The Salt Free Water Softener ExperimentDo Salt Free Water Softeners Really Work?
Combine the fact that salt is a damaging environmental pollutant and the fact that lugging 50 lb bags of salt is no fun at all, and it's a wonder that conventional salt-based water softeners are still so popular.
Conventional salt-using water softeners are old technology. They've been around for decades with very little change to the way the work. Sure, there have been some bells and whistles added, but the core principal by which they operate remains the same: removing hardness minerals from water and exchanging them for sodium. These machines do a great job of softening the water and yielding the desired effects of cleaner laundry, reduction of hard water scale on fixtures and appliances, and softer hair and skin. Unfortunately, each one of these appliances dotted throughout our cities and towns, each consume and discharge salt.
It doesn't sound particularly insidious yet, when you look at the damaging effect of salt in our environment, it's a wonder that these ancient machines have continued to be sold and used in North America. The probable reason for their continued use and popularity is the lack of an effective alternative technology.
In the last 5 years or so, several alternative products have been introduced to the North American marketplace touting all the benefits of traditional salt-based water softening without the hassles of lugging salt, and the enviro-damaging effects of pumping used brine solution into the local waterway. These new technologies have included magnetic devices, electro-magnetic devices, and catalytic media devices.
Of the three, catalytic salt free water softeners look to hold the most promise. With the massive environmental upside to using a salt free technology we decided to undertake our own experiment and install a catalytic style salt free water softener in one of the hardest water areas in Canada. This blog will document the installation of the sytem, and will follow through time our evaluation of this alternative to salt-based water softeners.
Comments
Very interested
I'm too am going to be watching how your experiment goes. I am in dire need of a softener and I do not want a salt softener, I hate them and don't really have room for even a small one. I live in a duplex with nearly no storage room, but I do have room for the simple salt free tank.
Would it be possible for you to post what make and model you are testing?
~Steve D
Make and model of Salt Free Softener
The unit we are testing is sold by aQuatell. It's intended for homes with 1 - 3 bathrooms. It uses the Filtersorb SP3 media which is really the heart and soul of the system. The rest of the system is really not all that important except that it uses a fancy distributor (bottom plate that distributes the water through the media) called the Vortech made by Enpress.
You can follow this link for more info on the system: http://www.aquatell.com/us/salt-free-water-softeners/aquatell-salt-free-...
This is good!
This is good! I actually bookmarked that same make/model as a possible future purchase. Also looking at this more expensive model: http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/saltfree10-water-softener.htm
One of the biggest problems I have is that my dishwasher is nearly unusable because of the residue my hard water leaves behind. Do you guys use a dishwasher and has the salt free system kept the residue build up away?
Dishwasher
Hi there:
No, unfortunately we don't have a dishwasher anymore. We did (long before the experiment) but it stopped working and I imagine it was a direct result of scale buildup. We hauled it out but are eager to get a new one and that is actually a big part of why we were interested in the salt free softener.
I'm getting close to purchasing a dishwasher, hopefully in the next few months, so stay tuned.
Carol
Watching
Wanted to let you know that I am interested in this. We want to purchase a water softening system, but I don't want the environment harmed using the standard water softening system.
I am looking for a best alternative. This link was very interesting, but is scientifically harsh on most systems. It is hard not to agree with the site's concerns, however. http://www.chem1.com/CQ/
Thanks for keeping us posted.
Regards,
JohnE
http://jobbank.com/
Keep on Watching!
John,
I agree that there are countless devices on the market that purport to "soften" water by a variety of mechanisms. While I don't profess to be an expert, my background in science and water treatment R&D puts me in a decent place to evaluate the claims made by manufacturers. My goal is to find a salt-free alternative to water softening and after evaluating all the options there is no doubt in my mind that a "catalytic" water conditioning device holds the most promise. Please note - there are several different types of "catalytic" devices on the market. The system we're testing on this site is what is sometimes referred to as a TAC - Template Assisted Crystalization - style device. The principle is that the surface of the resin catalyzes the formation of insoluble crystals from the water soluble ions in the treatment stream.
The link you provided stated that a "catalyst can only speed up the rate of a reaction" and while this website did make some very valid scientific points, this statement is unfortunately not entirely accurate. A catalyst can also decrease the energy of activation of a chemical reaction. So, perhaps in the system we're testing, the surface of the bead (at a microscopic level) brings calcium and magnesium ions into contact at just the right geometry and ratio to facilitate the formation of an insoluble crystal of calcite, aragonite, or some other calcium-magnesium structure.
With all that being said, if I was 100% convinced of this process, I would not be performing this test and blogging about it. So, give us another two months or so - we need this time to make sure the existing plumbing has been entirely de-scaled. Then, we can report on what effects we notice with this "softened" water in terms of sudsing, laundry, and of course scale deposition and removal.
Thanks for your comments.
Still watching
By the way, by selecting this system I am assuming you felt it had the best chances. Do you have any connection to this type of technology other then as an interested bystander? Was there a link to the product you installed? What might its maintenance costs be if you have very hard water?
We have put on hold getting a salt-based system, but it is difficult to do so when every appliance in your house constantly fails.
In central NJ, we did testing on our water and it was over allowable FDA standards. We called the water company and they said to call another number (not the water company). They apparently didn't feel the obligation to provide us FDA acceptable water themselves unless pushed. In calling the other number, we got an answering machine where they did not call back. Guess we could have kept calling.
JohnE
http://jobbank.com/
My Connection to this Experiment
I am one of three people involved in the testing of this product. My interest is quite straightforward - I own a web-based business that sells water purification and softening products and I have been wanting to offer an alternative to salt-based solutions. You're right - I believe this system will work, or I would not have gone to the trouble of installing the system and starting this blog. I looked at a bunch of different "salt free" solutions and my research suggested that the system we're testing is legitimate and effective. I did not, however, feel comfortable promoting and selling a product that I had not installed and tested myself - hence this little experiment.
I have no direct connection to the manufacturer of this product other than the fact that I will promote and sell them if I'm satisfied that they work as advertised.
The other two people involved in the project are a married couple who own the home where this system is installed. One is an engineer involved in the water industry and the other is a water policy analyst with a non-governmental organization in Canada.
According to the manufacturer of the resin in this system, we need to give the test a total of 90 days to adequately evaluate its effectiveness. So - stay tuned. More tests, information, and pictures to come.
Update
Three things:
How about an update on how this experiment is progressing?
What would the initial cost be?
What would the maintenance cost be?
Update
Just posted an update, sorry for the delay! Reid might be able to give you an idea on initial cost....in terms of maintenance - from my end it seems maintenance free, hence no maintenance cost. There are no moving parts, no electricity consumption, which I really appreciate about the system.
Carol
Maintenance Cost
What exactly do you mean by 'Maintenance Free'?
Are there no chemicals to change out? Nothing to replace?
Surely the active component will not last forever. Please expand on this.
Maintenance Free Explanation
With a conventional water softener you have to add salt on a regular basis and the unit needs to be backwashed either automatically or manually. Since there are a bunch of moving parts with a conventional water softener some part eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. With some water softeners the automatic settings are erased with a power outage and need to be re-programmed.
With a salt free system there is none of this. Will the media last forever - definitely not - but neither will conventional water softening resin. The manufacturer of Filtersorb guarantees the media for 5 years and they tell me they are extremely confident that it will last for at least 10. Eventually it will need replacing.
Media Longitivity
The problem here is that the company that developed the media should have provided some metric that was easy for the homeowner to know when the media needs to be replaced. I have not seen anything provided like this as part of an overall system. Although with some creative thinking this problem is solved.
Richard Scott
Filtersorb SP3 Advantages Over the Competition
Advantages Over the Competition
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Excellent customer service starts by first taking the time to get to know the customer, their situation, vision, frustrations and goals. The CWG knowledgeable team works closely with our customers and ensures that the customer’s needs and concerns are taken care of.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
CWG has build upon existing technology and 25 years experience and through our advanced engineering and research development teams, have made major break throughs in the development of our Filtersorb SP3 anti-scale catalytic media.
MANUFACTURING
Filtersorb SP3 is manufactured in a clean room environment under NSF regulations in a 60,000 square foot sate-of-the art facility located in Germany. The result is a better performance media with a longer life expectancy.
PERFORMANCE
Why does the Filtersorb SP3 Anti-Scale media perform better than other anti-scale media on the market?
CWG provides the only perfectly round sized catalytic media with the highest conversion capacity on the market enhancing the overall performance and life expectancy of the Filtersorb SP3 media when compared to other Medias available in the market today.
What contact time is needed for a Filtersorb SP3 system?
Depending on the Flowrate, the Filtersorb SP3 systems are designed to have contact times as fast as 2 seconds. The catalytic reaction is immediate and the Nano particles are formed immediately on the surface of the media. They then break off as nano particles and go to service. The systems are designed to convert 99% of the temporary hardness of calcium and magnesium based on flow rates and equipment design.
How many Grains hard will the Filtersorb SP3 Anti-scale media treat?
The Filtersorb SP3 system treats up to 100 grains hard. Contact our technical support team for more information.
What is the life expectancy of the media?
The catalytic reaction is consistent at the highest level for the life of the media. Because of the high quality of manufacturing, we estimate the SP3 media will last a minimum of 5 years based on proper flow rates and equipment design.
Does the Filtersorb SP3 media require a rest time?
Residential and light industrial applications do not require a rest time. For large industrial commercial applications, please contact our technical support team.
TESTING AND CERTIFICATION
The media has been tested and meets NSF 61 standard. This is an independent test standard for health effects that was performed by an independent lab WQA, “Water Quality Association”
The Filtersorb SP3 Anti-Scale media is currently undergoing third party testing conducted by the DVGW and our full certification and standardization of the media will be released by DVGW August 2008. Since 1859, the DVGW has been working for the gas and water industry as an independent and unbiased technical-scientific association. The technical standards of the DVGW ensure both safe gas and water supplies at the highest international levels with their prime objectives being safe technology and hygiene, economical optimization, protection of resources and environment, and quality assurance, control, and management.
CWG USA is a member of the Green Builder Council and understands the importance of being environmentally responsible and is committed to developing water treatment processes that will help solve environmental challenges. The Filtersorb SP3 water conditioning system is a maintenance free, chemical free, salt free “green” water conditioning process. Unlike other conditioners, Filtersorb SP3 does not release harmful minerals or chemicals into our water system, does not waste excessive amounts of water, reduces energy consumption, and preserves beneficial minerals.
nano crystal proof
thanks for the info.If I may follow up on some claims,thnx.
As I understand it,SP3 "catalyst" thru its surface architecture or otherwise induces the transformation of dissolved Ca and Mg bicarbonate and maybe carbonates into undissolved small crystalline "nano crystals" that then lack the ability to coalesce further and therefore dont form scale.
Nice theory.Is there any proof to the above?can you filter out the nano crystals and analyse them?
Would we know why they dont re -dissolve?
Filtersorb SP3 claims to be good up to 40 gr hardness at water flow levels of 10 gph.
A different dealer sells "PElican" water softener claiming to be good up to 75 gr - that would be significantly better?
A priori one would think that these nano crystals should be easier to be formed when there is a high concentration of Ca (bi) carbonate , so why is there an upper hardness limit?
Last, looking at the mentioned thought that the SP3 and other similar media indeed works,but only temporarily and not as a nano crystal seeder but as an ion exchange resin, or possibly changing the PH and then after some month become useless.
We need to have proof of the claimed nano crystals - I think.
They are presented as insoluble but on the other hand do interact chemically with some soaps
to give an unchanged "hardness of water".
that might be the hardness test procedure but is food for thought.
An insoluble would not do so
I agree that the system/resin might work despite an absence of good understanding on how it works
just hate to be presented with theories that are possibly unproven.
And we all know that the saltfree water softnening field is full of hucksters.
Thanks for further enlightenment
Truth about Filtersorb
The Truth about Filtersorb SP.
Scale Prevention or Scale Deception?
since it’s release in May 2006, there have been 3 “new” formulations or versions of the product. Would a product proven with years of experience need 3 revisions in less than 2 years?
Does Filtersorb SP work as a de-scaler and scale prevention media?
Weak Acid Cation resin is a proven scale prevention method. It is routinely used in disposable cartridges for treating water used in low volume devices such as espresso machines and coffee brewers. As used by CWG, Filtersorb SP may provide de-scaling effects (due to a temporary reduction in pH due to the release of Hydrogen ions) as well as temporary prevention of scale formation through the combined effects of pH reduction and Calcium adsorption.
The important thing to note is that these effects are temporary. Once the resin is fully loaded with Calcium, both the de-scaling effect and the scale prevention effect will stop.
There have been reports of some evidence of crystal formation with Filtersorb SP. How do you explain that?
When the Filtersorb SP bead becomes loaded with calcium, the calcium on the bead will serve as a very weak nucleation site. Accordingly, under some conditions, Filtersorb SP will produce an extremely small volume of crystals, but nowhere near enough to provide effective scale prevention.
People claim to have had success with Filtersorb SP, especially in residential applications. Do you have an explanation? Yes. It’s important to note that residential applications are highly subjective. With that in mind, the answer is two-fold. First, when the system is new, the scale prevention benefits they promise will occur due to the characteristics of the WAC resin. Second, because the systems are almost always sold with a whole-house carbon filter, the customer perceives the combined effect of improved taste and reduced scale as attributes of the “system”. As the ion exchange capacity of the resin is depleted and the scale prevention benefits decline, the customer may not notice change in performance. This is due to the gradual nature of the decline, combined with the gradual formation of scale and the time it takes for the scale to become noticeable. Plus, because the carbon filter is still delivering improvements in taste, etc., the system is perceived as “working.
I’ve seen claims of success on objective equipment-based tests. Can you offer an explanation?
Yes. All of the “testimonial” and references that we’ve seen that were provided to prospective customers as “proof” of performance have been for tests of extremely short duration, usually covering just a few weeks of testing on new systems with fresh media. Further, these testimonials have been so lacking in detailed water quality measurements that they are anecdotal at best. As noted before, Filtersorb SP does work as a de-scaler and scale prevention media, but only for a short period of time!
Summary.
Our current understanding based on an on-going analysis of the media and it’s performance, is that Filtersorb SP does not act via the mechanism claimed by the manufacturer, and does not deliver the benefits they claim. As previously noted, Filtersorb SP does offer short-term de-scaling and scale prevention performance that deteriorates and eventually stops after a short period of time (consistent with the characteristics of WAC resin).
Richard Sott (Kitchener)
Filter Sorb - My Observations on 60+ Applications
I have reviewed this blog and find it very enlightening. I am thrilled to see that educated people are openly discussing this process, just hope that everyone has an open mind.
My short bio: Chemical Engineer with a MS in Environmental Engineering, 30+ years heavy industrial wastewater treatment design/build experience, several patents and many copyrights and trademarks related to process technology, currently Director of Engineering for a large international water treatment/recycling engineering based solutions company.
Does SP3 work, YES, IF applied correctly. Can it handle 50+ gr/gal, yes if assembled correctly with the correct Empty Bed Contact Time and with proper pretreatment, as required for the site specific conditions.
We have installed them as pretreatment for TFC membranes at ranges from 6 gr/gal up to 43 gr/gal and they've been in-place on 10,000+ gpd RO systems in about 40 applications for well over 2 years now, these are 1,440 minute/day operations. 100% success, so far. Remember, we are professional water treatment engineers, we don't "sling" things out into the field and "hope" they work. Some of these systems do require pretreatment which we have designed and installed properly. Two years track record isn't very long but...try sending 20 grains to a 10,000 gpd RO without pretreatment and you might get a week operation out of it. Does it descale, yes, too well sometimes.
The questions and points raised throughout this blog are ALL valid but...there are definitive answers to them all. I just haven't time to spend on it. Rest assured, CWG has a MAJOR breakthrough in water treatment technology, not just residential, commerical and industrial too.
We are designing and selling these systems daily. I mean literally shipping systems from our shop to all points in the US and around the world. We have deployed this technology in about 60 or so industrial applications in the US, have a large system in Isreal on their DeSal system right now, an order for five units to a LARGE oil field company is Algeria and another headed to Spain. We have them in poultry, beef, cooling towers, chillers, industrial ice makers, car washes, etc.
There will be LOTS of negative and some much mis-information about this technology, I see it in this blog. There will be many dead-set against this process. It is hard to quantify the effectiveness.
It has the potential to literally KILL the conventional cationic resin in sodium form softener business. (FYI - We build large softeners too) It can be deployed incorrectly , some of that will occur, nature of the beast with undertrained sales people selling the "magic" box but in the hands of a pro, this stuff can and does do precisely what it is predicted to do, no more and no less.
Best wishes and regards,
Robert Harvey
engineering@aquamizer.com
Filtersorb SP3 - My observations by Robert Harvey, Aquamizer
Dear Robert,
Whatever your comments maybe, reading this post on ''Salt-free water softener'' and your stated comments:
''Does SP3 work, YES, if applied correctly'' followed by ''There will be LOTS of negative and some much mis-information about this technology'',
have not yet convinced me scientifically about the workability of this media when used to remove Ca and Mg from water, either as an exchanger or in a chelated format.
Everything such as the CWGUSA paper, sheet FSP-SASM-0409 titled ''Filtersorb SP Saltless Anti-Scale Media Side by Side comparison and Field Test Results'' is by far only promotion business (Marketing) rather than a sound scientific paper. There is total absence of data, no verification, no working hypothesis issued and verified, but worst no Ca and Mg concentration evaluated either before and after treatment.
This is not even SCIENCE 101 and after that, the Water Treatment community is astonished of their bad press when things go south!
I am personally Biochemist who started with a twist in water purification within Millipore Corp. I participated in the CDI launch in the 80's learning by trial and error that you could not apply that CDI technology against all water problems! Once the technology became understood, it became State of the Art in the ultrapure fields. But do not use it with non-treated potable water and like.
My point is the same as the next gentleman who wrote that he could not find scientific working explanation within the existing literature to prove the Filersorb SP3 workability. So, please, if you are so successful with that technology, supply us with the rationale and not just the general empty statements such as the marketing paper previously mentioned.
Kind regards,
Benoit Gravel, B.Sc.
ConsEauTech Inc.
PH 450-663-6652
cetgrab@videotron.ca
Filtersorb SP3
II agree that scientific documentation is difficult if not impossible to find. However this should not be taken as an indication that the product does not work. I became interested in this product as a solution to the tremendous damage being done to the environment by the traditional ion exchange technology. I decided the only way to find out if it really worked was to run my own experiment.
After three years of treating the water at my home (462 mg/L) the system continued to provide clear conditioned water without fail. The de-scaling of my plumbing system which was heavy with iron and manganese took six months to complete. It is important to understand that this is not a water softener; the calcium and magnesium remain in the water and this results in some idiosyncrasies.
The conditioned water will in many ways react like softened water; soap will lather nicely, scale will be eliminated. However when one rinses in the shower there will be no sense of slippery skin that is inherent with soft water. People who have been raised on ion exchange softened water may think the water is still hard because the skin rinses clean, in fact squeaky clean.
Also when water conditioned with Filtersorb SP3 is heated to above 186 degrees F, the bonds holding the crystals together are broken down, therefore a paste of calcium will form in the bottom of tea pots or pans. (This is simply rectified by adding 2-3 drops of lemon juice to the pot of water as citric acid prevents this from occurring.) Calcium deposits can also occur when water is left to evaporate however, these are easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
For me, these slight issues are well worth enduring in order to save our aquifers, lakes and streams. I have sold and installed these systems for the past two years to many happy customers.
Max Zanoni
Eco-Safe, LLC
Water Treatment and Filtration
Nanotechnology humbug
Thanks for sharing your opinion Max.
I still though must conclude that the SP3 medium will not work for water softening even as advertised.
YOu are stating that the treated water,when heated,gives the same Ca precipitate on the pots as untreated water.That because- you state:the bonds holding the crystals together are broken down, therefore a paste of calcium will form in the bottom of tea pots or pans.
Please compare that with the published test results of SP3 treated water in a water heater,where no deposits where noted on the heating coil.
So 1 observation must be wrong.I presume that the SP3 medium works for a while(?90 days) most likely as a convential ion exchanger,then without revunation stops working.
So with new media there would be decalcification and when the media is old(?90 days) there is a gradual return tonot working at all.
That would explain that manufcturing companies provide long warranties on containers and valves
but only very short warranty on the medium.
Your statement:II agree that scientific documentation is difficult if not impossible to find.
hits home 100% though your reasoning -in my humble opinion - is faulty.
Sciencific observations - if run by respectable people with proper ethics and training -are the only basis for objective evaluation.
If it matters, I am a PH.D. in chemistry
Home Use no-salt conditioning!
After reading your comments I was wondering for my residential, 25 grain hardness, city water application here in Las Vegas what you would consider "correct assembly and pretreatment" criteria as you described in your blog posting. There's 2 people living in a 2100 sq ft home using 7000 gals / mo. I believe just as a end-user / homeowner this media has tremendous potential. Working for the Germans for the last 30 years (Siemens) it doesn't surpise me that they're at the cutting edge in something like water conditioning. If you could respond briefly at your convenience I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you,
rpopovich00@embarqmail.com
SP3 claims
in answer to Robert Harvey ,having a MS degree in chemical engeneering and therefore assumed to have some scientific background.
Meself ,I am a PH.D. in chemistry.Therefore unfortunately am appallled by the pseudo scientific jargon
used to sell these saltfree water softeners.90% is utter bunk,the rest I never heard of.
On the other hand ,I always keep an open mind and never judge performance by faulty theory to explain it.
Assuming SP3 resins work in preventing scale in residentail water heaters, pipes etc - as claimed
why would the product only be warranted for 90 days? A period where a convential type ion exchange resin would stop functioning?
Why does Richard Scott(Kitchener) publish here the conclusions in summary that SP3 does NOT work as claimed, but rather or probably as a temporary ion exchange medium? which makes sense.
If indeed SP3 removes scaling by precipitating dissolved Ca bicarbonate into 'nano crystals'
one would expect and predict that this process works best in very hard water with a high concentration of Ca salts.That is not waht the companies literature quotes.
SP3 compound according to this literature has been in existence for many years.
Why is there no experimental proof of its effectivness to 5-10 years but only for 3 weeks?
Please understand that I am not against this technology- I am desperatly searching for a saltfree
water descaling method- but I need proof of effectiveness before.
We know of the magnet and electrolytic methods that are utter nonsense but still offered for sale to the untrained - mostly by quoting totally overwhelming scientific jargon that has no basis in reality.
SP3 sounds it uses the same methodology.The money is to good :)
Else,I volunteer to be the alleged first to test the medium for the next 5-10 years
assuming it has not been done - which I doubt.
A simple no questions asked guarantee will do- contrary to the 90 day guarantee.
Any experimental proof of SP3's effectiveness -even if the nano crystal theory is bunc - is more than welcome.
But it has to be effectivness beyond the ion exchange, which is temporary.
Thank you
Richard - Can We Chat?
Hi Richard,
My name is Reid and I run this blog. I'm very interested in having a conversation with you about your research and experience with this product. You seem to have done your homework on this. If you have an opportunity please use the contact section of this blog to fire me an email with your contact info.
Thanks a lot,
Reid
More about Filtersorb
I have posted in my previous post an article sent to me by salesman for Next Filtration. The actual article shows magnified particles for both Filtersorb and ScaleStop but I could not download them. For the record, I am a homeowner, looking to install a no salt descaler with chloramine removal as system into my house for all the reasons listed. I do not have any affiliation with any company that sells water treatment equipment or system. I have been researching extensively the no salt technology.
I have no proof that the filtersorb technology does what it claims to do which is the reason that I have come to this site because of the experiment.
When reading the article listed, Next Filtration makes a claim that the media will only last for a few weeks but from what I can see it will actally clean your system, pipes water etc and then breakdown. If this is actually the case this experiment actually needs to be modified somewhat to be able to measure for the breakdown after the original descaling has been completed. I know of only two ways that this can be measured. The hardness of the water has to continually measured and recorded on a weekly basis for a period of say 4-6 after most desscaling of the pipes has been completed and the water must boiled completely until it shows either the system is working or there are deposits. This done over a few weeks will definitely refute what the article says or confirm it.
More about Filtersorb
The other thing that may help regarding this technology is trying find some people in California who have also blogged their experience with the no salt media.
I will be approaching CWG who created the Filtersorb media to see what kind of documentation they provide on the chemistry (so the I can have it verified from outside sources) as well as confirmation from third party sources who have tested this in accordance to the German standard test method for measuring non-traditional water treatment devices (DVGW W512). See link to article below.
See next message for this article.
If all this information is pulled together along with the results from the experiment we will have either irrefutable proof it either works or it does not.
In my research, there is strong evidence that this can be purchased for less than advertised
Richard Scott
All You Wanted to Know About Filtersorb SP3...(1)
1. Who manufactures Filtersorb SP3 Anti-scale media?
The research, development, and manufacture of Filtersorb SP3 was initiated by our sister companies CWG Germany and Watch Water Germany. For over 20 years, CWG Germany has been a leader and manufacture in the water treatment industry and has built a solid reputation throughout Europe for their advanced water treatment manufacturing capabilities. In Europe, CWG is recognized for their state-of- the art commercial Reverse Osmosis and ultra filtration systems, specialty media and other high quality water filtration processes. In addition, CWG Germany manufactures and produces specialty chemicals and medias for commercial and residential water treatment. In Germany and throughout Europe, CWG is known as the “Mercedes-Benz” of manufacturing for water treatment equipment, reverse osmosis systems, medias, and chemicals. Advanced precision engineering, research, development and manufacturing is the standard for CWG Germany.
2. Why did CWG develop this state-of-the art catalytic media for scale control?
Our Filtersorb SP3 anti-scale media was initially developed by Watch Water Germany to serve as an alternative to commercial softeners used for scale control. Because commercial softeners discharge sodium into waste water supplies during the regeneration process, many of our European companies were faced with expensive discharge government permits and needed a cost effective alternative. Another reason for the development of the Filtersorb SP3 anti-scale media was to address the heightened concern by European health and research agencies that through the usage of residential softeners in second and third world countries, calcium and magnesium were being removed from home water supplies and causing serious health problems due to the lack of these vital minerals and the excess of sodium in the drinking water. The Filtersorb SP3 anti-scale media developed by CWG Group addresses both of these concerns and is a major environmental break through in the anti-scaling water treatment market for both commercial and residential applications and has proven to be a successful alternative to commercial and residential softeners.
3. Why is Filtersorb SP3 anti-scale media years ahead of the competition?
CWG has built upon existing technology and 20 years experience, and through our advanced engineering and research and development teams, have made major break through in the development of our Filtersorb SP3 catalytic media. Manufactured in a clean room environment under NSF regulations, the Filtersorb SP3 media has a precise automated and controlled manufacturing cycle which goes through multiple automated manufacturing processes. The result is a better performance and a media with a longer life expectancy. Unlike other companies, CWG has also made a multiple million dollar commitment towards the research and development of the Filtersorb SP3 media and are committed to produce top-of-the line catalytic media for scale control. During the past year, CWG has expanded and added a new 60 thousand square foot state-of-the-art facility to increase manufacturing capabilities and guarantee the highest quality product. Most importantly, CWG provides the only perfectly round sized catalytic media with the highest conversion capacity on the market which enhances the performance and life of the Filtersorb SP3 media.
4. How does the CWG Filtersorb SP media prevent scale build up on pipes and equipment?
By accelerating the transformation of the calcium and magnesium minerals into harmless “Nano” particles, the Filtersorb SP3 media prevents scaling. When the inlet water goes into the water conditioner tank, the up flow pulls the water through the fluidized Filtersorb SP3 media which then acts as a catalyst and pulls the hardness minerals of calcium and magnesium out of the solution transforming these minerals into inactive Nano crystal particles. Because the hardness minerals have been transformed into Nano particles, these Nanoscopic particles make their way through plumbing systems without attaching on to pipes, fixtures, valves, or heating elements. Several years of testing has shown that the calcium and magnesium bonds cannot attach to any kind of surface resulting in 99% scale prevention.
5. How does the CWG Filtersorb SP process work?
As the inlet water flows through the Filtersorb SP3 water conditioner tank, the up flow pulls the water through the fluidized Filtersorb SP3 media. When the Calcium and Magnesium ions make contact with the Filtersorb SP3, the media has a ball-bearing surface that pulls the hardness minerals of calcium and magnesium out of the water and then transforms these minerals into inactive Nano crystal particles. These Nano crystal particles flow through the plumbing systems without attaching on to pipes, fixtures, valves, or heating elements; resulting in 99% scale prevention.
A secondary benefit is that Filtersorb SP3 media process has a de-scaling effect on the existing scale already present in pipes, hardware, and equipment and also prevents corrosion by adding a 3 to 5 micron protective layer to the surface of the pipes and hardware. The overall process of Filtersorb SP3 is virtually maintenance free and does not require backwashing, salt, or electricity.
6. What is the main difference between water-softening unit and Filtersorb SP3?
The “classical” water-softening unit operates on the basis of ion exchange; exchanging calcium and magnesium ions in water with an equivalent amount of sodium (Salt). When a water softener is used, the result is not only soft water, but also increased sodium content in the water supply. Additionally, these softening units require water for backwashing and common Brine water “salt water” for regeneration. For example, in order to regenerate 100 liters of softening resin, up to 25 kg of salt per regeneration cycle is required. This means an added costly expense of salt is incurred for each and every regeneration cycle. The Filtersorb SP3 water media acts as a catalyst by accelerating the transformation of the calcium and magnesium minerals into harmless “Nano” particles. When the inlet water goes into the water conditioner tank, the up flow pulls the water through the fluidized Filtersorb SP3 media which then acts as a catalyst and pulls the hardness minerals of calcium and magnesium out of the solution and then transforms these minerals into inactive Nano crystal particles. Because the hardness minerals have been transformed into Nano particles, these Nanoscopic particles make their way through plumbing systems without attaching on to pipes, fixtures, valves, or heating elements. Filtersorb SP3 is also a maintenance free system that does not require cost for salt, costs for water or for regeneration material.
7. How does the calcium get into the water?
Much of our drinking water comes from ground water which originates from precipitation that falls in the form of rain or snow and seeps into the ground, filling the open spaces, or pore space, within layers of sand or gravel (formations) beneath the land surface. As the rain or snow passes through the atmosphere, it becomes enriched with carbon dioxide (CO2) and combines with the H2O (water) to form a solvent of calcium known as carbonic acid (H2CO3). As the rain seeps into the ground, the carbonic acid extracts calcium from the calcium rich stone and forms hydrogen carbonate [Ca (HCO3)2]. When the extraction process ends, the water is saturated with calcium and the carbonic acid forming a carbonic acid/ calcium equilibrium. Depending on the ground quality, the amount of calcium and amount of carbonic acid determines whether more or less calcium is extracted into the water.
8. How does calcium scale develop on pipes and hardware?
Calcium Scale is a hard thick coating or covering of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that forms irregular shapes and sizes on heating elements and on the pipes and hardware of plumbing systems. As the calcium rich water enters into the home, the carbonic acid/ calcium equilibrium becomes interrupted within the pipes. Because the hydrogen carbonate (Ca (HCO3)2) is a very weak chemical compound, temperature increases or movement cause the compound to breakdown and parts of the calcium (Ca2), magnesium (Mg2) and bicarbonate (HCO3) are no longer dissolved and attach to the surfaces of pipes, heaters, and hardware. Over time, the scale compounds and is very difficult and costly to remove.
9. What are the effects of calcium?
Negative Effect The negative effect of calcium is that it creates scale on pipes, hardware, and surfaces. This leads to high energy costs for heaters and expensive repairs for ice machines, coffee machines, and other appliances. The scale also may breed bacteria.
Positive Effect Calcium enriched water is a health benefit and an important nutrient needed to help prevent or minimize diseases such as heart disease. According to medical experts, consumable water should contain adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium which are both found in hard water.
10. Why is Filtersorb SP3 an up-flow configuration?
The Filtersorb SP3 is not a traditional down-flow filter system because it does not exchange anything for the hardness like a traditional water softener. Instead, the Filtersorb SP3 is catalytic media that requires maximum up flow fluidization of the media in order to have enhanced catalytic performance.
11. Can I replace a traditional water softener system with a SP3 water conditioner and what difference in performance should I see between the two systems?
Yes, you can replace a traditional water softener system with a SP3 water conditioner. With a traditional water softener you are using ion exchange where calcium and magnesium is exchanged with sodium. While softeners work well to remove hardness, there are times when a softer is not the best option. Today many cities do not allow sodium discharge into the waste water systems preventing the use of a traditional water softener. Secondly, many consumers are also concerned over the added sodium in their drinking water and the loss of calcium and magnesium when a softener is used. Thirdly, most apartments and condominiums do not like to use softeners because space restrictions and potential leaks from brine tanks. The best alternative to a traditional water softener is the Filtersorb SP3 conditioner. Because the Filtersorb SP3 is a catalytic media, it converts calcium and magnesium into nano crystal particles with out adding chemicals or salt. You might say that the media works similar to a muffler on an automobile which converts harmful gases to non-harmful gases through catalytic conversion.
All You Wanted to Know About Filtersorb SP3...(2)
12. Do microorganisms accumulate in the catalyst unit and must the material regularly be disinfected?
In normal conditions, No. Remember that when in service, the media is always in movement from the continuous up-flow of water and as result microorganisms are repressed because they do not like catalytic reaction and the movement of the media. Disinfecting the SP3 granulate in most cases is not required.
However, if there is any concern for a short period you can use up to 3 ppm of chlorine to clean the media.
13. What if the bed gets contaminated with bacteria?
While this should not be a problem, the media can be treated with chlorine up to a maximum of 2-3 ppm for short periods to kill and concern of potential bacteria.
14. Why does the Filtersorb SP3 media not need to be backwashed? What keeps the media bed from getting fouled?
It is important to point out that we have no filtration or ion exchange effect with our SP3 media. Remember the media is in a constant up flow in order to enhance the catalytic reaction. Because of the continuous up flow, there is no accumulation of anything in the fluidized bed of SP3 media. The SP3 media works as a catalyst only and does not need to filter out particles which go to service.
15. Is a central control valve necessary or does the system function without backwashing?
Because the SP3 granulate is continually in up flow fluidization, no particles are held up in the media and no backwashing process is required. You might say the media is always in backwash during service because it is always suspended in the water in a fluidized state. A central control valve is therefore not used in a SP3 water conditioning system. There is no need for backwash and the system uses a in and out valve made especially for up flow fluidization.
16. What happens at night time when there is no water flow?
The filter bed is not suspended when there is no water flow and therefore the filter bed will rest.
17. What is the life time of the media?
Under proper installation, we estimate the SP3 media will last a minimum of 5 years but feel confident the media will last longer.
18. Can the Filtersorb SP3 treat hardness up to 100 grains hard?
The Filtersorb SP3 system can treat up to 100 grains hard. All CWG systems calculations are made based on a hardness of 25 Grains or less. The reason for this is that 98% OF ALL INSTALLATIONS FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY WORLD WIDE. The Filtersorb SP3 has been used on waters with hard water up to 100 grains hard. CWG can provide calculations for over 25 grains hard if need. Please contact our support team.
19. What is the maximum operating temperature of the SP3 media?
The Filtersorb SP3 media can tolerate incoming water up to 65°C/ 149° F.
20. What is the minimum operating temperature of the SP media?
The Filtersorb SP3 media can tolerate incoming water as low as 4°C/ 38° F. (Note: Keep from freezing the media)
21. What is the pH range of the media? What is the low and high pH range?
Filtersorb SP3 works optimally between the range 6 to 9 pH.
22. When ordering a filter housing what type of internal basket should be used on the top and bottom?
On the top we always recommend a standard horizontal slotted basket. This will prevent the media from being pulled from the tank due to unexpected water flows. Please use CWG-USA Spider Vortex bottom basket that guarantees the best up flow fluidization of the Filtersorb SP media with both low and high flow rates.
All You Wanted to Know About Filtersorb SP3...(3)
23. How do I keep the media from washing out of the unit when I start it up for the first time and put it into service?
We always recommend that you soak the media for 15 minutes before start up. You also should run water through the filter tank and media before installing in the piping system. This will assure that any possible fines from shipping in the tank and media will be washed out of the tank before hook up. This assures that the media is saturated with water and will not accumulate at the top of the housing when filled with water during first time usage.
24. Will the SP3 media replace Polyphosphates in controlling scale build up?
Yes, the SP3 media is a much better choice than traditional Polyphosphates. The polyphosphate dissolves into the water and coats the iron, calcium and magnesium in it, making it difficult for these agents to precipitate out of the water and create the problems associated with hard water. Unfortunately, polyphosphate-type systems are only effective in cold water, low volume applications. Additionally, polyphosphates are considered a preferred food for bacteria and may cause other environmental problems. The Filtersorb SP3 media is able to be used in hot and cold water applications, does not release any chemicals into the service line and due to its catalytic surface and constant up flow fluidized state, and does not breed bacteria growth. The Filtersorb SP3 is far more superior to the polyphosphate.
25. How fast is the conversion of the calcium and magnesium out of solution in the Filtersorb SP3 system?
The Filtersorb SP3 systems are designed to have contact times as fast as 2 seconds. The catalytic reaction is immediate and the Nano particles are formed immediately on the surface of the media. They then break off as Nano particles and go to service. The systems are designed to convert 99% of the temporary hardness of calcium and magnesium based on flow rates and equipment design.
26. Has the media been tested for health effects?
The media has been tested and meets NSF 61 standard. This is an independent test standard for health effects that was performed by an independent lab WQA, “Water Quality Association”.
27. Will I experience an increase of calcium and magnesium particles?
Depending on the amount and type of scale deposits present in the plumbing of your home you may see the following for approximately one to six weeks after the installation of the SP3 system. These effects will be temporary and will steadily stop once the appliances and plumbing have been de-scaled. The water going through the SP3 conditioner can initially increase the hardness in the water due to de-scaling of the plumbing system. You can especially see this on the hot water side of the plumbing and the water heater because scale builds up faster in hot water. You may see calcium particles in the aerators, shower heads, bath tub, and dishwasher. These conditions are temporary and only last during the de-scaling period. The water heater can also have excessive scale build up and may need to be cleaned out by opening the bottom drain valve on the hot water heater. Be sure to turn off the electrical or heat source! Flush out the loosened scale by attaching a hose to the drain valve. You may need to do this for several weeks until the plumbing and hot water heater has been de-scaled. The good news is that a clean water heater uses much less electricity or gas to keep the water hot. You can also speed up the de-scaling process by turning on all the hot water valves in the house once or twice a week until all the plumbing is de-scaled and the water runs clear.
28. If the water hardness is tested after the system is installed will the hardness level be different?
If the water is tested after the Filtersorb SP3 System has been installed, the hardness level will remain the same and can even test slightly harder due to the existing scale being removed from the plumbing (This is usually seen more on the hot water side do to more hardness build up on in the water heater and pipes). After the existing scale is removed the hardness will go back to normal hardness level.
29. How can I test the Media?
For a home owner, the simplest way which yields convincing results is using two sauce pans. You put two sauce pans on a heater. One filled with the untreated water and the other with water treated by the SP3 water conditioner. As the water boils down the untreated water will build a hard calcium scum on the side and bottom of the sauce pan. The sauce pan with treated water will have no hardness calcium scum on the side and you will see a circulation of hardness crystals on the bottom of the pan just before the water is boiled out. (Note: be sure not to boil the water completely or the crystals will harden and burn on the bottom of the pan. The other easy method will be to observe heating equipment and appliances already covered with scale. After installing the SP3 water conditioning system, over time the existing scale in the water system will dissolve and the white scale buildup will start to disappear. Customers have observed, upon using the SP3 water conditioning systems, their appliances and shower heads start to clean up from years of scale build up.
30. Will I feel and different when I shower?
After the existing scale is completely dissolved, many customers have said that they feel a silk like feeling and their hair much cleaner than before the SP3 treatments.
31. Will I see any change in the laundry?
After the existing scale is completely dissolved, your laundry will come out cleaner, feel softer, and last longer.
32. What should I expect after installing a SP3 conditioner from my dishwasher?
Dishwashers use water from the hot water side of plumbing and the water is extremely hot water and also extremely hot in the drying cycles when cleaning and drying the dishes. You may find unusual initial spotting because of the de-scaling taking place. You also may have existing excessive scale build inside the sidewalls and washing arms of the dishwasher. The best way to eliminate the excising scale in the dishwasher is to put a cup of white vinegar in the upper basket during the washing cycle for the first few weeks. You can also use citric acid instead of the white vinegar. This will help dissolve the existing scale in the washer arms and inside surface of the dishwasher. You may need to do this until all of the scale in the plumbing is dissolved. When you have water going through the SP3 conditioner other than being used in the dishwasher cleaning cycle you can have the calcium crystals break down back into solution if you are using harsh dishwashing detergents that have low ph, high chlorine, and phosphates. Harsh detergents can breakdown the crystals and than can cause spotting on the dishes. It will be important to reduce or soap usage as much as 50%. And be sure to use Eco friendly dishwashing detergents. You may have to try several all natural dishwashing detergents to find the one that works best for your dishwasher Seventh Generation dishwashing powder which you can find at Target and Lemi Shine which is available at Wall Mart are an examples of environmental detergents that works well with our media in the dishwasher. Also in the bathrooms, over a few weeks you will see the existing scale slowly dissolve in the shower heads increasing water flow. Remember the calcium being treated is a nano size and will be flowing easier down the sides of the walls and glass doors in the shower. We recommend that you first clean the shower from existing scale with a cleaning product that dissolves old scale that has built up before installation of the SP3 Conditioner system. One suggestion to use a product called CLR. We then recommend that you coat the walls in the shower head with Rainx, a commercial product used for Automobile windshields. The Rainx allows the majority of the nano particles to be easily washed to drain. The few nano particles that are left can be easily wiped down because they no longer can adhere to the sides of the shower. Note. Rainx can also be used on all fittings to include the chrome. You can find Rainx at Wal-Mart or automobile stores.
33. How serious is it having too much chlorine in the water? How will too much chlorine affect the media?
Having too much chlorine in the water will have a serious effect on all Medias with a resin base. Even the best Medias like Filtersorb SP3 can be negatively affected by the presence of high levels of chlorine in the water. Excessive levels of CHLORINE IN THE WATER SHOULD ALWAYS BE A SERIOUS CONCERN. Under normal conditions, good quality based Medias like the Filtersorb SP3, Purolite, Dow, and Bayer show no significant loss of performance at typical chlorine concentrations of 1-3 ppm. However, at elevated levels, chlorine can have a substantial negative effect on the structural integrity of the resin material in the media. High levels of chlorine sometimes occur when the water supplier has an extensive break in the water main, after a significant flooding event or when higher levels of bacteria are measured in the water source. The chlorine level can be low for several years, but do to unforeseen circumstances, the chlorine level is increased and the media in the water conditioner can degrade. The best examples were the hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana. Many traditional ion exchange water softeners with a resin media had to be replaced when local authorities super chlorinated water sources to levels over 3ppm because of bacteria concerns in the water supplies. The only way to GUARANTEE to protect your Filtersorb SP3 system is to always have a whole house carbon filter installed as part of a municipal system. A carbon filter removes any excessive chlorine levels in the municipal water supplies before the water enters the SP3 conditioner.
'SALT FREE WATER SOFTENER"
Pure "Snake Oil" hence the 90 day warrantee! Resin is probably soaked or impregnated with a phosphate which would work for awhile but at 25 grains hard it won't last long.
DVGW
Why CWG did not released the DVGW results since Aug. 2008?
any updates?
where are we on this topic?... we have just done a major kitchen reno with a major bathroom reno on the way... one of the last things we need to do is take care of our water problem... 42 foot dug well, hardness of 19, some iron... and we haven't drunk from it in many years... levels were all over the map when we were testing years ago... got fed up and went with bottled... we have a water softener now that may or may not be on its last legs... we are trying to go green but are also trying to weed out the snake oil salespeople... we require soft, safe, drinkable water... soon... is this technology you are discussing here still too much in its infancy to go with it?... I have plenty of degrees... but none that are of any relevance to this topic whatsoever... just a very interested bystander!
Interested in Results and Potentially Debunking Link
I am interested in the outcome of this study as well. My house has drain logistics issues that make it extremely difficult to use a standard water softener. I ran across this link on the pseudoscience of salt free water softening:
Catalytic water treatment pseudoscience
URL here if link above is blocked: http://www.chem1.com/CQ/catscams.html
Before spending the money on a alternative solution i need to know it is backed by true science.
thoughts on above...?
Catalytic water treatment !
Reid, You are doing your best, allow the blog to run its course.
It is an interesting one in the interaction of people.
Interesting in that it is comprised of a group who truly believe or want to believe that this is truly a scientific breakthrough and works and the other half who do not see any true scientific data supporting the claims of the product manufacturer.
There are also participants who would dearly love to have a better softening system than the traditional sodium ion exchange one but who do not have a background which enables them to make a sound judgment on the value of this product. These people are vulnerable and prey for marketers and salespeople. They can be exploited and "taken". There is money to be made at their expense.
The great scientist Irving Langmuir more than 60 years ago tried to expose such similar pseudo science, but it is still alive and well today !
There is simply nothing here but gobbledegook, scientific jargon, terms bandied about, unproven hypotheses without solid data upon which accepted science depends. This will disappear as yet another scam like the Allison effect, polywater and cold fusion to name a few. Well meaning people will be duped. Unfortunately, there will be people who will lose money and be very disappointed.
Another scientist who wishes to remain anonymous.
Watts Scale Net/One Flow system
Reid, et al, thanks for taking on the challenge. I'm a skeptic myself but it appears that the Watts Scale Net/One Flow systems uses the same technology as your Filtersorb experiment, and their results have been validated by an independent third party lab in Germany. Links below:
http://www.thescalesolution.com/pdf/DVGW-report-OneFlow.pdf
http://www.thescalesolution.com/scale_problem.asp
http://www.excelwater.com/downloads/ScaleNet%20FAQ.pdf
http://www.premium-water-filters.com/SaltFreeWaterSoftener.html
An interested observer.
Scale Net and Oneflow R not the same
The DVGW was granted to Next Filtreation and Watts can use it with the Oneflow since they use the same media.
Scale Net was not tested yer or failed.