Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - What is this black granular stuff?
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craiger
01-15-08, 11:23 AM
In my water treatment system, I have a large media filter, a small cartridge filter, and then a water softener/neutralizer system.
When I clean out the middle cartridge filter, I find this black, granular sludge that settles at the bottom of the cartridge container. Since the container is clear, I can actually see this pile of sludge accumulate over time. I clean it out periodically and am wondering what it is. Could it be particles leaking from the media filter? Or is it a formation from the unsoftened water in the system. The water coming in my house has a high iron content and low pH, but that is eventually treated by the water softener/neutralizer at the end of the line.
Any ideas what the black stuff is or if I should be concerned about its buildup?
When I clean out the middle cartridge filter, I find this black, granular sludge that settles at the bottom of the cartridge container. Since the container is clear, I can actually see this pile of sludge accumulate over time. I clean it out periodically and am wondering what it is. Could it be particles leaking from the media filter? Or is it a formation from the unsoftened water in the system. The water coming in my house has a high iron content and low pH, but that is eventually treated by the water softener/neutralizer at the end of the line.
Any ideas what the black stuff is or if I should be concerned about its buildup?
AndyC
01-15-08, 02:25 PM
What is the media filter? Is it a mixed/multi-bed media? Is it a carbon bed? Sand? Is it a backwashing or flow-through tank?
Anyway, that would be my guess. It is most likely fines from the media passing through the distributor screen. Over time, they continuously break down into smaller pieces and the cartridge filter stops them.
Doesn't seem like much to worry about. If the water at teh end of the treatment is satisfactory, then you have done a good job.
Andy Christensen, CWS-II
Anyway, that would be my guess. It is most likely fines from the media passing through the distributor screen. Over time, they continuously break down into smaller pieces and the cartridge filter stops them.
Doesn't seem like much to worry about. If the water at teh end of the treatment is satisfactory, then you have done a good job.
Andy Christensen, CWS-II
craiger
01-15-08, 02:33 PM
Thanks AndyC....
The installer never told me what type of media filter. He just called it a "media filter". I will check the model number and look it up. It was made by Master Water Conditioning.
Anyway - the water tests and tastes fine, and these particles don't seem to impact the downstream softener/neutralizer.
The installer never told me what type of media filter. He just called it a "media filter". I will check the model number and look it up. It was made by Master Water Conditioning.
Anyway - the water tests and tastes fine, and these particles don't seem to impact the downstream softener/neutralizer.
jdp38
01-15-08, 03:18 PM
Just Curious....are You Sure You Have A "softener/neutralizer"????....... Neutralizers Have To Have Their Media Replaced Over Time, Whereas A Good Softener Doesnt......not A Very Good Combination.....imo
craiger
01-16-08, 08:51 AM
The softener/neutralizer I have, as I understand it, has an upper tank (neutralizer), and a lower tank (softener part). I just had a neutralizer rebed done to replace the older neutralizer mix. The softener part, as I understand it, does not require much maintenance.
The original water treatment guy I used proposed this equipment, and in addition to the media filter he installed, this softener/neutralizer has taken care of the problems we were having with our well water.
The original water treatment guy I used proposed this equipment, and in addition to the media filter he installed, this softener/neutralizer has taken care of the problems we were having with our well water.