Tap water often does not meet safety and quality requirements. For various reasons, impurities harmful to the body are found in it, because of which it acquires an unpleasant taste, cloudy color and a disgusting smell. It is possible to find particles in the tap water from calcareous sediment that accumulates on the walls of pipes. They can harm human health, as well as spoil household appliances. Experts recommend drinking such water only after pre-treatment.
Filtration is one of the main and effective methods of cleaning, which is actively used in various industries. Filters are available for home use in urban apartments and private homes. Coarse filters use coarse mesh filters. Such devices are installed between the main pipe and the inlet to the crane. For more efficient liquid filtration, cheap filter jugs are used that eliminate many chemical elements that can harm human health. After such a double cleaning , tap water is suitable for drinking raw, as well as for washing dishes, cooking, washing food, for example, fruits and vegetables.
Coarse filter
A device called a coarse filter (abbreviated as CSF) is designed to purify tap water of certain solid fractions, such as lime, rust, clay, chlorine, sand and others. As a rule, such a cleaning product is installed in the water supply system in front of the mixer. If counters are installed in the apartment or house, it is necessary to install the CSF directly in front of it.
The principle of the CSF
The principle of operation of a household filter for cleaning tap water is quite simple. Inside the body of the product is a mesh or cartridge. The flow of water passing through the filter element improves its composition. The purified liquid enters the consumer through a mixer. If the water is of poor quality, then it is additionally passed through a household fine water filter.
Devices for rough cleaning of tap water differ from each other in the following parameters:
- Sizes.
- Types of blocks for filtering.
- Lifetime.
- Throughput for a certain period of time.
- External dimensions of the device.
- The material from which the device is made.
Varieties of CSF
Despite the fact that the principle of operation for different models of water filters for rough cleaning is very similar, the products are still significantly different from each other in shape, embodiment, method of cleaning from large stones and dirt.
The mesh filter is the most popular in Russia. It has a long service life without repair. The working element is not removable, so if necessary, you will have to change the entire body of the product at once. A metal mesh is installed inside the filter housing. The cell size of the filter element varies depending on the model (from 50 to 400 microns). The case is made of stainless steel. Manufacturers produce filters of different shapes on the water pipe, which differ from each other by the method of insertion, as well as by the methods of cleaning and maintenance.
Depending on the type of mesh, filtering devices can be divided into two types:
- Self-cleaning. The net is automatically cleaned of sand and other small particles in the water. In this case, it is not necessary to disassemble and clean the CSF on their own.
- Without auto rinse function. It is possible to remove accumulated dirt from such a rough water filter only if you disassemble its body and remove the mesh.
Industrial and household CSFs for cold water are most often made with a transparent body. Such a technological solution makes it possible to see how clogged the filter element is. Devices for rough cleaning of hot water are made only of metal, since only this material can withstand high temperatures.
Most water pipe filters perform not only their primary function of improving fluid quality. They also regulate the pressure in the pipe thanks to a special valve. This function makes it possible to connect a pressure gauge to the water filter. This solution will help protect pipes and appliances from pressure drops and water shocks.
It is possible to install a device with automatic mesh washing if a drainage pipe is installed in the water supply, through which dirty water and impurities drain after cleaning. Such filters have gained incredible popularity due to the fact that they do not need to be serviced, and also because of their small size.
Strainer Benefits
Based on the foregoing, we can distinguish the main advantages of water filters, where a mesh is used to purify water:
- Low cost.
- Compactness.
- No maintenance required.
- Easy to install.
- They can clean both cold and hot water.
- Reliability.
- Easy manual cleaning in case of heavy contamination.
Disadvantages of strainers
Water filters, where the main element for water purification is a metal mesh, there are also significant drawbacks. Firstly, they are able to clean water only from large contaminants. Drinking liquids that have passed through such filtration is still not recommended. Secondly, for washing CSFs that do not have a self-cleaning function, you will have to shut off the water, dismantle the device, and then remove the mesh. If you perform such operations too often, it can lead to damage to household appliances and faucets.
Flange and coupling filters
Water filters are divided into two more types, depending on the type of fastening - flange and threaded. The flange device is installed on pipes with a diameter of two inches or more. Usually they are installed in the basements of apartment buildings and in enterprises. Flange connections are fastened by studs and nuts, which makes it possible to dismantle the filter from the line, without removing other parts from the structure.
Devices for cleaning water from large particles, which are equipped with a threaded connection, cut into pipes of small diameter. Typically, such filters are installed in the domestic environment for supplying water to apartments and small private houses. Such devices are either screwed onto the pipe or connected to the water supply system using union nuts.
Regardless of the model, the CSF is established, taking into account a number of general rules, which are listed below:
- Before installation, it is necessary to shut off the water supply, and then thoroughly clean the pipes at the installation site - from corrosion, rags and dirt.
- Make sure that rubber gaskets are present in the device.
- A plumbing teflon thread or other sealant must be wound around the thread.
- Install the appliance so that water passes through it from top to bottom. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to purchase a special inclined filter.
- To reduce the load on the CSF, its body must be secured to the wall with a clamp.
Installation methods
In all types of CSF there are two nozzles - inlet and outlet, as well as a tank where water is purified, which flows through the device. Depending on the location of the tank, the filters are:
- Straight, where the sump is located vertically to the flow. Such devices usually have a large case, but the water quality is also improved. The flow of water, passing through a large volume sump, slows down. Large particles settle to the bottom of a special tank. After sifting out large stones and other debris, the liquid is filtered by a metal mesh where small particles are held.
- Slanting. In this case, the sump in the device is at an angle relative to the flow of water. Such CSFs are used in places where direct filters cannot be installed due to limited space. The sump for such devices is closed with flange covers or a threaded plug.
Fluid Cleaning Options
Filters depending on the mechanism of water purification are divided into the following subspecies. One of these wastewater treatment plants is called non-leaching or “mud”. They come with both oblique and straight body. When the device becomes clogged, the lid of the sump is unscrewed, and then all the accumulated debris is removed from the housing.
Most direct wastewater treatment plants typically have an exhaust valve, which is necessary for occasionally draining dirt. A filter is also installed in the filter, which serves to clean the direct or reverse fluid flow.
Cartridge (cartridge) filters are a more expensive and high-quality device. Their case consists of a transparent bulb that is attached to the wall. It contains occasionally replaceable cartridges, which are the main component for rough cleaning of liquids.
Replaceable components of the CSF are made from one of these materials - compressed fiber, twisted yarn or polyester. These components have different filtering capabilities, but all of them do an excellent job, as the water passes through the pores in the cartridge at about 25 microns.
The disadvantage of this method of improving water quality is the frequent replacement of the filter element. Typically, such a device must be installed in water supply systems, where a large number of small particles of garbage are found.
Small cartridge devices can only work under low pressure, if the flow is too large, then you need to install a large device, which costs much more.
Replaceable cartridges are capable of removing fine particles and impurities in tap water. Due to the fibrous structure and coal powder, the liquid is purified from chlorine.
If a hosiery-type device is installed in the water supply, then the water will be cleaned of fibrous formations, whether it is algae, clay or tina. Too many of these substances can cause frequent pipe blockages, as well as damage to expensive equipment.
One of the features of the cartridge-type CSF is the fact that the filter element in them cannot be cleaned, it must be completely changed.
In those cases when a large amount of insoluble impurities is found in water, it is necessary to establish a high-pressure pressure CSF. It consists of a metal container, which is slightly susceptible to corrosion. Inside it is a filter, as well as a unit that automatically regulates the hydrotreating process. Such a device is capable of retaining particles larger than 30 microns.
Such products have a number of significant disadvantages:
- Big size.
- Work only in heated rooms.
- For regeneration, it is necessary to install an auxiliary drainage pipe.
How to install and maintain the device
Before installing the CSF, you need to know the basic rules for dealing with it. For the device to work correctly, you must:
- It is best to install a treatment device in front of the water meter. Often, plumbers are faced with a situation where there is not enough space for installing a rough filter in the right place. In this case, it would be advisable to establish a skew model. It is able to catch small particles of dirt, and also protect the counter from damage.
- The oblique filter must be installed on a horizontal pipe. In this case, after installation, the bulb acting as a sump should be located below. It is also important to find out in which direction the water flow is directed. Based on this information, a filter should be installed.
- Installation of an oblique filter is possible on a vertical pipe, however, you should be aware that in this case the water flow should be directed from top to bottom. If you install the cleaning mechanism on the contrary, with the settling tank up, dirt will still not leak through the net, however, the CSF will quickly fail.
- The direct filter can only be installed on horizontally located pipes. In this case, it is necessary to leave space so that, if necessary, it was possible to remove the flask for cleaning the device.
- Filters that have a self-cleaning function must be equipped with a backwash design. This can be done by installing a bypass loop, in which several cranes should be installed. The latter serve to switch the fluid in the system to the oncoming flow.
- During operation, the device must be periodically cleaned of accumulated dirt, replace the screen and cartridge (if any). Most often, such maintenance should be carried out for non-flush filters.
- Before any work related to the dismantling of the filter installed in the water supply system, it is required to relieve pressure from the system. To do this, stop the water supply by shutting off the tap.
- A plug with a hex head for a wrench is installed on the housing of the oblique filters. Experts recommend unscrewing it to replace the paronite gasket with winding from tow. Such refinement will increase the tightness in the system.
- For direct filters mounted vertically, the bulb is also removed with a wrench. On some models, you can unscrew the screw with a curly wrench, which is sold with the device. After cleaning the filter from contamination, it is necessary to replace all rubber gaskets with new ones to avoid leaks.
- During servicing of the liquid purifier, the accumulated dirt in the tank must be removed. The mesh also needs to be removed and washed thoroughly under a stream of water. If structural details are identified on the part, it must be replaced with a new one. Spare parts for CSF can be found in any plumbing store. In cartridge-type devices, you will need to replace the cartridge.
- A household tap filter with an automatic rinse device is much easier to maintain. To extract dirt from its body, it is enough to open the faucet in the lower part of the CSF body. The mesh and the inside of the case are washed independently under a strong stream of water. All debris flows out through the drain pipe. Do not forget to substitute the basin so that the liquid does not spill onto the floor.
- The most advanced filter with backwash device. If it is clogged, then its cleaning occurs with water directed in the opposite direction. The mesh in this case cleans much better.
Rough cleaning with a filter element does not solve all the problems aimed at improving the quality of drinking water. They are used mainly for the protection of household appliances and meters to account for water consumption. Drinking liquid from the tap after such filtration (without additional treatment) is still not recommended.
Main filter
The main filters serve for more thorough cleaning of the liquid in the water supply. As a rule, they are installed directly in front of the mixer between the inlet and the main pipe for supplying water.
Throughput
Main filters for fine water purification (FTO) pass water through membranes that differ in design. Basically, they are made from numerous nets or a plastic block filled with granular material. Often, such filters reduce the pressure of water, which becomes not only a reason for a decrease in comfort for a person while using the water supply, but also lead to a failure in the operation of household appliances that are connected to the water supply system. To avoid such unpleasant situations, check the pressure drop indicators before purchasing a liquid purifier. Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate such information in the passport on the product.
The optimal value for this characteristic is a number from 0.1 to 0.5 bar. The capacity of the PTO should vary from 20 to 50 liters per minute.
Types of filters for thorough cleaning
The classification of filters for the treatment of tap water is made, first of all, depending on the temperature of the water. So, during the manufacture of main filters for cold water do not use heat-resistant materials. Devices for cleaning hot water are made of heat-resistant plastic or metal. Cartridges installed inside the filter should also be made of a material that is not afraid of strong heat.
Main filters for the purification of tap water are available for both hot and cold water. In this case, the first one can be installed in cold water, but a treatment device designed for cold water cannot be connected to a hot water supply pipe.
Filters for softening tap water can be either coarse or fine. The first option is intended for water purification, which will subsequently be used for technical purposes. After fine cleaning, you can drink water and cook food on it. All of these types of devices are rarely used without additional equipment.
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Trunk devices for fine water purification are often equipped with additional equipment with granular loading. Such filters to soften tap water can also clean the liquid from various harmful impurities, biological and chemical compounds. The main disadvantage is the rather large case of the device, for its installation a certain space is required.
How trunk filters work
The main filter for rough cleaning retains large stones and sand with a fine mesh. So that the pressure in the pipe does not drop, it is necessary to service the device, disassembling its body and washing the filter element from contaminants. There are devices in which several grids are installed in the housing. The size of their cells is gradually decreasing.
Water filters for fine water purification have a grid that is able to stop large particles, for example, grains of sand, clay, stones. Then, a cartridge is installed in the body of the product, in which the sorbent material is densely packed.
Cartridges are distinguished from each other by the ability to capture small particles. This characteristic is called the filtering threshold. For a high-quality filter, such an indicator should be at least 20 microns. The most common cartridges are capable of trapping particles with a size of at least 5 microns.
In some household filters for tap water, additional equipment is installed to improve the quality of the liquid, for example, UV treatment modules that can disinfect water, as well as various types of membranes.
Types of Cartridges
On large filters for cleaning tap water, cartridges are placed that can remove any impurities in the liquid. Such a filter element is called highly specialized. They are usually used in factories to protect expensive equipment from harmful chemical elements found in untreated water. For home use, it is enough to use a conventional universal cartridge.
Which filter is better
Many housewives want to know what is the best tap water filter available. It is rather difficult to answer this question, as each enterprise manufacturing such devices tries to surpass competitors and constantly improves its technologies. So, the water filter "Aquaphor" uses cartridges filled with carbon powder. Such a component copes with chlorine in a liquid. In addition, it perfectly cleans even the most polluted tap water of various mineral salts and small particles of dirt. Thanks to the operation of the device of this company, you can safely drink tap water without fearing for your health.
The "Barrier" filter for tap water is also one of the leaders in sales in Russia. Thousands of Russians trust the manufacturer, cleaning the liquid with devices of this particular brand. This suggests that the quality of the water obtained after purification with the Barrier filter is in no way inferior to the device sold in stores under the Aquaphor trademark.