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Description of the iron filtration system
The OXY3 iron filtration system includes an aeration tank, a filtration tank and a backwashing control valve.
Incoming water flows into the control valve and is directed into the aeration tank. Exposure to the air in this tank
will begin oxidizing any clear water iron. The water then flows through the back connector tube and into the
filtration tank where oxidized iron is trapped by the filter media. The iron-free water then returns to the control
valve where it is directed into the service lines.
Periodically the control valve will go through a backwash cycle. This cycle will typically begin at 1:00 A.M.
flushing the accumulated iron to the drain. Part of this backwashing process includes an air draw cycle which
will replenish the pocket of air in the aeration tank and prepare the unit for the next period of service.
Water Quality
While the OXY3 filter will perform under a variety of water qualities there are a few things that need to be
considered to ensure satisfactory performance. The water should be tested to determine the concentration, or
levels of the items listed below.
pH
- A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water has a pH
of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. The OXY3 iron filter performs best when the pH is 7.0, or higher. pH
values below 7.0 require a special media blend in the filter in order to elevate the pH for proper iron oxidation.
Iron
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l) combine
with oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron naturally exists in some water
sources in either clear water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. The OXY3 iron filter is
designed to oxidize ferrous iron so it can be removed by mechanical filtration in the ferric state. By removing the
available iron in the water, iron bacteria are then inhibited from propagating and forming biomass. Any biomass
that forms inside the iron filter is regularly dislodged during the backwash cycle of regeneration.
Manganese
- A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese concentrations as low as 0.05 milligrams/liter
(mg/l) can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally, manganese can
cause an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. The OXY3 iron filter reduces manganese as well as
iron, however, manganese oxidation requires the pH of the water to be elevated to 8.2 or higher. Special OXY3
media blends are available to elevate the pH of manganese bearing waters.
Tannin
- A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is an acid caused by water passing through decaying
vegetation. Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. As hot water passes over the coffee beans,
or tea leaves, the tannin is extracted causing color and flavor in the water. Tannin concentrations as low as 0.3
milligrams per liter can cause a yellow discoloration in the water and may interfere with the OXY3
iron filter’s
long-term ability to remove the iron as the media becomes coated with the tannic acid.
Hydrogen Sulfide
- A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur gas,
causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested at the
well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If a water sample has been sitting for a while the sulfur gas will
dissipate and cause the hydrogen sulfide test to be lower than the actual concentration. If sulfur is present, the
filter should be set to backwash more frequently to prevent the gas from building up. The OXY3 iron filter can
typically treat up to 2 to 3 milligrams per liter of sulfur gas.
Pre-installation Instructions
