We will continue to add to this page, so please check back. If you have a question that is not answered here please let us know so that we can answer you directly and possibly add your question to this page. Email your questions to: info@tealbrook.com
What is the difference between a filter and a purifier?
A filter will remove 99.9% of Protozoa (Crypto & Giardia) in the water, a purifier must remove 99.9% of Protozoa, 99.99% of Viruses and 99.9999% of Bacteria. The reason those numbers are important is because of the size of the various contaminants and how many of each can make you ill. Protozoa are anywhere from 1 to 100 microns in size. Bacteria are between 0.1 and 1 micron. Viruses range from 0.01 to 0.1 micron. There is not a filter small enough to filter out the viruses. Populated areas of developing countries have a high risk of protozoa contamination, a moderate to high risk of bacteria contamination from both human and animal carriers and a moderate to high risk of virus contamination.
What is iodinated resin and how does it work?
Our purifiers use a pentaiodide resin which is a highly concentrated form of iodine. It is a unique purification technology based on the natural process of electrostatic attraction. The resin has a positive charge that attracts negatively charged contaminants in the water. When the contaminant comes into contact with the resin bead, sufficient iodine is released to penetrate the microorganism. By this 'fatal attraction' bacteria, viruses and protozoa are neutralized and killed. This technology was developed by Kansas State University in the early 1970s. Proven to be a highly effective and practical means of purifying water, NASA chose to use the iodinated resin technology in the Space Shuttle program.
What are the advantages of this demand-release technology?
Iodinated resin releases the iodine necessary to kill the microorganisms that are actually present in the water. Because penetration of the microorganism is so effective, contact time is minimal and iodine concentration levels remain low. The level of residual iodine in the water is typically 1 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm). In comparison, using straight iodine leaves 60 ppm of residual iodine in the water.
How will we know when to change our purification cartridge or filter?
Most systems have carbon as the final stage. This carbon stage absorbs residual iodine. Once the carbon has absorbed all it can hold it will allow the taste/odor of iodine to pass through to your water supply. Once you notice this taste shift it is time to replace the purification cartridge. It is still purifying the water at this point but you will want to install a new cartridge as soon as possible in order not to exceed the effective life of the cartridge. The sediment stages of the systems should be replaced whenever their rated capacity is reached or when they have collected enough sediment to reduce the water flow.
How do you calculate how much water you use?
A good rule of thumb is to figure a gallon per person per day for cooking and drinking purposes. This will need to be adjusted for warm climates, higher altitudes, activity levels, etc.
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