Iron filters play a vital role in water treatment systems by targeting and removing dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from water supplies. The iron removal process relies on advanced filtration media, such as manganese dioxide, which acts as an insoluble catalyst to enhance the reaction between dissolved oxygen and soluble iron compounds. As water passes through the filter, these reactions convert dissolved iron into solid particles that can be easily trapped and removed by the media bed. This process not only helps to remove dissolved iron but also addresses other contaminants that can affect water quality, taste, and odor.
Modern iron filters are engineered to handle a wide range of water conditions, making them suitable for both residential and commercial applications. By effectively removing iron and manganese, these filters help prevent staining, protect plumbing, and ensure clean, clear water for everyday use. To maintain optimal performance, regular maintenance—including periodic backwashing—is essential. This routine care prevents the buildup of iron compounds and other impurities, ensuring the filter media remains effective and the system continues to deliver high-quality water. Whether you’re dealing with well water or municipal supplies, iron filters are a reliable solution for enhancing water quality and protecting your water treatment investment.
The Limitations of Birm Iron Filter Media
Birm iron filter media has been a popular choice for many homeowners, but it comes with serious limitations. It requires specific water chemistry to function properly: water pH must be between 7.0 and 9.0, and dissolved oxygen must be at least 15% of the iron content. Water pH is a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of Birm media. Additionally, the presence of organic matter can also interfere with Birm's performance. Moreover, it is ineffective in the presence of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, tannins, or oil. Birm does not require chemical regeneration, which is an advantage over some other media.
Environmental Restrictions in California
A critical factor often overlooked is that Birm media is not sold in California. The reason? Birm contains trace levels of chromium, a contaminant tightly regulated in California due to its environmental and health risks. This restriction alone makes Birm a non-viable option for many U.S. homeowners.
Meet Pro-OX and Pro-OX Lite: The Superior Iron Filter Media
For more effective and flexible water treatment, we recommend Pro-OX and Pro-OX Lite. These advanced iron filter media outperform Birm in virtually every category. Pro-OX media is also effective for heavy metal removal, including contaminants such as lead, making it a preferred choice for customers who need to address a wider range of water quality issues. Unlike some conventional media that require potassium permanganate for regeneration, Pro-OX systems offer simpler operation and maintenance.
Advantages of Pro-OX:
- Made from natural manganese dioxide ore, not synthetic material
- Can handle higher levels of iron and manganese
- Supports a high service flow rate, making it suitable for larger or higher-demand systems
- Effective over a broader pH range (6.8 to 9.0)
- Can be used with chlorinated water and hydrogen peroxide
- Removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide
- Long media lifespan (8-10 years)
Advantages of Pro-OX Lite:
- Light weight compared to traditional Pro-OX, making Pro-OX Lite easier to handle and install; the reduced weight also lowers backwash water requirements compared to heavier media
- Excellent for residential applications with limited water flow
- Contains catalytic coating for superior oxidation
Why Upgrade from Birm to Pro-OX Systems
If you are experiencing problems with iron stains, metallic-tasting water, or system maintenance issues, it may be time to reconsider your filtration media. Birm is considered an economical media due to its low price and long lifespan, with the price per cubic foot being lower than many alternative media. Birm acts as a catalyst and is not consumed during the iron removal process, making it reusable and cost-effective. However, Pro-OX media systems provide more reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly filtration compared to Birm.
To maintain system performance, replacing filter media periodically is necessary. Upgrading to Pro-OX systems results in a greater reduction of iron and other contaminants, ensuring cleaner and safer water.
In conclusion, while Birm filters may have once been considered a go-to solution for iron and manganese removal, evolving technology and environmental considerations have made Pro-OX and Pro-OX Lite the new gold standard. Upgrade today for peace of mind and better water quality.
Iron Filter Applications
Iron filters are versatile solutions used across a wide range of applications, from treating residential well water to supporting large-scale commercial and industrial water treatment systems. In areas where iron and manganese are present in high concentrations, these filters are essential for preventing staining, discoloration, and unpleasant odors that can affect both water quality and household fixtures. Iron filters are particularly effective at removing both ferrous iron (soluble) and ferric iron (insoluble), as well as other contaminants like hydrogen sulfide, which can cause a rotten egg smell.
For homeowners, iron filters can be paired with water softeners to provide comprehensive treatment, addressing not only iron and manganese but also hardness and other impurities. In commercial and industrial settings, these filters help protect equipment, piping, and infrastructure from the damaging effects of iron and manganese buildup, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to ensuring that iron filter systems continue to operate efficiently, providing reliable removal of contaminants and safeguarding water quality for a variety of uses. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, iron filters are a critical component of effective water treatment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are these systems called “Birm” filters?
Birm is a trademark name of the Clack Corp. These iron filters use a type of granular filter media called “Birm”. It is manufactured from a type of natural pumice mineral coated with manganese oxide.
2. How do they work?
As the water flows through the filter tank containing Birm media, a reaction occurs where the dissolved oxygen and the dissolved ferrous iron compounds form an insoluble ferric hydroxide. In plain English, as water containing iron flows through the media, if there is enough oxygen in the water, the Birm causes the iron to form rust, or solid iron particles. After these rust particles get trapped in the filter media, once or twice a week, they are automatically backwashed out to drain, and the filter media is ready to filter again.
3. Do these systems come in different sizes?
Yes. The size of the filter system is directly proportional to the flow rate of the water, in gallons per minute. The higher the flow rate, the larger the system required. See our table for the flow rates for Birm iron filters.
4. Do these filters have any special conditions to work properly?
Yes! The water must have a pH of 7.0 to 9.0. In addition, the dissolved oxygen content must be at least 15% of the iron or manganese content. For most wells deeper than 50 feet, an air injector must be used to introduce some additional oxygen into the water prior to the Birm filter. If the water being filtered is water from an open storage tank or spring, no additional air injection is usually required.
5. Anything else I should know about using a Birm iron filter?
Yes, the water should contain no tannins, chlorine, oil or hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor). For water with any of these items we recommend the greensand filter systems. A inexpensive water test of your raw well water is highly recommended before purchasing these systems.
6. My water has a very bad smell of sulfur. Is this a problem?
Yes. Do not use these iron filters when hydrogen sulfide (a natural toxic gas formed by iron and sulfur bacteria) is present. Depending on the levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, , it is better to use chlorination or ozone, followed by greensand or greensand blend iron filters if hydrogen sulfide and/or iron bacteria is present.
7. Can I use this type of iron filter if I chlorinate first or use a chlorine bleach feeder for my well water?
No. These iron filters should not be used if the water has a chlorine residual. De-chlorinate before the iron filter using a carbon filter, or better yet, use the greensand type of iron filter.
8. How much iron will these Birm filters remove?
Generally up to 10 ppm.
9. Are these systems big electrical power users?
No. The control valve uses only about 15 watts of energy to run the timer and backwash valve.
10. I have very high manganese (greater than .05 PPM), will these iron filters remove manganese also?
Generally we do not recommend Birm filters where manganese is present. For manganese removal to be effective, the pH must be between 8.2 and 9.0. It would be better to use a greensand filter to reduce manganese.
11. What maintenance is required?
Under the right conditions, there is little maintenance. This is the great advantage of the Birm filters. If you have water with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, no odor or tannin present, and you are not using chlorine, Birm lasts for 5 to 10 years with little maintenance. In some cases, depending on how hard the water is, the control valve backwash piston needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, but this is also easy to do by anyone. No special tools are required. The system uses no salt or chemicals, and there are no filter cartridges to replace.
12. Is there a pressure loss through the system?
When properly sized, the system produces a very low pressure drop at service flow rates, usually around 5 psi.
13. Can I route the backwash water to my septic tank?
Yes. The backwash water is non toxic and can be routed to the septic tank with no problem. It can also be routed to landscaping, although the backwash is usually very dark and orange, and will stain surfaces.
14. How frequently do I have to replace the filter media?
The filter media will last for 4 to 8 years, depending on usage and conditions. It is easily replaced.
15. Can I get assistance in choosing an iron filter system for my application?
Yes! You should first have your water tested, and then contact our technical staff for help on selecting the best iron filter system for your application. Also see our Custom Water System Design Questionnaire which makes it easy to help you select a system.
