Water purification from iron

Water saturated with heavy metals is far from the best option for a healthy lifestyle. But unfortunately, it is water with a high iron content that most often flows from water pipes, and it is often present in wells and wells. Cleaning water from iron is not an easy task. Moreover, for different cases, their own method is selected, because a universal solution does not exist. Consider these methods, their pros and cons.

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How to determine the presence of iron in water?

In drinking water, iron should not contain more than 0.3 mg / l. But often this figure is exceeded many times, and you can find out in the following ways:

• If the concentration is exceeded, then it can be determined by rust spots that remain on the plumbing and clean linen. In this case, the water may remain transparent.
• If the norm is exceeded three times, the water becomes cloudy, yellow-brown. Of course, there is a change in taste.

Important! A metallic taste with a large excess of iron is felt even in coffee or tea. Dishes from the inside can be covered with a brown coating.

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Why remove excess iron?

It is necessary to clear water of iron, first of all, for own health. Rusty water leads to allergies, kidney and liver diseases, and skin becomes dry and irritated.

In addition, the technique suffers. Rust settles on the pipes, which then ends up on the mechanisms of a washing machine or dishwasher, which ultimately leads to its breakdown.

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What is iron in water?

There are various forms of iron that can be found in water. Consider the most important of them:

• Ferrous iron is soluble in water. Even if it is in high concentration, the liquid will remain colorless and transparent. If you pour it into a glass and let it stand a little, the bottom will be covered with brown sediment.
• Ferric iron is not able to dissolve in water, so it becomes yellowish. If you put the liquid to settle, the bottom of the tank will be covered with brown sediment.
• In the presence of organic iron compounds in the water, its color is yellow, but when sedimentation does not precipitate.
• Water with “bacterial iron” has a specific iridescent film on its surface. Sludge, which in appearance resembles jelly, is deposited in the water supply system.

Important! If one of the signs of excess iron concentration is detected, filters should be purchased to purify the water from iron.

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How to purify water?

A single method that would be suitable in any situation has not yet been invented. Consider all modern methods of water purification from iron and evaluate them.

Ion exchange

For a long time, using this method, water is made softer. For this, natural ion exchangers (ion exchange resins) were used. Today, synthetic ion-exchange resins, which have high absorption abilities, are used more. Using ion exchange, it is possible to remove manganese and organic iron.

Important! This method is best used for hard water, since iron is removed along with hardness salts.

Catalytic Oxidation and Filtration

In order for iron to be oxidized, a special filtering “backfill” consisting of manganese dioxide is used. As a result, after oxidation, iron settles.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is its powerlessness in the case of ferrous iron and inefficiency at a concentration of more than 10 mg / L.

Oxidation, precipitation and filtration

This method has been known for a long time. For oxidation, oxygen, chlorine, aeration are used:

• For oxidation with oxygen to occur, a large reservoir is required.
• Chlorination has become more widespread. Thus, iron is not only rapidly oxidized, but also microorganisms are destroyed.
• The greatest prospect is for ozone with its significant oxidation capacity. But such a process is very expensive.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is the inefficiency against manganese, which almost always accompanies iron. In addition, without the addition of a coagulant, the process will be very lengthy.

Membrane method

With its help, microorganisms are removed, desalination is performed and iron is removed. This method is quite expensive, in addition, filters for cleaning water from iron often need to be changed.

Distillation

Water purification from iron using this method is quite reliable. For this, a distiller is used, in which the liquid is heated, it turns into steam. All foreign substances that were in it precipitate. Then the steam is cooled and distillate is obtained during condensation.

Important! Such a liquid has no smell and taste, so it is not popular among the population. Unfortunately, this method is very energy intensive and low productivity.

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Do-it-yourself water deferrization

The water filter for iron is not always effective, as its cartridges are constantly clogged. But you can also independently assemble the aeration system. We offer you one of the most effective ways:

1. A large storage tank is installed in the attic. Ideally, if it is with the bottom removed, in the form of a barrel. The preferred material is food grade plastic. It will not respond to corrosion.
2. The first pipe is supplied from the well. It is designed to supply fluid. The pipe extends along the entire length of the tank; a spray is attached to its end. Water flowing in thin streams comes in contact with air, ferrous iron oxidizes faster to ferric.
3. The second pipe is for tap. It is attached to the back of the tank, about 20 cm from the bottom. This is done in order to prevent sediment from entering clean water. The output is equipped with a coarse filter.
4. The tank is connected to a not very powerful compressor to accelerate the aeration process.
5. A crane is installed at the bottom of the tank, due to which sediment will be removed.

Important! Such a system works very simply: water is sprayed into the tank and remains in it for a day. During this time, iron oxidizes and precipitates. Pure water enters the system.

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Clean water is an important issue for health and well-being. Do not forget about it!