Why Is KDF® Filter Media Different?
KDF® Process Media delivers unmatched advantages for water filtration and purification systems. As a trusted supplier to the industry’s top OEMs and filter manufacturers, KDF®’s unique redox-based filtration, broad contaminant removal capability, microbial control, and durability make it stand out from conventional filtration technologies.
- Redox (Oxidation-Reduction) Reaction: KDF® Process Media operate on the principle of redox reactions, where electrons are transferred between molecules. This process changes harmful contaminants into harmless components. For example, KDF® can convert chlorine into chloride, which is less reactive and non-toxic.
- Broad Spectrum of Contaminant Removal: Unlike traditional carbon filters that primarily target organic compounds and chlorine, KDF® Process Media can remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and nickel), chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and even control microbial growth.
- Enhanced System Performance and Longevity: KDF® Process Media significantly improve the efficiency of existing carbon-based systems by extending their lifespan, reducing maintenance needs, and lowering total operating costs.
- Effective Microorganism Control: Our innovative media creates an environment that eliminates harmful microorganisms and disrupts the functioning of others, providing robust protection against microbial contamination and preventing biofouling without the need for chemical disinfectants.
- High-Temperature Tolerance: KDF® Process Media can operate effectively in high-temperature environments, where other filtration materials like carbon may degrade. This makes it suitable for industrial and hot water applications, including showerhead filters.
- Environmental Benefits: Being a recyclable material made from high-purity copper and zinc, KDF® Process Media have a lower environmental impact compared to disposable filter cartridges commonly used in other technologies.
- Compatibility with Other Technologies: KDF® Process Media are often used in combination with other filtration systems, such as carbon filters or reverse osmosis units, enhancing their efficiency and lifespan by pre-treating the water and reducing the load on subsequent stages.
The product removes chlorine from water through a redox reaction, where free chlorine is chemically reduced to harmless, water-soluble chloride ions. This reaction effectively eliminates up to 99% of chlorine from the water supply without the use of chemicals. The process enhances water quality, protects downstream systems from chlorine damage, and contributes to safer, more sustainable water treatment.
The product removes hydrogen sulfide from water through a redox reaction, where hydrogen sulfide reacts with the product's copper-zinc alloy to form insoluble copper sulfide. This compound is then easily removed through backwashing. The process eliminates the unpleasant "rotten egg" smell associated with hydrogen sulfide, providing a non-chemical, efficient solution for improving water quality.
The product removes iron from water through a redox reaction, where soluble iron ions (ferrous iron) are oxidized into insoluble ferric hydroxide. This ferric hydroxide precipitates out of the water and can be removed via regular backwashing. The process is highly efficient, achieving iron removal rates of up to 98% when sufficient oxygen is present in the water. This method is non-chemical, environmentally friendly, and extends the life of downstream water treatment systems.
The product removes heavy metals from water through a redox reaction that causes soluble heavy metal ions (e.g. hexavalent chrome, lead, mercury, nickel, arsenic, manganese) to be reduced to their insoluble forms. These insoluble metals bond to the surface of the media, effectively removing them from the water. The process can eliminate up to 99% of heavy metals, making the water safer while reducing reliance on chemical treatments. The captured metals can also be recovered when the media is recycled.
The product controls and reduces bacteria in water through a combination of mechanisms enabled by its redox reaction. The copper-zinc alloy creates an environment that is toxic to bacteria by disrupting their cellular processes. This includes direct electrochemical contact, the generation of hydroxyl radicals, and shifts in oxidation-reduction potential. These processes damage bacterial cell structures and interfere with their ability to survive and reproduce, effectively reducing bacterial growth without the need for chemical additives.
KDF® contains anti-scale capabilities, particularly KDF® 55, for water treatment applications. By effectively converting dissolved calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions into solid precipitates, KDF® media significantly reduces water hardness and scale formation, enhancing plumbing system efficiency and overall water quality.
How KDF® Works
KDF® (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) has a unique combination of copper and zinc which creates an electrochemical reaction. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new elements are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components.
Free chlorine, for instance, is changed into benign, water-soluble chloride, which is then carried harmlessly through the water supply. Similarly, some heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury and others, react to plate out onto the medium's surface, thus being effectively removed from the water supply.
