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HOW THE CAFE SYSTEM WORKS
Your Rainfresh CAFE iron-removal filter utilizes oxidation and filtration technology to remove dissolved
iron from water. Dissolved iron, also called ferrous iron is oxidized to a filterable rust form (ferric iron)
which is then filtered out of the water. When the submersible pump is running, water is forced
through an air-injector under high pressure. Inside the air-injector are two openings, one is a small
venturi opening and the other is a larger 3/8” opening. The high-pressure water being forced through
the small venturi opening creates a low pressure area inside the injector valve, which in turn draws
extremely small micro-bubbles of air into the flow of water as it passes through the venturi opening.
The oxygen is utilized to oxidize ferrous (dissolved or clear water) iron to a filterable precipitate (ferric
hydroxide). A special oxidant medium acts as an insoluble catalyst and enhances the oxidation process.
After a pre-determined interval, an automatic
backwash
process is initiated wherein the “trapped”
iron is stripped away and dumped to drain and the system is ready for use again. The backwash
process is completely automatic and is factory set for 2 AM (can be changed).
Note:
No salt or chemicals are required to clean the system. As such it is typically safe to dump the
water into the septic system. However, because in every backwash cycle, about 45 gallons of water are
used to clean the system, it is recommended that you consult a professional to ascertain the safety of
the water going into your septic system.
Note:
CAFE systems do not kill or remove bacteria or any other pathogenic microorganisms. To
continuously disinfect all the water in your house, we recommend that you install a Rainfresh UV
system. Call Rainfresh for details.
CAUTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION
Follow all plumbing codes for installation.
Your pump must be a
submersible pump
for the valve to operate properly. Jet pumps often do not create enough
suction for the air injector.
To operate properly, the well pump flow rate must exceed the backwash flow rate (4.5 US GPM (17 LPM)). If your well
pump does not deliver this flow rate, do not install the unit as it will not work properly. You may need to either change
the well pump or call Rainfresh for a custom size unit that will operate within your pump specifications.
The automatic control valve works on 110V AC. We recommend a GFI (ground fault interrupter) 120 volt outlet within 5
feet of the filter. Extension cords are not recommended.
CAFE systems do not kill or remove bacteria or any other pathogenic microorganisms. To continuously disinfect all the
water in your house, we recommend that you install a Rainfresh UV system. Call Rainfresh for details.
For use on cold water only.
Only use thread seal tape
(Teflon® tape)
for fitting connections into unit.
DO NOT USE pipe dope or chemical sealants.
If water pipes are used to ground electrical system, install jumper wire
(#4 gauge solid copper wire) across the unit to
maintain proper grounding of your electrical system
Protect your unit from freezing
- drain the unit if freezing temperatures exist.
NOTE: IF SOLDER TYPE FITTINGS ARE USED DO NOT USE torch near inlet/outlet connections.
All solder joints should be
made before joining pipe to filter head.
DO NOT over-tighten
metal fittings on to unit connections.
The unit should only be moved by 2 or more people due to heavy weight. Failure to do so can result in back or other
injury.
How to check well pump flow rate
Make sure that the pressure tank is full and no one uses any water until you have finished the test.
1)
Connect a hose to an appropriate outlet at the bottom of the pressure tank and put the other end into an empty
pail of known volume (e.g. a 10 gal pail)
Air Injection
Iron Filter
CAFE948
