Filtrix’s latest innovation in Point-of-Use water purification is especially interesting because it sets a Norit record as the smallest product to combine two Norit technologies. The 2-step water filter provides safe drinking water with improved taste using state-of-the-art X-FLOW capillary membranes and high-grade Norit activated carbon. The DuoFlow fits any industry standard 10” pressure housing and treats up to 5000 liters of tap water.

The X-FLOW CAPFIL helically wound capillary microfiltration membranes provide an effective physical barrier to harmful waterborne micro-organisms such as bacteria, cysts and protozoa.
The membranes also remove sediment and turbidity.

The Norit carbon block is made from a specialty granular activated carbon. Developed by Norit based on a perfect balance between micro-, meso and macropores, this carbon will remove a broad range of chemical residues, including pesticides, endocrine disrupting compounds, medical residues and heavy metals like lead and copper. It also eliminates bad taste and odor, for example resulting from the presence of chlorine.

Filtrix’s Marketing and Sales manager Frank van Heusden sees great potential for the cartridge as an alternative for bottled water in the global water cooler market.

“Point-of-Use water coolers, also known as mains-fed coolers, purify and chill mains water instead of bottled water. These water coolers thrive in markets where there is an established bottled water cooler industry upon which they can make demonstrable cost savings. On top of that, bacterial growth problems caused by stagnant water in bottled water cooler can also be met by our membrane cartridges.”

Other similar commercial use includes use in coffee machines, soft drink dispensers, ice makers and post mix beverage machines. “Think of global fast-food restaurants” says Frank van Heusden, “which produce beverages for customers using local drinking water. Drinking water in many countries is not up to specs, so some form of treatment is necessary to provide customers with safe beverages. The reliability of the filtration technology, combined with cost effective and efficient operation make the DuoFlow extremely well-suited.”

The cartridge is also an anticipated solution for use in recreational applications, for example on boats and yachts, campers and caravans. Frank van Heusden: “Water pipes and reservoirs are subject to warming and are not easily emptied for cleaning often resulting in problems with bacterial growth. Installing a DuoFlow cartridge, possible in limited spaces, is a great solution.”

Residential applications include use in under-the-sink and counter-top kitchen filters to improve tap water for drinking and food preparation. In the residential market, like most markets, the DuoFlow must compete with low-cost generic RO systems. The DuoFlow however will remove only the unwanted contaminants and preserve naturally dissolved healthy minerals. “Without the storage tank and pump, the DuoFlow provides better drinking water at higher flow rates on tap water pressure alone” says Frank Van Heusden.