Technology Overview - First Water Systems

First Water Systems
Water Treatment Overview and Specifications
Concept
The First Water line of water purification equipment includes the FW-1200, FW-300 and FW-60. Each filtration unit
is named to designate its capacity in Gallons per Hour. The same filtration and disinfection process is applied to
each unit with modifications made to accommodate differing power and flow requirements.
Disinfection Process:
 4 stage mechanical filtration
 ZeonicTM Virus Removal
 Ultraviolet disinfection
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Optional chlorination
Filtration Train
Mechanical filtration technology is identical across all purification units, with the only distinguishing factor being
size and capacity of the filters.
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Filter 1: Intake Strainer (30 micron)
Filter 2: Dual-Gradient Density Cartridge (25/1 micron)
Filter 3: Carbon Block Cartridge (5 micron)
Filter 4: Zeonic Virus Media Filter
Filter 1: Intake Strainer:
The Intake Strainer is designed for use with free standing water. Its purpose is to filter out large particulate and
surface debris prior to its introduction to the purification system. The Intake Strainer is only used when drawing
from open water sources. In hospital and building operations, or when mounted to a vehicle, the Intake Strainer is
not utilized as the intake hose is directly attached to a building hose bib or similar attachment.
Filter 2: Dual-Gradient Density (DGD) Cartridge:
DGD cartridges are designed for purity and will not impart taste, odor or color to the liquid being filtered.
Additionally, the polypropylene construction provides superior chemical resistance and is not prone to bacterial
attack.
The DGD combines selective final filtration with appropriate pre-filtration to achieve superior dirt-holding capacity.
This is achieved by combining two separate gradient layers in one filter. The larger diameter of the pre-filter
reduces the particle load to the post filter, allowing it to operate at higher velocities. The increased depth provides
for very high particulate reduction efficiencies and added loading capacity.
Dual-Gradient Density Cartridge
Filter Media
Polypropylene
Temperature Rating
40–145ºF (4.4–62.8ºC)
Micron Rating (nominal) Pre-filter: 25
Post-filter: 1
Filter 3: Carbon Block Cartridge:
Carbon Block Cartridges are manufactured using a process that yields a nominal 5-micron filtration rating and a
high dirt-holding capacity. A high porosity design helps prevent the cartridge from plugging before its adsorption
capacity is exhausted, maximizing the utilization of the carbon while maintaining low pressure drop.
These cartridges are protected by a uniquely formulated polyolefin bilaminate pre-filter, designed to significantly
increase the useful life of the cartridge by trapping sediment that typically plugs carbon block cartridges.
Cartridges are manufactured entirely from FDA compliant materials.
Carbon Block Cartridge
Filter Media
Bonded PAC
End Caps
Polypropylene
Inner/Outer Wraps
Polyolefin
Netting
Polyethylene
Gaskets
Buna-N
Temperature Rating
40–180ºF (4.4–82.2ºC)
Micron Rating (nominal) 5
Chlorine Tase and Odor
Reduction @ Flow Rate
>40,000 gal @ 4gpm (FW-1200/FW-720/FW-300)
>6,000 gal @ 1gpm (FW-60)
Filter 4: Zeonic Virus Filter:
First Water’s “Zeonic” pleated filter cartridges offer a unique combination of efficiency, capacity, flow rate & low
pressure drop at levels unmatched in today’s filtration marketplace.
This cartridge has been designed to satisfy the most difficult requirements in water treatment. By NASA derived
technology, the Zeonic filter leads to a rapid and highly efficient adsorption of virtually all particle sizes. Zeonic’s
media has a high capacity for particles as large as tens of microns or as small as a few nanometers. Each filter
cartridge has been proven effective against Viruses as small as 0.019 microns, a size typically associated with
membranes. Yet Zeonic flow rates are hundreds of times greater than such membranes.
The primary function of this filter is removal of viruses, bacteria and cysts.
“Zeonic” Electropositive Pleated Filter Cartridges
Filter Media
Zeonic Media
End Caps
Polypropylene
Gaskets
Neoprene
Temperature Rating
40–180ºF (4.4–82.2ºC)
pH Range
5 to 10
Maximum Salinity
200,000 ppm
Effectiveness
Micrio-Biology to 0.019 microns
Ultraviolet Disinfection
“Germicidal” ultraviolet light is deployed directly after the filtration train in each purification unit. This process
serves as a redundant layer of disinfection in the treatment process.
Ultraviolet disinfection is a widely accepted process in the industrial water purification industry. It works by delivering a
dose of UV light that penetrates and permanently alters the DNA of microorganisms in a process called thymine
dimerization. The microorganisms are “inactivated” and rendered unable to reproduce or infect.
Testing
The First Water disinfection process described above (filtration train + uv disinfection) has been certified to
USEPA/NSF protocols P-231 and P-248 by an independent laboratory. These protocols establish microbiological
treatment capabilities of water purifiers producing water intended for human consumption. The protocols are
summarized as follows.
P-231 / Microbiological Water Purifiers: This protocol establishes minimum requirements for health and sanitation
characteristics of microbiological water purifiers. The requirements are based on the recommendations of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
P-248 / Military Operations Microbiological Water Purifiers: This Protocol evaluates water purifiers to determine
their effectiveness in providing microbiological purification from any fresh water source. Water purifiers tested
using this Protocol are intended for individual or squad size use for emergency or short term planned missions.

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