Iron Removal System
An iron removal system is a water treatment device that removes excess iron from your water supply. Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in well water and some municipal water supplies. While iron is not necessarily harmful to your health in small amounts, high levels of iron in your water can cause a number of problems, including:
- Staining of laundry and dishes
- A metallic taste in your water
- Clogged pipes
- Build-up of rust on appliances
There are two main types of iron that can be present in water
- Ferrous iron: This is the dissolved form of iron, which is clear and colorless.
- Ferric iron: This is the oxidized form of iron, which can cause rusty stains.
Iron removal systems work by converting ferrous iron into ferric iron, which can then be filtered out of the water. There are a number of different types of iron removal systems available, including:
- Oxidation filters: These filters use oxygen to convert ferrous iron into ferric iron. A common media used for oxidation is Manganese dioxide (MnO2) which is often used in conjunction with a sand filter.
- Ion exchange filters: These filters use a resin to exchange iron ions for sodium ions.
- Reverse osmosis systems: These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including iron.