Water Filtration
Published on
March 24, 2020 at 2:31:00 PM PDT March 24, 2020 at 2:31:00 PM PDTth, March 24, 2020 at 2:31:00 PM PDT
When it comes to filters, it’s all about how the filter is rated. “A 5 micron filter is a 5 micron filter,” says Chris, “so it’s not a brand choice.” Instead of considering which brand to use in your facility, decide first what you want to filter out, and what you want to let through. This is going to be specific to the application point of use in the facility.
In our Procurement Guide, we offer advice on picking the best filter for your building. When it comes to bacteria, we get a lot of requests for filters that keep out more than lead and odor. Bacterial filtration costs more than a basic filter, and maintains the same replacement schedule based on your facility’s water quality and flow rate and volume at the point of use.
“Constantly getting the least expensive product doesn’t usually mean you’re protecting your facility,” says Larry. “Providing the protection you want has an added expense to it.”
Next, determine what filter installation method you want to use.The majority of facilities use standard canister filters, which are less expensive up front but require more time and labor. When changing canister filters, maintenance personnel must open the canister, replace the filter, and purge the system.Alternatively, we have the brand new Atlas Filtri cartridge, which screws onto the housing, making it quick and easy to change on a regular basis. Because this filter has its own casing, it costs more upfront.
When considering a change in filter type, most facilities manage upgrading as part of their regular maintenance schedule. Based on your facility’s usage, that likely means replacing your filters every 3-6 months, rotating in the new filter type at that time. “All the hospitals we work with are on a schedule to replace the filters throughout their facility,” says Chris. “However, in residential buildings that’s usually the responsibility of each individual tenant.” For homes and residential buildings, depending on usage, filters should be replaced at least every six months to a year.
Still thinking about your ice machine?
There’s a solution for that. Many filters made for ice machines remove chlorine from the water. However, selecting a filter which allows an acceptable amount of chlorine through the filter will prevent Legionella from growing in the ice machine. “That’s something we can help you with,” says Chris. “Let us know what machine you’ve got, and we’ll find the right filter for it.”
If you have any questions, or want help identifying the right solutions for your exact needs, call 1-800-336-8900 or email sales@thepartworks.com to talk remotely with one of our technical sales consultants.
Check out the rest of this award winning series: Best Practices for Anti-Microbial Plumbing
