Understanding The Patented KDF®55 Redox Media
The KDF®55 redox media is a patented, high purity alloy of copper and zinc. It eliminates contaminants from water by utilizing the principle of electrochemical oxidation-reduction, known as redox potential. Redox is simply the principle of opposites at work. Some substances are positively charged and are attracted to the negative charge of the zinc. Others are negatively charged and attracted to the positive charge of the copper. KDF®55 media uses the redox principle in the presence of dissolved oxygen to effectively remove chlorine, chlorinated hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, iron, and metals like lead, arsenic, aluminum, mercury, and cadmium from water.
As water containing dissolved substances enters a bed of high purity copper-zinc granules, copper becomes a cathode and zinc an anode. The tiny space between each granule becomes an electrolytic cell, with the water and its contents acting as the electrolyte.
As contaminants and oxygen pass through, some minerals (like heavy metals) plate out on the surface of the granules. Other contaminants react causing zinc oxides, sulfates, hydroxides and copper hydroxides to form in controlled amounts. These compounds are carried into the filtered water and along with ozone created in the process, provide hostile conditions for viruses, algae, fungi and bacteria.
The copper and zinc chelates produced by the system are not only harmless in the amounts produced, they are actually healthful nutrients to the human body and one of the reasons the manufacturer of our shower filters and water purifiers, has chosen to use KDF filters.
KDF Process Media are generally used in place of, or in conjunction with, granular activated carbon (GAC) water filters. KDF Process Media extend the life of GAC while protecting the carbon bed against fouling by bacterial growth.
Independent Labs Confirm Superior Performance
Independent laboratory tests confirm that KDF®55 is one of the best tools for improving drinking and bathing water naturally and economically. Compared to carbon-only units, KDF®55 lasts far longer, doesn't permit bacterial growth and removes a much wider range of inorganic matter (e.g. heavy metals). Compared to reverse-osmosis, KDF®55 is less expensive, wastes no water, does not require membrane replacement, works at most water temperatures and pressures and removes chlorine. Compared to ultraviolet lights, KDF®55 works in cloudy water, doesn't require bulb replacement or electricity and removes inorganics. Compared to ozone, KDF®55 provides a residual effect to keep bacteria from growing in water, does not require electricity and costs less.
Products we carry that use KDF filtration:
NOTE: CuZn Water's patented KDF copper-zinc disks have several advantages over granular KDF. Their disks eliminate the need for backwashing, conserve water, reduce compaction, eliminate the need for cartridges and plastic waste and are even recycleable. The disks are easier to use, maintain and refill than cartridge systems, plus they offer greater surface area for better performance. See How CuZn Water Filtration Works
