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Frequently
Asked Questions
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"Non-Chemical"
Birm and Birm
Blend Iron Filters
Q.
Why are these systems called "Non-Chemical?"
A. Many iron filters use greensand filter media which requires
the use of potassium permanganate, chlorine or other chemicals. These
filters remove iron and in some
cases manganese without chemicals.
Q. How do they work?
A. These systems use Birm a type of iron filter media, or
a blend of Birm, and calcium and magnesium filter media. As the
water flows through, a reaction occurs where the dissolved oxygen
and the dissolved ferrous iron compounds form an insoluble ferric
hydroxide. After these ferric particles (also known as "rust") get
trapped in the filter media, they are periodically backwashed out
to drain, and the filter media is ready to filter again.
Q. Do these systems come in different sizes?
A. Yes. The size of the systems is directly proportional
to the flow rate of the water, in gallons per minute. The higher
the flow rate, the larger the system required.
Q. Do these filters have any special conditions to work properly?
A. Yes! There is actually a very specific set of conditions
required. The water must have a pH of 7.0 or greater for Birm
filters, and 6.5 or greater for Birm
Blend filters to work properly. In addition, the dissolved oxygen
content must be at least 15% of the iron or manganese content. The
best applications are where the systems are installed after holding
tanks (where dissolved oxygen is plentiful). In some cases, if a holding
tank or storage tank is not used, then an air-injection venturi must
be used to increase the dissolved oxygen. Additionally, no tannins,
chlorine, oil or hydrogen sulfide
(rotten egg odor) should be present.
Q. My water also has a very bad smell of sulfur, is this
a problem?
A. Yes. Do not use these iron filters when hydrogen sulfide
(a natural toxic gas formed by iron and sulfur bacteria) is present.
In these applications, use ozone,, chlorinate or aerate in a tank
to destroy the hydrogen sulfide. Generally, it is better to use
chlorination
or ozone,
followed by greensand or greensand blend iron filters if hydrogen
sulfide and/or iron bacteria is present.
Q. If I chlorinate first, can I use this type of iron filter?
A. No. These iron filters should not be used if the water
has a chlorine residual. De-chlorinate before the iron filter, or
use the greensand type of iron filter.
Q. Are these systems big energy users?
A. No. The control valve uses only about 15 watts of energy
to run the timer and backwash valve.
Q. I have very high manganese (greater than .05 PPM), will
these iron filters remove manganese also?
A. Yes, but the pH must be between 8.2 and 9.0. One could
raise the pH with soda ash or other methods to raise the pH, but
it would be better to use a greensand filter to reduce manganese.
Q. What maintenance is required?
A. Under the right conditions there is little maintenance.
If the iron is higher than 2.0 PPM and the hardness is greater than
150 PPM, then the control valve should be disassembled and cleaned
once a year. If the pH is 6.8 to 7.2, and the alkalinity is low,
then small amounts of magnesium oxide must be added to the filter
periodically.
Q. Is there a pressure loss through the system?
A. When properly sized, the system produces a very low pressure
drop at service flow rates, usually around 5 psi.
Q. Can I route the backwash water to my septic tank?
A. Yes. The backwash water is nontoxic and can be routed
to the septic tank with no problem. It can also be routed to landscaping,
although the backwash is usually very dark and orange, and will
stain surfaces.
Q. How frequently do I have to replace the filter media?
A. The filter media will last for 4 to 8 years depending
on usage and conditions. It is easily replaced.
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Q. Can I get assistance in choosing an iron filter system for
my application?
A. Yes! You should first have your water
tested, and then contact
our technical staff for help on selecting the best iron filter
system for your application. |
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