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PHIX
®
Cartridge System
Owners Manual
1) PHIX Cartridge Overview
1.1 The PHIX Advantage
Traditional wastewater neutralization relies on old, ineffective and often toxic and hazardous
technologies to treat acidic wastewater. PHIX technology represents the next generation in point-
source/in-line wastewater neutralization and can be used in various applications requiring pH
adjustment in the treatment process, to ensure effluents meet by-law regulations.
PHIX neutralization systems are point-source wastewater neutralization technologies that treat
acidic wastewater safely and effectively in process and/or prior to discharge into a municipal sewer
system. The advanced neutralization systems are adaptable, use simple designs and straightforward
techniques to adjust pH efficiently to within discharge limits, preventing sewer surcharges or fines.
1.2 PHIX Cartridge Design
The PHIX Cartridge System, designed for direct installation under the sink, treats acidic wastewater at
the source. The PHIX Cartridge System is compatible with various sink sizes, and is easy to install in
most commercial, institutional and industrial applications.
The PHIX Cartridge System features an engineered flow-through design to maximize efficiency and
minimize maintenance. The Cartridge uses all natural and safe to handle PHIX Media which permits
better control over effluent pH. PHIX Media requires no special storage or handling and ensures
optimal and neutralization treatment within the space-saving unit.
The PHIX Cartridge reduces the cost of all new construction projects by eliminating the need for glass,
glass lined or PVDF piping. For retrofit projects, the PHIX Cartridge fits directly underneath the sink
removing the need for a collection tank to treat and store acidic wastewater prior to discharge into the
sewer system.
1.2.1 PHIX Media and Performance
The PHIX Cartridge uses PHIX Media, a mix of solid alkali non-resin materials, to neutralize acidic
wastewater. It is used throughout the neutralization process and is replaced as required. It permits
better control over effluent pH and eliminates the need for special storage or handling required by
traditional hazardous neutralizing chemicals. PHIX Media has several formulations. To ensure the
correct Media formulation is used, Zurn works with its clients to analyze the specific wastewater inputs
and requirements for each application.
For acid neutralization applications, PHIX Media replaces the regular use of marble or limestone. PHIX
Media is a cost-effective treatment that ensures continuous wastewater neutralization and by-law
regulations compliance.
Performance testing evaluated the treatment efficiency of PHIX Media in the PHIX Cartridge System. A
standard neutralizing capacity test was used to compare the ability of specific neutralizing chemicals
to adjust the pH of a sample to within acceptable by-law levels.
Standard concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCI samples were ran through a series of titrations until
the required by-law pH levels were attained. Once the testing stage was complete, usage rates were
used to calculate the total amount of media required to neutralize the samples. Figure 1.1 illustrates the
results of neutralizing capacity test of the PHIX Cartridge System and the effectiveness of PHIX Media.
1.3 Applications
The PHIX Cartridge System may be used in numerous non-residential pH adjustment
applications including:
• Laboratory sinks
• School laboratory benches
• Hospital laboratories
• Maintenance sinks
• Commercial rinse sinks
