We at New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. want you to be educated about water filtration. This will allow you to make an informed decision on something as important as the quality of your drinking water. Since water filtration is a complex science, we try to use familiar terms when possible so the explanation is easier to understand. Several methodologies are used to produce the Black Berkey® Elements.
MICROFILTRATION
The first line of defense is that Black Berkey® Elements are composed of a proprietary blend of multiple media types, all constructed into a very compact matrix containing millions of microscopic pores. These pores are so small that they produce what we refer to as a “Tortuous Path” that herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, VOC’s, detergents, cloudiness, silt, sediment and sedimentary minerals, foul tastes and odors must travel through. These paths are so small that these pollutants physically cannot pass through them. This process is known as microfiltration.
Click here, to view a video that explains microfiltration.
ADSORPTION
Secondly, our media formulation uses unique adsorption and absorption properties. Adsorption works to create an ionic barrier similar to surface tension. This barrier is perfectly suited to the micro-porous water filter because it effectively allows the tiny pores to block water contaminants that are smaller than the pore size itself. This blocking or extraction process is how the Berkey® water filter is able to remove or reduce submicron contaminants that other brands of water filters cannot, without the use of obnoxious chemicals like iodine or chlorine. Next, the heavy metals ions (mineral molecules) such as cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, aluminum, and other dangerous heavy metals are extracted from the water through an Ion exchange process where they are attracted to and transformed by electrically bonding to the media.
Click here, for a better understanding of adsorption.
FLOW RATE
Finally, Berkey® systems are so effective at removing or reducing contaminants from water because of the extremely long “contact period”. Other filtration systems rely on water pressure that forces water molecules through the elements at 60-90 PSI. These water molecules come into contact with the filter media for a mere fraction of a second. By comparison, water molecules passing through the structure of the Black Berkey® Elements are drawn gently by gravity and stay in contact with the media for a long period of time. This allows the filter media to be more efficient in removing, reducing or capturing contaminants. This advanced technology was developed, refined, and proven through years of diligent, investigative research and testing performed by water filtration specialists, researchers, and engineers. The flow rate or time of exposure through the Black Berkey® Elements has been calculated to yield the greatest volume of reduction or removal of a wide range of common contaminants found in freshwater sources.