The media used in our post filter elements can contain a small amount of harmless process dust or fines, due primarily to assembly, handling and shipping of these elements. For aesthetic reasons, we recommend the Berkey® Post Filter elements be purged on both ends to remove the majority of this process dust, prior to installing […]
Category: PF-2 & PF-4 FAQ
Does the post filter media contain some amount of cyanuric acid, or is the media washed using cyanuric acid prior to packaging?
No. The activated alumina in the post filter media is not treated with cyanuric acid, nor does it contain any cyanuric acid in the media. For more information about cyanuric acid, click here.
There is a bubble that forms on top of my Berkey PF-2™, near the area where it attaches to the Black Berkey® Element in my system. Does this mean it is not working properly or needs to be tightened more?
The elements can be adjusted by either turning them more revolutions or less. If the elements are screwed on too tight, the screen within the post filter can become damaged. This will not negatively affect the performance of the element. The only purpose for the screen is to keep the media within the element during […]
If NMCL’s recent test results show that the Black Berkey® Elements reduce Fluoride, then why do I need the Berkey PF-2™ Post Filter Elements?
NMCL’s most recent laboratory testing indicates that the Black Berkey® Elements will initially reduce Fluoride up to 99.9%. Typically, carbon-based elements that reduce Fluoride begin to lose that ability rather quickly. This may be the case with Black Berkey® Elements as their efficiency at removing Fluoride likely plays out long before the 3,000-gallon life of […]
Are the Black Berkey® Elements or Berkey PF-2™ and PF-4™ recyclable?
We don’t recommend the recycling of the Black Berkey® Elements, PF-2s or PF-4s. The shells of the Berkey® PF-2™ and PF-4™ are made of Polypropylene, which is Recycle Code 5. Uses of Polypro (for short) include catsup bottles, yogurt containers, margarine tubs & medicine bottles. However, there is no recycle code for the Berkey PF™ […]
If Arsenic is removed using Black Berkey® Elements then what is the need for Berkey PF-2™ Elements?
NMCL’s most recent laboratory testing indicates that the Black Berkey® Elements reduce Arsenic up to 99.9%. Typically carbon based elements that reduce Arsenic begin to lose that ability rather quickly. This is likely the case with Black Berkey® Elements, which means that their efficiency at removing Arsenic likely plays out long before the 3,000-gallon life […]
I understand that the media used within the Berkey PF-2™ elements is activated alumina. Is that the same thing as aluminum?
Our PF-2 filters reduce fluoride and arsenic in your water using the media aluminum oxide (aka activated alumina). As a consumer, it’s important to know that pure aluminum and aluminum oxide have vastly different characteristics. Pure aluminum is water-soluble, it is highly reactive and it is associated with negative health effects. By contrast aluminum oxide […]
I noticed that the PF-4™ elements also remove MTBE and heavy metals. Should I use these with my Black Berkey® Elements?
No, the PF2™ is used in conjunction with the Black Berkey® Elements and the PF-4™ elements are used in conjunction with the ceramic filters. The Black Berkey® Elements remove MTBE and reduce heavy metals whereas the ceramic filters do not therefore; we incorporated MTBE and heavy metals reduction capabilities into the PF-4™ elements.
I have high PH in my water; will that reduce the efficiency of the PF-2™ Elements?
That is correct, high or low PH impedes the ability of the media to remove fluoride. For maximum removal efficiency, maintain the water being treated between a PH level above 5 and below 7.
What are the dimensions of the Berkey PF-2™ and Berkey PF-4™ Elements?
The individual elements are 6” in length and 2.5” in diameter. The side of the Berkey PF-2™ Elements that attaches to the Black Berkey® Elements is 11mm.