Mineralizer for reverse osmosis - behind this complex term hides quite a simple design designed to purify water. But cleaning is not the same as when using charcoal or other types of filters. Among users, reviews about reverse osmosis filters with a mineralizer are extremely ambiguous, and therefore the topic requires detailed study.
Do I need a device in the water purification system
Most of the mineralizers for reverse osmosis contain calcite, obtained from natural calcium carbonate. This product saturates the liquid with a vital mineral. Some cleaners also include additional pH adjusting agents. Magnesium in the composition of the mineralizer neutralizes increased acidity, and also improves the taste of water.
A mineralizer with a carbon filtration element is usually used as the last stage of purification. Some models assume the use of 2 taps with water - from one flowing ordinary purified one, from the other - treated with osmosis. This is necessary because the continuous use of fully purified water is not recommended by the WHO.
Water purified with the help of an osmosis system is used for various purposes: cooking, drinking in its pure form, washing dishes, body, washing. However, such a liquid should not be used for washing cars, not all manufacturers recommend using it in household appliances, although some users note a decrease in the amount of scale after using such a liquid.
The best solution for installation in a house or apartment is a system with 2 taps, which makes it possible to drink plain water and cook with mineralized water. Or use it the other way around.
Advantages and disadvantages of the system
The reverse osmosis water purification system is the most effective, it removes up to 99% of bacteria, as well as chemical and other impurities. This is the main advantage, but there are a few more:
- the taste of water changes for the better;
- it becomes softer;
- it is possible to use mineralizers that improve the molecular composition.
However, complete purification of the liquid from impurities can lead to the removal of vital substances from it, such as calcium and other salts. This leads to the gradual development of diseases: arthritis, arthrosis, problems with teeth, gums, heart.
Another disadvantage of osmosis without a mineralizer is an increase in the acidity of the water, which also negatively affects the condition of the stomach, contributes to the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Complete demineralization is the main disadvantage of the system, therefore, a filter must be installed in the osmosis system, enriching the water with minerals.
How osmosis works
The composition of the cartridge must include:
- magnesium molecules;
- natural calcium carbonate in the form of calcite;
- chlorides;
- carbonate anions;
- sulfides;
- sodium and potassium.
For manufacturers, the composition may differ slightly. More expensive models have a higher quality of mineral filling.
Connection diagram
The mineralizer is usually installed in the following way:
- Turn off the water in reverse osmosis.
- Connect the plumbing system.
- Install a tap of clean water.
- Place the drain clamp on the drain pipe.
- Connect the fluid storage tank.
At the final stage, water is started in the water purification system and leaks are checked by opening the tap. The water is drained for about 15 minutes to rinse the charcoal filter. Then open the valves of the reservoir, close the tap with filtered water. Fill the tank for 2 hours and open the drain cock.
Service features
Mineral filters must be changed after every 3-4 thousand liters. This is a period of 6-12 months, depending on the number of people in the family. The filter replacement scheme is approximately the same for most manufacturers:
- Cut off the water to the filter.
- Close the storage tank valve.
- Disconnect the tubes, remove the case.
- Install a new cartridge.
- Open the tap on the storage tank and turn on the system.
You can cope with the replacement of the filter on your own, without the involvement of specialists. Immediately after connection, check the system for leaks.
Mineralizer selection criteria
Before purchasing a mineralizer for a reverse osmosis system, it is important to determine what purification is required. The simple system consists of 3 stages of cleaning: pre-filter, membrane and carbon filter.
In the six-stage system, a mineralizer is already installed in front of the carbon filter in the osmosis. In the seven-stage, together with osmosis, a bioceramic activator is installed to restore the natural properties of water. This is the most expensive and high quality cleaning system.
You should also consider the size of the storage tank of the system - it must fit under the sink. The whole system costs from 7 to 10 thousand rubles. A replacement cartridge costs from 5 to 10 thousand, but besides it, other elements of the purification system need to be changed.
Owner reviews
User opinion is divided into 2 fronts:
- opponents believe that the reverse osmosis system with or without a mineralizer does not give the body a natural flow of water, washes out calcium and other trace elements;
- supporters believe that the use of purified water, even with or without a simple mineralizer, is not capable of harming health, because minerals enter the body in other ways.
Experts and manufacturers agree that it is better to have 2 taps of the purification system - in one the water will be mineralized or completely filtered by osmosis, in the second - purified without this system.
