Reticulated KDF Cubes
What are KDF Cubes? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary “reticulate comes from the Latin word reticulum meaning small net. Scientists use reticulate to describe a net like formation of veins, fibers or lines that cross something.” Similarly, KDF cubes have a net like structure. The reticulated KDF cubes share the same treatment properties as KDF but not its inefficiencies: frequent backwashing at high flow rates, channeling and packing resulting in high pressure drop. The net like structure of the cube allows for higher flow rates and easy backwashing.
KDF Cube Applications:
Granular activated carbon effectively removes or reduces chlorine and chloramine. Commercially available point of use filters and pitchers contain KDF 55 or 85 because of its bacteriostatic properties. Adding KDF cubes will prevent or inhibit growth in your customer’s whole house carbon exchange tanks or filters.
- Backwashing is not required for municipally treated water where dechlorination, soluble cation heavy metals reduction and bacteriostatic properties are the main treatment goal.
- Pretreatment with KDF /GAC Filters will prolong the life of water softeners or RO systems.
- KDF 55 cubes are recommended for reduction of chlorine in municipal water.
- KDF 85 cubes are recommended for reduction of chloramine in municipal water.
- Installation of a sediment filter is strongly suggested to prevent particulate buildup in a non-backwashing KDF Cube/GAC filter.
- KDF55/85 cubes can be used in tank systems with or without backwashing.
- Activated Carbon – Activated carbon can be a host for non-pathogenic bacteria that causes a black slime build up. KDF55 cubes inhibit bacterial growth which causes the black slime and extends the life of the carbon.
- Cubes can be added to the top of a carbon filter, directly on top of the carbon. Add them in a star pattern, top, bottom, left, right until the top of the bed is covered. For a standard size tank – 10” in diameter you would add 2 pounds.
- Cubes can be put in a refillable cartridge. Suggested size is 4-1/2” by 10” (1.5 pounds) or 20” (3 pounds) BB-Big Blue.
- Water Softeners – KDF cubes are effective in water softeners, however, the cubes won’t last as long as the resin so replacement may be a challenge.
- The cubes can be removed and replaced as they will rise to the top of the bed after backwash, so periodic replacement is recommended.
- Changing out a BB cartridge is much easier than removing them from the softener. For a dealer this presents the opportunity for an annual maintenance call.
- Activated Carbon – Activated carbon can be a host for non-pathogenic bacteria that causes a black slime build up. KDF55 cubes inhibit bacterial growth which causes the black slime and extends the life of the carbon.
Well Water
KDF-85 is recommended for the treatment of up to 3 ppm hydrogen sulfide and iron/sulfur bacteria. Through an electrochemical reduction process these contaminants are removed from the water. The weakly bonded precipitates adhere to the KDF cubes and must periodically be backwashed and purged from the system. For more information on well water applications contact Urbans Aqua.
KDF Cube and GAC Tank Sizes *
Tank Size | KDF/GAC Capacity (Gallons) | Cubes lbs. | Carbon lbs. | Carbon Cu.Ft. | Carbon Cu.Ft. | Service Flow** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7x35 | 250,000 | 5 | 0.25 | 12 | 0.42 | 8 gpm |
8x44 | 375,000 | 8 | 0.4 | 22 | 0.77 | 10 gpm |
10x44 | 600,000 | 12 | 0.6 | 32 | 1.12 | 12 gpm |
12x52 | 1,000,000 | 20 | 1 | 57 | 2 | 18 gpm |
14x65 | 2,000,000 | 30 | 1.5 | 114 | 4 | 25 gpm |
*KDF-55/GAC is recommended for free chlorine treated municipal water. KDF-85/Catalytic GAC is recommended for chloramine treated municipal water.
** Service Flow estimated based on flow restrictions of the housing size and typical pipe size
Service Flow | 8 gpm |
---|---|
PSID | Non-Detectable |
Bed Expansion/Backwash* | 10-15% |
Purge/Rinse | 3 Minutes |
Free Board* | 20% |
pH range (potable water) | 6.5 - 8.5 |
Water Temperature | 35° - 150° F. |
Capacity | 950 grams/cu. in. |
Volume | 22 lbs./cu.ft. |
Displacement | 10.5 - 12% Foam Volume** |
Shelf Life | 1 year; must keep moist. |
*Backwash not required for all applications
**18 oz. bottle filled with KDF 55/85 Cubes holds 16 oz. of water when filled.
Download KDF Cubes Engineering Guidelines – Tanks
Storage: KDF Cubes must be kept damp at all times.
ANSI 42 – 2016: Drinking Water Treatment Units, Aesthetic Effects
ANSI 61 – 2016: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects