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PF-2 CHARCOAL FILTERS
The function of the charcoal filter element (part no. FT-FTC-CC) is to remove any chlorine in
the fresh water flush water supply. The reverse osmosis membrane can only handle small
amounts of chlorine for short periods without damage. If the fresh water flush water contains
chlorine, the membrane will be exposed to it for days at a time and the membrane will begin to
produce high salinity product. We do not specify a micron rating for the charcoal filter because
the other filters are downstream of the charcoal filter and still provide all the necessary
particulate filtering.
The charcoal filter we supply removes 99.7% of the chlorine. Beware when buying other
charcoal filters. If they don’t specify the percentage of chlorine removed, don’t use them. The
cheap ones may remove only 60% or 70%. Also, there are aftermarket filters which are very
close to, but not exactly, the same dimensions that will not seal properly in the housing. So if
you skimp on the charcoal filter you will toast a $500.00 membrane on the first flush. The other
factor is the flow rate that the filter can handle. Because the chlorine is deactivated by a chemical
reaction with the charcoal, it must remain in contact with the charcoal for sufficient period of
time for the reaction to be complete. The filters we use can handle 1.5 gallons (6 liters) per
minute flow, and are good for 3000 gallons (12,000 liters) at 1.5 GPM, or six months, whichever
comes first. Regardless of the flow, the charcoal loses its effectiveness after six months.
03/07/05
