Time to Complete lesson: 20 mins

There are many variations of Sterilization and Filtration systems available on the market.

Through many years of industry development, Pristine Water Systems Australia has refined our product selection to the most effective, best quality, and cost efficient systems for residential and commercial use.

Different filtration and sterilization approaches are required for different situations. Some solutions will require multiple units to achieve the best quality of drinking water.

Filters are composed of a variety of media (substance(s)), which are designed to trap, absorb, or modify impurities as water flows through them. There are many different types of filter media available. Some mechanically trap pollutants with an ultra-fine sieve or strainer, while others use a process called absorption in which contaminants are retained within the microscopic pores of the medium.

There are two types of filter ratings: nominal and absolute.

A nominal rating indicates the smallest particle size that the filter should remove or reduce, in accordance with its design criteria. It is an estimated value, not a precise one. A 1 Micron nominal filter, for example should trap 95 per cent of all particles 1 microns or larger.

An absolute filter rating refers to a certified reduction rate, usually 99.9 per cent. Therefore a 1 Micron absolute filter will remove 99.9 per cent of particles 1 microns or larger in diameter.

9.1 Types of Filter and Sterilization units

Following is an explanation of each of the categories of filter and sterilization systems. These categories are:

Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizer

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems

Calcite

Carbon Filters

Water Softeners

Sediment Filters

Ceramic Filters

9.1.1 UltraViolet Sterilizer

Ultra-Violet (UV) Sterilization is a disinfection method to kill or inactivate microorganisms.

Inactivation occurs as the UV light scrambles the organisms’ DNA structure, making reproduction impossible. The UV process is simple and efficient, destroying 99.99% of harmful microorganisms without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

An Ultraviolet Steriliser is an electrical device, which produces ultraviolet energy (present in the natural spectrum of sunlight0 that is used to destroy microorganisms present in water without introducing chemicals.

Water passes through the steriliser unit, where micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoa, parasites and mould spores are exposed to an intense dose of ultraviolet light which inactivates them.

For details of UV Inactivation Chart, please see Appendix 3.

UV Ballast Controllers

There are several model Ballast controller power supply units to suit variations in water flow and UV lamp wattage.

Dangerous electric voltage is present inside the power supply box and chamber. The ballast is not user serviceable and should be returned to the supplier for any repairs.

Do not use a unit with a damaged electrical lead or plug, a unit with any faulty functions, or a unit which has been dropped or has been damaged in some way
Do not use the UV lamp outside of the UV disinfection reactor
The power supply box is not designed for remote mounting. Recommended maximum distance of chamber to power supply box is two (2) meters.
The power supply boxes can be mounted outdoors as they are IP65 rated: meaning they are weather proof.

When connected and switched on, you should never look directly at the UV light.

Note: UV lamps are designed for permanent operation to reach their best disinfection capacity. Frequent switching on and off of the power supply unit reduces the life of the UV lamp.

9.1.2 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment System

Osmosis is a process that occurs when two solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semi-permeable membrane.

Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification works by forcing the water under pressure against an ultra-fine semi-permeable membrane designed to allow single water molecules to permeate through, while at the same time sending to waste most contaminants.

The membrane acts as a mechanical filter, straining out particulate matter, micro-organisms, asbestos, even single molecules of heavier organic compounds.

An RO system removes a wide spectrum of impurities from water such as: fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, cysts, turbidity, sediment, colloidal matter, total dissolved solids, toxic metals, radioactive elements, pesticides, and herbicides.

An RO system requires approximately 280 kpa (40 psi) inlet water pressure. A typical system produces water at a slow rate – almost drop by drop – so most under sink systems have a pressurised storage tank and a separate dedicated faucet or all in one three way mixer installed on the sink. Water drawn from the faucet or mixer comes from the storage tank. A counter top or laundry system works the same way except without a pressurised tank.

Important: We suggest you read and become familiar with all instructions, processes, and parts prior to proceeding with the assembly.

9.1.3 Calcite

Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate media. One of the advantages of Calcite is its self-limiting property. Calcite corrects pH only enough to reach a non-corrosive equilibrium. It does not overcorrect under normal conditions. Upon contact with calcite, acidic waters slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate to raise the pH, which reduces potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing systems.

Periodic backwashing will prevent packing, reclassify the bed and maintain high service rates. Depending on pH, water chemistry and service flow, the Calcite bed will have to be periodically replenished as the Calcite is depleted. As the Calcite’s calcium carbonate neutralises the water, it will increase hardness and a softener may become necessary after the neutralising filter.

9.1.4 Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters are particularly effective at removing pollutants which create unpleasant taste, odour, and colour in water.

These fast-acting filters can eliminate or reduce the levels of chlorine by-products, pesticides, herbicides, and other organic and industrial chemicals.

Activated carbon is made from a variety of organic materials such as coal, coconut, lignite, and wood. When these are activated by exposure to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, the result is a substance with millions of microscopic pores and a vast surface area; Eg. 1 gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 500m2 to cling to or absorb smaller organic molecules.

There are two forms of carbon in general use: granular and block. Carbon granules are about the size of coarse sand while carbon block is finely powdered carbon compressed into a solid mass.

To get the most of a carbon filter, it should be kept free of sediment and heavy organic impurities by the incorporation of a sediment filter as an integral part of the system design.

Filter cartridges should be replaced regularly, depending on the quality and source of the water.

At PWS, we try not to put Carbon filters on tank water systems as it can hide the smell/odour, which are the tell-tale signs that the tank requires cleaning and/or disinfecting/sanitizing.

9.1.5 Water Softeners

The presence of calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water makes it hard. Soft water readily forms lather with soap, but it is more difficult to form lather with hard water. The dissolved calcium ions and magnesium ions in hard water react with the soap to form scum, so more soap is needed.

Hard water is not necessarily ‘unhealthy’ to drink. However, in the pursuit of achieving pure drinking water, there might be a need to reduce the amount of calcium, magnesium and other metals.

Water softening is the removal of calcium, magnesium, and certain other metal cations in hard water.

Natural water from bores, rivers and dams can contain these minerals that make water ‘hard’. Other than creating a lather with soap, some of the additional problems include:

Dirt can be trapped in clothes when being washed as the effectiveness of the soap is reduced
Spots can be left on anything from dishes to the car
The affect on the plumbing system; calcium and magnesium deposits can build up in the pipes reducing flow

Soft Water is achieved by passing hard water through a cation ion exchange resin bed. Cation resin describes resin that removes “cations”. Cations are ions that possess a positive charge. Ion exchange resins are blended synthetic polymers in spherical bead form.

Once “docked” against the resin bead, there is a transfer of ions with the calcium (carbonate/bicarbonate) being exchanged for sodium (carbonate/bicarbonate).

The same also occurs with magnesium hard water salts.

When the resin can no longer give up sodium, it is recharged using sodium chloride (common salt) as the regenerant. As salt is passed through the resin, sodium is taken up by the resin bead with the chloride component combining with the calcium and magnesium salts that have been removed during the softening process.

These calcium and magnesium chloride salts then wash to drain.

Once re-charged (regenerated), the resin can once again return to exchanging ions with the resulting production of softened water.

By their nature, cation ion exchange resins are also effective in removing metals such as iron, copper, manganese, and lead. Macro porous ion exchange resins have a greater surface area and therefore offer increased softening and iron/manganese removal performance.

Softening capacity is determined by the level of hardness, iron and manganese etc in the water that is being treated.

Softener Systems Explained

Some Softener models are designed to both soften water and to remove iron and other stain causing metals. Soft water lathers and rinses more freely. Laundry will be soft and fluffy and there is reduced potential for soap scum to build up on shower screens and bathroom tiles and fittings etc. Skin and hair feel really clean and nice - soft water is just one of life’s luxuries.

Softeners have the ability to treat a set volume of water after which they need to be regenerated. The capacity – or volume capability of a water softener – will be determined by the type (model) of water softener, the amount of water to be treated, the flow rate and the hardness of that water.

“Regeneration” means passing a brine solution through the softener to release accumulated hardness salts (that the softener has removed) so that the softener can continue to treat water for another pre-set volume - say 17,000 litres. It’s a bit like a mobile phone – you re-charge so that it can continue to do its job.

It is important to note that the softening process does not add salt to the water. Brine is used only as a regenerant and washed from the softener before it returns to service. This happens automatically as part of the regeneration process – both types.

9.1.6 Sediment Filters

Sediment filters are like a fine sieve which traps dirt and other suspended particles. Using a sediment filter as a pre-filter to a purifier will provide additional protection from damage and extend the life, because it will take longer to become clogged with unwanted contaminants. Sediment filters range from coarse to fine, and are micron rated accordingly. The life of a sediment filter depends on the quality and source of the water – six to twelve months is average.

9.1.7 Ceramic Filters

Ceramic water filtration relies on small pore size of ceramic material to effectively filter sediments such as dirt and debris.

Some models can reduce particle matter as fine as 0.9 micron absolute, which effectively removes bacteria, cysts and turbidity.

The filter has a hollow core of ceramic, which can be cleaned using a scouring pad (similar to 3M ‘Scotchbrite’) when the filter flow becomes noticeably less than normal. In addition some ceramic filters are also fitted with an activated carbon block core to remove chlorine and organic compounds whilst improving taste and reducing odours.

9.2 How to Choose the right water filtration system

Choosing a filtration system is a personal choice and depends on a variety of situations and requirements.

Water source Eg. Town (mains), Tank, Bore/Spring etc.
Type of impurities required to be removed Eg. Sediment, Chlorine, Fluoride etc.
Purpose of water Eg. Drinking, cleaning, gardens

Variety of Filtration

Sediment – removes sand, dirt and rust
Carbon – Removal of toxic chemicals, chlorine taste and odour
Carbon / Silver Impregnated – Ideal for tank water, removes odours, improves taste, silver impregnated to inhibit bacteria growth within the filter
Ceramic – Removal of bacteria and tannin, improves taste and removes odours
Reverse Osmosis (RO) – Removal of all chemicals, heavy metals and minerals and fluoride.
Alkaliser – Raises pH levels to alkaline

9.3 How often does a filter/cartridge require changing?

PWSA strongly recommends that filters/cartridges be changed regularly – between 6 to 12 months, depending on quality of water and filter product used.

Generally the average family household filter/cartridge requires replacement annually. Should you find the water flow from the system noticeably reduces, it may be due for service (or simply requires to be cleaned/scrubbed, such as a ceramic cartridge).

Used Water filter cartridge holds all the chemicals, heavy metals and bacteria etc that has been removed from water during the past 12 months; using the cartridge past this due date may cause bacteria to re-contaminate the cartridge and possibly be reintroduced into the drinking water.

Specific product descriptions will also provide guidelines for how frequently filters/cartridges will require changing.

9.0 Filtration & Ultraviolet Products

You must be logged in to access this course

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Franchise Service Fee

3.0 Franchisee Obligations

4.0 Franchisor - Franchisee Structure

5.0 Creating a Successful Franchise Business

6.0 Franchisee Support

Module 1 Appendix Items

Module 1 Quiz

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Administration

3.0 Franchise Inventory Lists

4.0 PODAC (Pristine Online Data Accounts & Clients)

5.0 ITF - In The Field APP

6.0 PWS Social Media Policy Guidelines

Module 2 - Appendix

Module 2 Quiz

1.0 Background of the Water Industry

2.0 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) Introduction

3.0 Common Water Borne Diseases

4.0 Chemicals and Substances found in Water

5.0 Pristine Water Systems Chemicals and Treatments

6.0 Water Testing/Analysis & Results

7.0 Industry Certifications

8.0 Safe Work Australia / Workplace Health & Safety / Occupational Health & Safety

9.0 Filtration & UV Products

10.0 Types of Tanks

11.0 Other PWS Products & Equipment

12.0 Glossary of Terms

Module 3 - Appendix

Module 3 Quiz

1.0 Introduction

2.0 The PWS Process

3.0 Planning your Work Schedule

4.0 Planning Product Ordering

5.0 Water Testing

6.0 AqueousPro™ 50 Water Sanitiser

7.0 Water Tank Cleaning

8.0 Filtration / Sterilisation Supply (Assembly)

9.0 Ongoing Service & Maintenance

10.0 PWS Standards

11.0 AqueousAir™ Assembly & Installation Instructions

Module 4 - Appendix

Module 4 Quiz

Module 5 Video Lessons

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Advertising & Marketing

3.0 Planning your Advertising & Marketing

4.0 Selling PWS / Selling Yourself

5.0 Assessments & Quoting

6.0 Invoicing

Module 5 Appendix

Module 5 Quiz

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Vehicle Maintenance

3.0 Equipment Maintenance

4.0 Process for Equipment Replacement / PWS Repair Request

Module 6 Quiz

PWSA 2022 Conference