Comparison MAXIMA Eco midi 20L vs Ecosoft FK 1018 CAB CE

The amount of water that the filter is able to pass through itself per unit of time (of course, effectively purified in the process); usually stated in liters per minute. This parameter is largely related to the type (see above): for example, in jugs, the filtration rate usually does not exceed 0.5 L per minute, while for main devices that supply entire apartments, a throughput of tens or even hundreds of liters is required.

Note that it does not always make sense to pursue a high filtration rate. After all, other things being equal, finer cleaning takes more time; accordingly, the faster the filter works, the higher the chance that the quality of such cleaning will be relatively low. And devices that purify water efficiently and quickly usually have an appropriate price. Therefore, it is worth considering the purpose of the filter and, on the basis of this, determine the balance between the filtration speed and its quality when choosing. It is also worth keeping in mind the conditions of use: for example, if you need to filter low-quality tap water for drinking, it is better to sacrifice speed in favor of efficiency.

The resource can be described as the total amount of water (in thousands of liters) that the filter is able to clean before the cartridge needs to be changed. Usually, it is indicated for a standard filter element (see "Removable cartridges").

Different types of filters (see above) can significantly differ in resource, depending on the features of their application. However, for all models, the rule applies: do not use a cartridge that has exhausted its resource. This is due not only to a drop in filtration efficiency — an “overfilled” filter can begin to release the accumulated contents into the water, further degrading its quality. Since it can be quite difficult to monitor of a specific amount of treated water, many manufacturers indicate the approximate time in which it will be exhausted with an average intensity of use in addition to the resource. Usually it is a few months, but there are exceptions. In addition, for the convenience of the user, various indicators can be provided in the filter design (see "Cartridge replacement indicator").

In models with a multi-stage design (see "Stages of purification"), where there are several cartridges, their resource usually differs, and the total filter resource is usually indicated by the least durable cartridge, that is, until the first replacement of any of the filter elements.

Substances from which the filter is able to purify water. Some models may also indicate a specific degree of purification in percent for each point; the higher this indicator, the more efficiently the filter is able to cope with its functions. This list will be especially useful if you know what exactly is the most polluted water in your area — it will allow you to choose the model that is most suitable for specific conditions. In addition, in the case of softening systems (see "Type"), this data helps to determine the specific type of device — softener or iron remover.

The most common contaminants today are:

— Mechanical impurities. Particles of small size, insoluble in water and in a state of suspension. An example of such impurities is fine sand.

— Organic impurities. Impurities of various substances of organic origin — benzene, chloroethanes, chlorethylenes, etc. Many of these substances are harmful to humans. Unlike the mechanical impurities described above, "organics" refers to chemical contaminants — such substances dissolve in water, and they have to be filtered at the molecular level. This requires the use of fairly advanced filters. It is also worth mentioning that some types of organic substances — in particular, phenol, pesticides and petroleum products — stand out in separate categories, the possibility of filtering them is specifically stipulated in the specs...of the filters. This is due to their prevalence and popularity: the term "organic impurities" is not clear to everyone, but the danger of pesticides or petroleum products is well known. See below for details on individual types of organic contaminant.

— Active chlorine. Chlorination is still used in some plumbing systems as a disinfectant. As a result, water supplied to consumers often contains dissolved chlorine, which is harmful to health. Some filters with this function, in addition to chlorine, are also able to remove hydrogen sulfide and other gases dissolved in it, which affect water quality and give it an unpleasant odour. However, these possibilities should be specified separately.

— Iron. Iron is known to many as an important trace element necessary for the functioning of the body; however, a person needs very little of it, and iron impurities in drinking water only harm the body. Note that such impurities can be present in different forms; therefore, different types of filters are required to filter them. So, one of the most famous options is colloidal iron: very small undissolved particles that give the water a characteristic “rusty” colour, as well as a metallic taste and smell. This type of impurities is effectively filtered by osmotic membranes (see "Reverse osmosis"). Also, such membranes cope well with bacterial iron — it is also in the form of insoluble microscopic particles, accumulates a specific type of bacteria that lives in water pipes. But for soluble forms (ferrous hydroxide, chloride and ferrous sulfate), it is necessary to use specialized cleaning and softening systems — iron removers; see "Type" for details. Summing up, we can say that when choosing a device with this type of filtration, it is necessary to take into account the specific form of iron that you have to deal with. At the same time, water can contain several types of such impurities at the same time, which may require complex filtration.

— Ions of heavy metals. In this case, we can also talk about salts of heavy metals: ions are formed when any salts are dissolved in water. Most heavy metals — accordingly, their compounds — are toxic to humans.

— Pesticides. Various chemicals used to combat harmful microorganisms, fungi, weeds, various agricultural pests (insects, rodents), etc. Most pesticides are toxic chemicals and are toxic to humans.

— Nitrates. Salts of nitric acid, which are a common component of mineral fertilizers (saltpeter) in particular. Most of the nitrates are converted into safe compounds during use, but excess fertilizers can end up in drinking water.

— Cadmium. A metal used in particular in anti-corrosion coatings, batteries and inorganic dyes. Poisonous both by itself and in various compounds.

— Petroleum products. Oil and various substances obtained from it (gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, etc.). It is poisonous when taken orally.

— Hardness salts. Compounds that give water increased hardness are primarily calcium and magnesium salts. Water purification from such salts is carried out by purification and softening systems based on the principle of ion exchange. For more information about such devices, see "Type", here we note that if the specs of the cleaning and softening system indicate the filtration of hardness salts, then we have a classic softener, if not — an iron remover.

This list is not complete, modern filters can specialize in other types of pollution. For example, for many main models (see "Type"), filtration from sand and clay is separately claimed. In our catalog, such moments are described in the paragraph “Additional cleaning".

The volume of the main working substance used in the water purification and softening system. Note that in this case, we can talk not only about ion-exchange resin, but also about fillers of another type — for example, carbon filters (for more details, see "Type").

In general, this parameter is more of a general reference rather than practical value: manufacturers select the volume of resin in such a way as to ensure the performance claimed for this model. It is natural that the more performant the device, the more filler is required for efficient operation. It should be noted that the amount of resin, even in relatively modest models, is usually measured in tens of liters, which accordingly affects the size and weight.

The amount of salt consumed by the cleaning and softening system (see "Type") for one regeneration (recovery) of the ion exchange resin.

For more information about the point of this procedure, see p. "Regeneration". And consumption data allows you to determine how much salt you need to have "in the household" for effective recovery of the filler. At the same time, in systems with automatic and programmable regeneration, the corresponding amount of salt is filled in advance and consumed if necessary.

The amount of water consumed by the cleaning and softening system (see "Type") for one regeneration procedure.

For more information about the point of this procedure, see p. "Regeneration". It requires salt and water, and in some models — only clean water. At the same time, after washing, anyway, it cannot be used in the household and is drained into the sewer.

Information about water consumption will be useful primarily to those who use metered water supply, as well as to those who fundamentally intend to save water (or are forced to do so for one reason or another). Note that for regeneration, the filler must be subjected to repeated washing, due to which the water consumption is several times higher than the volume of the filler. At the same time, this ratio can vary greatly for different models: for example, with a filler amount of 25 L, the consumption can be 0.25 m3, and 0.8 m3, and even more than a cubic metre.

The time spent by the cleaning and softening system (see "Type") for the regeneration (recovery) of the filler.

The point of the procedure itself is described in detail in paragraph "Regeneration". Here we note that the device cannot be used during the recovery process; and since softeners are usually installed directly into the water supply (see "Connection"), then for this time you can be left without water at all. Knowing the duration of regeneration, you can plan it in such a way that it does not cause discomfort — for example, carry out the procedure at night.

At the same time, it is worth noting that some advanced softeners have a twin design with two filler blocks. When one block is regenerated, the system switches to the second one, which is ready, and works on it until this block also needs regeneration, after which the roles change — the first block that has managed to recover is put into operation. This format of work provides a constant supply of water without interruptions for regeneration, however, such devices are also expensive.

The type of filler regeneration provided in the cleaning and softening system (see "Type").

Regeneration is the procedure for restoring the working properties of the filler. In softeners using ion exchange resins, the essence of this procedure is to re-saturate the resin with sodium ions. Recall that when softening water, the resin absorbs calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for hardness, and instead releases “soft” sodium ions. However, the supply of such ions in the resin is not unlimited, and when exhausted, it must be refilled. This is done by washing with a solution of sodium chloride (sodium chloride): the resin captures sodium ions from the brine and releases magnesium and potassium ions into it, which are drained into the sewer along with the spent brine.

In iron removers, in turn, rinsing with ordinary clean water is used for regeneration, which removes mechanical impurities from the filter element.

However, in this case, the types of regeneration are divided not according to the physical and chemical features of the work, but according to the method of start and control. Specific options might be:

— Automatic. A procedure carried out in a fully automatic mode. The device independently monitors the state of the filler and switches to regeneration mode if necessary. At the same time, most models are able to warn the user in advance and ask for instructions on exactly when to start the process — immediately..., with a certain delay, or at night; this eliminates the risk of running out of water due to an untimely recovery. Automatic regeneration systems are the most convenient: the user only needs to refill the salt supply in time and periodically respond to system notifications, while the procedure is carried out on time, without delay. However, it requires the use of complex control circuits and sensors, which accordingly affects the cost of the entire device.

— Programmable. Regeneration carried out according to a programme previously entered into the device. Usually, the user himself has to approximately estimate the intensity of the device and the frequency of regeneration. At the same time, additional parameters can be set during programming — for example, the process is carried out only upon request and confirmation from the user, or the restoration is turned on only at night. This method of operation is not as convenient as fully automatic, it requires additional attention, but it is also cheaper.

— Automatic/programmable. Devices capable of operating in both regeneration modes described above. This functionality gives the user a choice: you can completely shift the tracking of the filler to automation or control individual regeneration parameters manually.

— Manual. Fully manual regeneration. In such models, the user must independently enable recovery and put the system into working mode at the end of the process. At the same time, additional devices may be provided in the design that simplify these tasks — for example, an indicator for replacing cartridges (see above) or a countdown timer for the regeneration mode. However, these functions are only responsible for notifications; the user still needs to carry out all operations manually. This is the least convenient, but at the same time the most inexpensive and available option.

The diameter of the pipes to which the filter is designed to be connected; indicated only for models with water connection, see "Connection". In plumbing, pipes of standard diameters are usually used, and inches are used for measurement — for example, 0.75", 1", etc. Most filters are equipped with a set of adapters for different pipe diameters, therefore, most likely there will be no connection problems, even if the initial diameters do not match. Nevertheless, it is best to choose a filter that matches your water supply in terms of fitting size — in this case, the connection is more reliable, and compliance with the claimed characteristics will be complete.