All About Non-Backwash, Up-Flow Neutralizers

All neutralizing filters, conventional down-flow automatics or non-backwash up-flow units, correct an acidic pH by passing water through a bed of calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) sometimes augmented with corose (Magnesium Oxide, MgO).

The terms up-flow and down-flow refer to the water's flow-path during normal operation. With an up-flow neutralizer, the water first goes down a centered distributor tube to the bottom of the tank and then diffuses successively upward through the gravel under-bed and filter media(s). The filter sand, when water is being used, is lifted, which keeps it from becoming packed and channeled. The up-flow treatment path achieves excellent contact tim with the filter media(s). It's actually more effective in treating a pH below 6.0 than a more expensive automatic neutralizer!

Other Advantages:

1- Lower initial cost

2- No backwash wastewater - note: an average automatic neutralizer discharges more than 12,000 gallons of wastewater per year!

3- No automatic control valve to service or maintain

4- Acidic pH correction from 5.0!

Not a Filter:

It is important to note, however, that an up-flow neutralizer offers no filtration, in the true sense of the word. An automatic, down-flow neutralizer forces water to pass through approximately 30 lb. of packed filter sand, making it the better choice when the water has color.

Cartridge Pre-Filter:

We strongly recommend the installation of a cartridge pre-filter to keep grit and sediment from clogging the distributor screen.

Added Hardness:

As a rule of thumb, all neutralizers add approximately 50 ppm (mg/l) of calcium to the water is the treatment process. Calcium is the major component of hardness.

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