Water Filter Cartridges

Filter Cartridges – What Are They Used For?

Filter cartridges are a key element in the water treatment process, whether it is for a home, office, or production hall. Their main task is to remove contaminants that can affect water quality. There are many types of filter cartridges, and the choice of the right model depends on the types of substances present and the individual needs of the user.

Types of Filter Cartridges

Foam Cartridges

Foam cartridges are made from high-quality polypropylene (PP) and are commonly used to remove mechanical contaminants such as sand, rust, sludge, and other sediments. They are made from densely packed polypropylene fibers that create micro-screens to trap particles. Foam cartridges are effective in eliminating visible contaminants, which translates to clearer water. Moreover, their multi-stage construction ensures above-average durability and resistance to chemicals and the growth of harmful bacteria. Foam cartridges are often used in filter jugs and water treatment systems.

String Cartridges

String cartridges consist of compressed string fibers that create a structure with a high capacity for trapping contaminants. They are exceptionally effective in removing sediments, rust, and dust, as well as improving water clarity. String cartridges provide multi-stage filtration and are very durable and efficient. These features make them a popular choice used in water purification systems.

Carbon Cartridges

Carbon cartridges are designed to eliminate unwanted mechanical contaminants (e.g., chlorine or heavy metals) and organic compounds (e.g., bacteria). Activated carbon has the ability to adsorb these substances, binding them and preventing them from entering the water. Carbon cartridges also improve the taste and smell of water, which is particularly important for tap water.

Mineralizing Cartridges

Mineralizing cartridges are intended to enrich water with valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Since these are essential for the proper functioning of the body, the filtered drinking water has a significantly higher nutritional value. Mineralizing cartridges are particularly a good choice when living in an area with mineral-poor water.

Demineralizing Cartridges

Demineralizing cartridges are designed to remove excessive minerals and salts from water. They are used in laboratories, industry, marine aquaculture, and chemical processes where pure water with zero or near-zero conductivity is required. Demineralizing cartridges utilize ion exchange processes and reverse osmosis.

Iron Removal Cartridges

Iron removal cartridges are specially designed to remove iron from water, which can be a source of unpleasant taste and odor, as well as unsightly sediment from scale. Iron removal cartridges use chemical processes and adsorption to eliminate iron. With them, one can also get rid of yellow stains on clothing or brown streaks on sanitary appliances.

Softening Cartridges

Softening cartridges focus on removing water hardness, which means calcium and magnesium ions. Obtaining soft water, which contains between 100 to 200 mg CaCO3/liter, helps prevent scale buildup in household appliances. Softening cartridges use ion-exchange resins to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions.

Linear Sediment Cartridges

Linear sediment cartridges are designed to remove various suspensions, rust, sludge, sand, and other mechanical contaminants. They have long cylindrical cartridges with micropores through which water flows. During filtration, all sediments are trapped – larger particles are caught at the surface, while smaller ones are captured in deeper layers. Linear sediment cartridges are often used in water wells and pumping systems.

Linear Carbon Cartridges

Linear carbon cartridges combine the advantages of carbon and linear sediment cartridges. They contain a carbon insert inside the cylindrical sediment cartridge, allowing for simultaneous removal of both mechanical and chemical contaminants. Linear carbon cartridges are used in advanced filtration systems.

Ionizing Cartridges

Ionizing cartridges are designed to modify water parameters, such as increasing the pH level to 9.5, lowering the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and achieving a negative REDOX potential. By consuming water with additional ions, one can eliminate free radicals, slow down aging processes, and ensure proper hydration of the body.

Ceramic Cartridges

Ceramic cartridges can be reused multiple times – to regenerate them, simply rinse them with running water. They can effectively remove mechanical contaminants such as rust, sludge, or sand.

Capillary Membranes

Capillary membranes provide very precise water filtration. Their main element is the capillary, which takes the form of a thin tube responsible for the upward flow of liquid. They are easy to use and have compact sizes.

Advantages of selected filter cartridges

Removal of impurities

Filter cartridges remove mechanical and chemical impurities, significantly improving water quality and preventing sediment buildup in household appliances.

Improvement of taste and odor

Cartridges, such as those with activated carbon, eliminate undesirable tastes and odors from water, making it more pleasant to drink.

Enrichment of water with minerals

Mineralizing cartridges provide valuable minerals that have a beneficial effect on health.
Reduction of heavy metal content

Some water filter cartridges remove harmful heavy metals (e.g., lead), which is important for protecting the human body.

Removal of water hardness

Softening cartridges prevent the buildup of scale in household appliances, which has a significant impact on their efficiency and lifespan.

Ease of installation and maintenance

Filter cartridges are relatively easy to install and replace, making their use hassle-free.

Factors influencing the choice of filter cartridge

The choice of appropriate filter cartridges depends on several key factors:

Type of impurities in the water – different types of cartridges are effective in removing specific impurities. Analyzing water quality will help identify which ones are present in the water, leading to the selection of the appropriate model.

Water hardness level – in areas with high water hardness, softening cartridges may be necessary to prevent excessive scale buildup.

Water flow – the efficiency of filter cartridges depends on water flow, so it is important to choose a product of the right size.

Purpose of treatment – different types of cartridges are used for various purposes, from improving the taste of drinking water to purifying water used in industry. The key is to determine our priorities.

Water filter cartridges – summary

Water filter cartridges are an essential component of treatment systems, eliminating mechanical impurities, improving the taste and odor qualities of the liquid, and providing valuable, life-giving minerals. The choice of the right model depends on the individual needs of the user and the analysis of water quality. With filter cartridges, we can enjoy clean and healthy water that positively impacts our health and overall quality of life.