private houses and apartments may vary. If we compare the most famous manufacturers, we can understand the average dependence. An example is reverse osmosis filters.

brand	Average cost in Russia, rub.
Atoll	19000
Geyser	16000
Aquaphor	11000
New Water	10000

Of course, all prices are given in the average equivalent, but this table is able to show an approximate concept.

It turns out that buying a water filter for a country house, cottage or apartment is not so difficult. After all, the cost of such equipment is low. And in general, is it worth saving on health?

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We know from school that water is the source of life, but experience gained over the years suggests that ordinary tap water can be a source of great health problems and the cause of breakdowns in household appliances. The thing is that it often comes to us, consumers, of extremely unsatisfactory quality. There are many reasons for this: from inadequate water treatment to worn out rusted pipes. It remains to be hoped that in the future the situation will change dramatically, but for now you have to solve this problem on your own, and here all kinds of filters come to the rescue. We figure out how to choose a flow-through main water filter, a device that allows for the most thorough water purification and provides high throughput.

No. 1. Is a filter really necessary?

A water filter is necessary in most cases. If it's about apartment building, then the cause of water pollution may be obsolete pipes. , which is often used in country houses and cottages, may be overly mineralized or not meet drinking water standards according to other criteria - it all depends on the place where groundwater occurs.

To the question is a filter really needed?, and if necessary, then which one, can only answer laboratory analysis. Tap water can be unnecessarily hard, which will affect hair, skin and objects, in particular the washing machine and kettle. It may contain pesticides and pathogens, the harm of which, probably, is not even worth talking about. Water may contain some microelements in an increased amount, which, if used regularly, can cause specific diseases. In addition, water can smell bad, have an unpleasant taste and even color.

In order for filtration to bring the desired results, you first need to recognize the enemy in person, so experts recommend starting with checking the water at least according to basic indicators. It may turn out that, for example, there is no need for water softening at all, and then the expenditure on analysis will more than pay off in the future.

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 most popular filtration systems Today they use:

pitcher type filters and dispensaries do not apply 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;
filter nozzle on 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;
filter "next to the sink" it is also easy to install, connects to using a special adapter and provides an average level of purification, relieving water of large contaminants and unpleasant odors;
stationary filter "under the sink" installed under, 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 disadvantages. 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 is flow line filters, which are in fact miniature water treatment plant.

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 placed for hot and cold water, and since it will stand at the entrance, purified water will flow from all taps.

The flow-through main water filter is usually used in houses that have their own water source(well or well), but recently a similar system is often installed and in apartment buildings where water pipes are badly worn out. These filters allow 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 silted and contaminated with particles of rust and other debris through the rest of the pipes in the apartment, which gradually breaks down. 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.

No. 3. Basic principles of operation of the main filter

Since the main filter is installed at the "entrance" of the water pipe into the apartment, it allows purify water for all water intake points. The main filter is multi-stage cleaning, and the purpose of all stages of purification can be determined independently, assembling the system that is optimal in specific conditions.

The following elements may be present in the design of main filters:

The throughput capacity of flowing main filters is, as a rule, from 20 to 50 l / min or more, which is enough for normal operation in any apartment or house. Requirements are being put forward for pressure in the system. Main filters can be with low (0.1-0.2 bar) and high (0.4-0.5 bar) hydrolosses. If you live on a high floor, where the pressure in the water supply is already low, then it is better to take a filter with minimal hydraulic loss. An additional pump may be required.

For more productive work, the system does not interfere with equipping pressure reducing valve, which allows you to reduce pressure fluctuations in the system and reduce water consumption. A check valve is also needed - it will prevent the backflow of water.

When choosing a main filter, it is also worth considering the diameter of the pipe, the maximum operating temperature and the number of existing water intake points.

No. 4. Types of main filters

To ensure the proper degree of water purification, the main filter is equipped with several filtration systems, and their set will depend on what the water is contaminated with.

The main filter may include the following components:

mesh main filter, or coarse filter, allows you to rid the water of mechanical pollution, which is especially important in houses with old communications. The filter is represented by a mesh made of stainless steel or other material with a mesh size of 10 to 200 microns: the smaller the cell, the more debris the filter can hold. Often, mesh filters are installed in the main system in front of cartridge filters in order to reduce the load on them. The mesh, and sometimes there may be several of them, has an actual unlimited service life - it is enough to clean it only occasionally. If all the cells are clogged so that they are not cleared, you will have to take a new mesh. There are filters with a backwash system, which are also called self-flushing filters. Screen filters may differ depending on where they are used, in cold or hot water systems. Any filters are suitable for cold water, only steel or special plastic for hot water;
disc main filters, or fine filters, clean mechanical impurities more thoroughly and use several technologies at once. These are blocks of pressed polymer discs with grooves, which, when compressed, form a mesh that traps the smallest particles of dirt. These filters are easier to clean. Sorption cartridges and UV filters can also be used;
cartridge filters provide the highest quality cleaning. They allow you to filter particles as small as 5 microns, can get rid of iron, chlorine, salts, microorganisms and saturate water with oxygen - this is an even finer and more targeted purification. You can use several different cartridges at once. You will have to change cartridges more often than clean the grids and discs, but the quality of cleaning here is an order of magnitude higher;
reverse osmosis filters rarely used and allow, due to the passage of water under pressure through the outlet membranes, to obtain pure distilled water. Such systems can be installed if the pressure in the water supply system reaches 3-4 atmospheres.

By the number of purification stages, main filters are divided into:

single-stage;
two-stage;
three-stage.

Again, the choice depends on the quality of the water.

No. 5. Types of cartridges for the main filter

Chemical water treatment is achieved through the use of cartridges. They may be:

No. 6. Manufacturers of main water filters

When it is decided from what and how we will purify water, the turn of an equally difficult choice comes - it is necessary to decide on the manufacturer of the equipment. It is better to trust eminent companies, among which it is worth highlighting:

company "Geyser" produces filtration equipment that can be installed on hot and cold water supply. The manufacturer offers several ready-made systems designed for water purification for different purposes. There is, for example, a system for protecting plumbing equipment. The company sells various types of filters and cartridges for mechanical and chemical water treatment;
company "Aquaphor" produces main filters of small sizes, but at the same time, the systems allow for high-quality purification from mechanical impurities, chlorine, iron and salts of heavy metals. The equipment is made of stainless steel, which can withstand a wide range of temperatures, and plastic, which is designed for operation at a temperature of +5 ... +40 0 С;
main filters "Artesian" They are distinguished by a convenient cleaning system, more precisely self-cleaning. Mesh filters are supplemented with a special string that vibrates under the action of the water flow, preventing dirt from lingering in the pores of the filter;
company filters Atoll provide high-quality cleaning and are carried out in transparent cases. This is not only a plus for aesthetics, but also the ability to observe the cleaning process. The company's product range includes filters for cold and hot water with a capacity of up to 60 l / min.

All these flowing main filters http://v-filter.ru/kupit/protochnye-filtry/, as well as many other devices for water purification, can be purchased at the Kristall LLC store.

To provide yourself with healthy and clean water in your home, you need to install a purification filter. This will help remove excess impurities, clean dirt and bleach, as well as harmful microorganisms.

purpose

The water purifier will protect household appliances and plumbing, increase its service life, and allow you to change consumables in them less often.

Some modern appliances require additional filters due to the increased hardness of the water. They are installed in front of the mechanisms and save expensive spare parts from premature wear. It can be a dishwasher, washing machine or other household appliances.

However, it is not only technology that needs to be considered. It is also necessary to install a filter for drinking water. This will allow the body to receive a better liquid with an optimal level of hardness.

Skin and hair are also sensitive to insufficiently soft water. Therefore, it does not hurt to install a water purifier on the shower. Unfortunately, most filters are recommended for use in cold temperatures, so you need to purchase a separate one for hot.

How often do we think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or for 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 permissible sanitary standards. Simply boiling or settling can only help a little, and is unable to deal with the overwhelming amount of pollution or even infection.

It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude to health, one's own and the immediate environment, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the growing popularity and demand for household appliances for water purification. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety presented for sale can easily put into a "stupor" the buyer who purchases such products for the first time, and is not too well aware of the question of how to choose a water filter.

Where does the choice begin?

In this publication there will be no detailed story about the factors polluting water, about the technologies for cleaning it from certain substances, about the principles of operation of various filtering devices.

How are coarse and fine filters arranged and how do they work?

It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article of our portal is devoted to the issue of the device and functioning of various devices.

Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person in order to provide their homes with clean water. Let's take "out of brackets" and complex powerful water treatment plants assembled from several column-type filters - only specialists should be engaged in their selection, assembly and installation. 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.

The implementation of any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to get as a result. By purchasing any, in fact, things or products, a person usually already knows what functions or qualities he hopes to receive for his money spent. The water filter is no exception in this matter. It is required to confidently imagine what properties it should have.

The simplistic “just purify the water” approach is, of course, sheer amateurism. Along with obvious signs of pollution (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to the eye, smell or taste, posing a threat to human health.

You should not trust either your superficial feelings, or, even more so, 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" that are more likely to be classified as "urban legends". And, besides, the quality of water from nearby 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 consumer's apparent ignorance, shop assistants will try to impose an expensive filter system that is absolutely not needed. As a result, it is also lost money.

The best solution is to take a sample of water from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.

The most correct decision is to conduct a laboratory study of water from your source

The analysis solves a lot of questions at once:

One can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
The results of the analysis will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of the effectiveness of its work.
Regular testing will allow tracking the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important event for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
Having a laboratory test protocol 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, it is necessary to decide on the laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working with water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and with 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 analyzes are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should already go through the stage of disinfection, often only a chemical test is limited, although a microbiological study will also never become superfluous.

It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers on the time of delivery of the taken 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, it is necessary to pass 1.5 liters.

The optimal solution is a clean plastic bottle, but only from non-carbonated drinking water. It is forbidden to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
The tap opens, and the water is given at least 15 minutes for free exit. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will even take 2 hours).
The bottle and cap are thoroughly rinsed with the same water that will be analyzed. No detergents are used.
Then the pressure is made minimal, so that when entering the bottle, aeration is not created - - the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
The container is filled completely, with overflow, so that there is no air left under the tightly screwed stopper.

For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.

The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if, for example, a glass jar is used, then both it and the lid to it are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories practice taking samples for microbiology exclusively in their sterile disposable containers, which are issued to the customer.
For water intake, hands must be dressed in sterile medical gloves.

For the “purity of the experiment”, water sampling for biological analysis is carried out with sterile gloves

Even before the tap is opened, the spout cut is either burned through with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is required to completely exclude microorganisms from entering the sample from the side.
A faucet is opened, and water is circulated under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
After that, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top, and immediately hermetically closed.

Usually, the term for fulfilling an order for a qualitative laboratory study of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day ÷ two, this should alert. It happens that not entirely conscientious offices conduct a superficial express 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 allowable norms for water established by SanPiN and the actual indicators obtained are indicated.

Having such a document in hand and highlighting positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters of the appropriate direction of action.

The protocol of the laboratory study will help determine the "strategy" of water treatment, and can also be of help in making claims against utilities.

Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?

Experts have a common opinion on this matter - such an analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to a laboratory one. Of course, he will show the presence of a problem, but he will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, there will be clearly not enough data for a qualitative selection of a filtering system.

And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. If the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, then we can proceed from an average rate of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not work at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is desirable 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.

We now turn to the consideration of various models of household

The simplest option: filter - jug

Filter jug device

For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on the purchase of a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to get involved with any installation or connection of the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a "light option" - a jug. Of course, such a solution is possible only if the quality of the incoming water allows it.

The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution is to purchase a pitcher filter.

Although outwardly in shape and color design, filter jugs can seriously differ. The basic design of the is always the same, and does not differ in great complexity.

In fact, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.

The body of the jug (pos. 1) serves to collect purified water. It is always made of a transparent food-grade polymer, and a volume scale is often placed on its walls - for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually a number of models are on sale with a volume of filtered water in the range of 1.3 ÷ 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family's need for drinking water.

The upper container (pos. 2) is an insert in the body. It is also made of impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has a darker tone (the color may be different - depending on the design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity, as a rule, is 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 (pos. 3) is tightly inserted and fixed. The purpose, that is, the functionality of the cartridge may 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 of the cartridge with the upper container can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Apparently, this is a method of stimulating the purchase of only branded components.

There is a spout in the upper part of the body - for the convenience of directed draining of filtered water (pos. 4). The design is such that even with a strong inclination 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 cover 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 cover to prevent accidental ingress of dust or debris inside.

The filter jug always has a convenient handle (pos. 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 the replacement of the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have electronic indication. 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.

The scheme of work is obvious - the water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required purification and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are poured into the receiving container.

Applicable cartridges

It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its choice.

The shape of the cartridge and its lock part can be different, and there is almost no talk of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.

But cartridges for one filter model can have a different purpose:

Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help to cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, impurities of chlorine, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - a certain amount of ion-exchange resins is additionally introduced into them.
You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use a reagent-free iron removal and filtration technology.
For springs, water from which does not pass the stage of disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluorinating effect on water.

Most companies use some form of silver in cartridge fillers to prevent bacterial colonies from growing inside them. And besides, each of the manufacturers tries to surprise the consumer with their own original developments.

Usually at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, usually in replaceable elements it has a special throttling device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the filling level of the upper part of the jug.

Advantages and disadvantages. Filter pitcher selection options.

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, except for connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorm or rental housing.
The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, for a vacation trip.
Low cost, available to any family.

There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:

Cleaning goes only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
The cleaning rate is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often even much less.
Frequent (about once a month and a half) replacement of the cartridge is required. the period may be even shorter.
Relatively high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at the future. So, already in a year and a half - two years, the total costs can equal, or even exceed the costs of a really powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration unit.

When choosing a jug filter, care should be taken, as the market is replete with cheap fakes.

In no case do not buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models of well-known brands.

Carefully inspect and, literally, sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food grade plastics must be labeled appropriately as shown in the figure.

This sign says that "food" plastic was used to make the jug.

You should immediately evaluate the possibility of acquiring original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.

It is necessary to reasonably approach the choice of a jug by volume. Remember - such a filter is not a "carafe" at all, but serves only 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 a replaceable cartridge in vain.

Usually for a single person or for a couple, a jug of one and a half liters is enough. It is fashionable to think about buying a filter of maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.

Purchased cartridges must be in their original sealed packaging. Be sure to check their expiration date.

The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, but they should still be evaluated last.

To complete the section on jug filters - a small overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.

Model, short description	Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge yield (liters)	approximate cost
MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER"
Jug "Barrier-Style", 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 iron removal	350	250 rub.
Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for water filtration and bactericidal treatment	200	400 rub.
MANUFACTURER - "AQUAPHOR"
Jug "Aquaphor Line" 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 color, high temperature resistant plastic	4.0 / 1.5	840 rub
Jug "Geyser Dolphin" - a stylish model, a choice of 5 shades	3.0 / 1.4	380 rub.
Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with 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.
Pitcher "Marella XL", electronic indication	2.2 / 1.2	790 rub.
"Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs	150	290
"Brita Maxtra" - a cartridge with four stages of water purification	150	360 rub.

Video: an overview of filter jugs of the Barrier brand

Faucet attachment filters

Another type of filter, which can be attributed to the simplest water purification systems.

As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the top of the faucet spout. Water is filtered in a flowing way, due to the pressure in the pipes. This makes it possible to use 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 desktop filters-nozzles are an increased resource and performance. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.

However, there are also many disadvantages. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of usable space near the sink, to which it is “tied”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may be an obstacle.

A set of water from such a filter requires care - careless inclusion will result in liquid spilling onto the surface of the table. The probability of accidental release of hot water into the filter is fully preserved.

Model	Short description	average price
"Aquaphor Modern"	Spindle-shaped body, spout placed on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration speed - up to 1.2 l / min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - memo.	770 rub.
"Barrier Optima"	Original design, microprocessor control over the residual life of the filter module. Revolving spout. Cartridge resource - up to 1500 l. Filtration speed – up to 1 l/min.	1200 rub.
"Rodnik-3M"	Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight in the state not filled with water - 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration speed - 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. Module resource - up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration speed - up to 1.5 l / min.	1500 rub.

Under sink filter systems

Universal installations for filtration and fine purification of water, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are gaining more and more popularity 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, the link to which is placed above). Water on the way from the water supply to the point of analysis sequentially passes all the modules, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.

All filters are usually assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.

The location of the filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, it is possible to arrange in two rows or in two tiers, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.

The number of modules, that is, the cleaning steps: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This causes the highest "flexibility" of the system - the mounting dimensions of replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are the same for one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select the general characteristics of the entire complex, depending on the results of a laboratory study of water.

Such complexes are very easy to use. When they are installed, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last filtration stage. At any time, you can substitute the container, open the faucet and draw the right amount of purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide the 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, there should not be any special problems. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be attributed to disadvantages - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and a considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback of the filter unit.

The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.

Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, external design issues, as a rule, are not among the primary ones. Much more important is the correspondence of the dimensions of the complex to the actual dimensions of the space allotted for its installation.
Since the system involves, most often, multi-stage cleaning, one should be guided not by the persuasion of the sales assistant, but by the available results of laboratory research. It is important to prioritize in advance in order to correctly select the modular content of the kit.
Some complexes have extended functionality - after the first stage of mechanical cleaning, there is a branch to a conventional mixer or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
Assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the "slowest" cartridge. Usually, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of the order of 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
Filtering modules can also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to follow this on his own, since, perhaps, the change of cartridges will sometimes need to be done not at once, but “in steps”. Some modules are amenable to periodic regeneration.

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 console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for tapping into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a tap for installation on a sink, a key for "Packaging" flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit also includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.

Model	Short description	average price
"Aquaphor Solo Crystal"	The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260×340×90 mm. Productivity up to 2.5 l/min.	2500 rub.
"Aquaphor B510-08"	Replaceable module for deep water purification. Resource - 4000 l or 6 months. exploitation	350 - 400 rubles.
Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD)	Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and softening of hard water. Dimensions 355×365×145. 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 a change every 6 months	4000 rub
"Barrier Expert Complex"	Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, water softening and iron removal. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity - up to 2 l / min.	3700 rub.
"Expert Complex"	Set of cartridges. Resource 10000 liters or 1 year of operation	1400 rub.
"Aquaphor Crystal ECO N"	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 liters or 18 months. exploitation	2200 rub

Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter

Flowing main filters of the "Fibos" type

Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through the filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure generated by the pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for the initial connection of the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.

The advantage of main filters is that already clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several points of water analysis (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher, etc.).

We will analyze the operation of these filters using the Fibos filters as an example.

Untreated water enters the outer flask of the filter.
Under pressure, it passes through the filter element - a cloth 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 to household appliances.
Impurities are removed from the outside of the flask by simply opening the drain cock.

The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?

Currently, the world's only mass production of microwires is located in Russia. The technology of its production was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of microwire use are the military and space industries.

A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is not more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.

In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between the turns of 1 µm. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer flask of the filter, then they are removed when the drain valve is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that impurities do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off during washing.

If you look at the photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. Looking closely, you can see the gap between the turns, which is about 1 micron.

In addition to fine purification of water from impurities of a mechanical type, Fibos type filters protect against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter stops them completely.

If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, reduce the iron content in water, after the main filter of the Fibos type, you can put an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties. Cartridges last much longer, change less often, as the Fibos filter does 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, pool to industrial designs of 1000 l / min .

Fibos filters work with water pressure from 0.5 to 16 bar. They come with a pressure gauge that shows the pressure in the system.

Another plus to these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.

For ease of use, devices for automatic washing are attached to Fibos filters.

The filters are compact, from 146 mm to 183 mm high without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.

Model	Description	average price
	A handy little filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 6,990
	Compact filter for a summer house or an apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch (with an 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. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1 inch or 3/4 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 13,990
	The filter is ideal for cottages, swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Fineness of a filtration is 1,0 microns. Accession to the highway 1,25 inch or 1 inch (with an adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	23 990 rub.

Filters with reverse osmosis system

The highest rates of water purification from any inclusions, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filtering installations, in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.

For the "apologists" of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis

First, what is reverse osmosis?

If the vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then a liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, then the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one in order to equalize the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called direct osmosis.

But if an external influence is applied to the volume of a more concentrated liquid - to increase its pressure, then the flow through the membrane will begin to be carried out in the opposite direction. And it will depend only on the size of the cells of the membrane what will go to the next section.

This is how reverse osmosis filters work.

Schematically - what is the process of reverse osmosis

Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow) whose micro-holes are only about 0.3 nm in size, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where the filtered water enters the points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). All larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane, and are removed together with a concentrated solution into the drain (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 able to independently purify water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to "overload" the membrane, and so that its pores do not overgrow, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, which is constantly present in tap water) are smaller than water molecules and must be disposed of in advance. Therefore, preliminary filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.

The output is water, which, according to its characteristics, approaches distilled water. From the point of view of cleanliness - this is excellent, but from the standpoint of consumer qualities - not very. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, it is of little use for drinking, and the 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, for domestic purposes, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis. Usually it is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for a person. A carbon post-filter can also be installed, a biothermal module that normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can also be used at the end of the cycle.

The cost of such installations is quite high, so you need to immediately decide how much there is a need for it. In addition, when choosing, a number of important criteria are taken into account.

The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of around 2.8 bar. Not always plumbing systems meet these indicators. This means that either the installation of a pump that increases the pressure in the system will be required, or it will be necessary to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will be a need to organize power supply as well.
Very "how much" is the question of the performance of the filter installation. 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 unreasonable to use such water for economic purposes.

Even the smallest installations are capable of delivering up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So chasing high performance is hardly worth it, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.

It should be decided which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow systems, filtration occurs only when the tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another option, the system has its own storage tank - the filtration process takes place only when necessary - with a decrease in the total volume of accumulated purified water to a certain level. Very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembly assembly. But the price of such complexes is much lower.

The most expensive module, of course, is reverse osmosis, but its resource is quite large - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. The rest of the replaceable cartridges change more often, as the resources embedded in them are depleted. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a carbon post-filter cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water can "signal" a bitter taste.

Model	Short description	average price
"Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6"	Three-stage pre-cleaner, mineralizer and post-filter. Accumulative tank of 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity is 15,6 l/hour.	14000 rub.
Geyser Prestige PM	Six steps pre 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. Accumulative tank on 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/h.	11000 rub.
"Atoll A-560E SailBoat"	Original monobloc design that simplifies the installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. The built-in membrane tank on 8 l. Productivity - up to 6 l / hour.	20000 rub.