What is Alkaline, pH, Alkalinity?
The potential of Hydrogen (pH) serves as a metric for gauging the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxyl ions (OH-) in a solution, thereby indicating its acidity or basicity along the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 denotes neutral. Readings below 7 classify a solution as 'Acidic', indicating an abundance of acids. Conversely, readings above 7 categorise it as 'Alkaline', signalling a prevalence of bases. Alkalinity, however, quantifies a solution's acid buffer capacity — its capability to withstand fluctuations in pH levels.
What does Hydrogen rich water mean?
What are the bubbles on my glass?
What are Free Radicals?
Water exhibiting high concentrations of hydrogen often manifests as bubbles forming along the vessel's surface over time. These bubbles consist of H2 molecules released due to temperature and pressure changes. This phenomenon arises from a chemical reaction between water and pure magnesium, represented by the equation: Mg + 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + H2. Additionally, the equilibrium reaction Mg(OH)2 ⇌ Mg2+ + 2OH- occurs. Excess electrons become available through this process, capable of stabilising free radicals within our bodies. Molecular Hydrogen (H2) stands as the smallest and purest antioxidant known. It aids in preventing cellular damage and inflammation, safeguarding DNA integrity, and combating aberrant cell proliferation. It's been suggested that the hydrogen element in H2O isn't readily accessible to the body, as hydrogen is bonded to oxygen, leaving no free hydrogen. Hydrogen rich water, however, delivers hydrogen in a more bioavailable form for cellular utilisation. Consumption of hydrogen rich water before exercise has been shown to reduce blood lactate levels and ameliorate exercise-induced decline in muscle function. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the remarkable potential benefits of hydrogen rich water. For further details, refer to the provided links. Free radicals, characterised by unpaired electrons, are inherently unstable molecules. They are notorious for inducing cellular and DNA damage, thereby contributing to the aging process and the onset of various diseases. But here's the reassuring part-antioxidants play a pivotal role in impeding this destructive cascade. They donate electrons to free radicals, stabilising them and preventing further damage.
What is Oxidisation Reduction Potential (ORP)?
Oxidisation Reduction Potential (ORP), also known as Redox, refers to the activity or potency of oxidising or reducing agents in relation to their concentration, typically measured in millivolts (mV). Oxidisers can accept electrons, while reducers tend to lose electrons. A positive ORP value indicates that a solution tends to attract electrons, signifying the presence of an oxidising agent. Conversely, a reducing agent that relinquishes electrons will exhibit a negative ORP value. Free electrons, characterised by negative ORP values, are believed to neutralise free radicals within our bodies.
What is Magnetic Treatment?
This system employs a negative magnetic field to introduce a negatively charged polarity into water as it passes through. This activation process is believed to enhance the body's ability to absorb water rapidly. Many users claim to have experienced significant benefits from this technology, such as alleviating symptoms associated with kidney stones and arterial calcification, among other advantages of consuming negatively charged water. Magnetisation's impact on water's physicochemical properties has been extensively documented in scientific literature over several decades. Moreover, magnetic treatment is frequently utilised to mitigate scale formation in various equipment and pipework systems.
What is Coconut Carbon?
Carbon filters, commonly known as activated charcoal or activated carbon, effectively remove minute particles such as chlorine, chloramines, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulphide, sediment, and unpleasant tastes and odours from water. Activation occurs by heating charcoal to an extremely high temperature in an oxygen free furnace. This process creates pores within the charcoal, which trap impurities. Activated Coconut Carbon is a powerhouse in water filtration. Activating coconut shells further creates numerous tiny pores, boosting its filtration capacity. This eliminates further toxins and imparts what some describe as a sweeter taste to the water. Moreover, Coconut Carbon is believed to offer additional health benefits, such as reducing gas in the body, supporting healthy kidney function, enhancing oral health, and acting as a poison antidote under specific circumstances.
What is TDS?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are a measure of both beneficial and harmful inorganic and organic minerals and elements in water. TDS is quantified in parts per million (PPM) or milligrams per litre (mg/L), with higher values indicating a greater concentration of dissolved constituents. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides guidelines for drinking water quality, stipulating that water with a TDS level below 300 PPM is deemed safe for consumption. However, many authorities generally accept a TDS threshold of 500 PPM.
How is TDS reduced?
Reverse Osmosis, Ion exchange, and distillation are standard methods used to purify water. Reverse Osmosis (RO) can effectively remove up to 99% of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), making it a popular choice for water purification. Ion exchange is another method capable of eliminating 100% of TDS, albeit at a higher cost than RO. Similarly, distillation removes 100% of TDS by vaporising water and collecting the condensed steam, leaving impurities behind. Each method offers unique advantages and is selected based on specific needs and preferences.
Is drinking RO water bad?
The characteristics of water depend on its composition. Raw Reverse Osmosis (RO) water typically exhibits acidity and low mineral content. While neutral and contains no minerals, pure water lacks stability concerning Alkalinity — its ability to maintain neutral. There are many theories, perspectives, considerations, articles, studies, and test results regarding this topic, with numerous intertwined parameters—it's like a rabbit hole! Modits' system initially purifies input tap water, eliminating 95-98% of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). It then undergoes remineralisation, adding calcium and magnesium, resulting in a stable, high alkaline pH of 9.5. This process also enriches the water with hydrogen, making it an antioxidant. Finally, the water undergoes coconut carbon filtration and magnetic treatment.
What is in bottled water?
The composition of bottled water can vary significantly depending on its source. Bottled water may originate from a processed water plant, where specific parameters are tailored to meet certain standards. Alternatively, if sourced from a spring, its composition will depend on the naturally present minerals collected or dissolved from its unique location. If not indicated or promoted by the manufacturer, this variability necessitates testing to determine each bottle's specific parameters and minerals.
What is 'Hard Water'?
Water hardness is determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium in a solution. Elevated water hardness can lead to calcification or scale formation in pipework and equipment, resulting in blockages and surface staining. Additionally, it diminishes the effectiveness of soap, as calcium and magnesium ions displace sodium or potassium ions from soap molecules, forming an insoluble substance known as scum. Hardness levels below 60 PPM are recommended for equipment to function optimally and avoid blockages. While calcium and magnesium are beneficial in drinking water, higher concentrations are generally preferred until they reach around 400 PPM, which is commonly regarded as aesthetically unacceptable.
What does a RO membrane remove?
Typically, Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes can remove up to 99% of dissolved minerals and elements, spanning both organic and inorganic compounds. These include salts, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, pyrogens, chlorate, chlorite, bromate, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, pesticides, herbicides, calcium, strontium, copper, fluoride, nitrates, arsenic, phosphates, aluminium, mercury, lead, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and compounds like sodium chloride. Chlorine is removed before the membrane using a carbon filter, as chlorine has a corrosive effect on the membrane, leading to failure. The efficiency of the rejection process varies and hinges on several factors, such as the membrane's properties, the initial Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of the input water, the pressure differential across the membrane, and the Permeate-to-Brine ratio. Over time, membrane creep occurs, resulting in an accumulated increase in TDS levels if not addressed. Our system has meticulously balanced these variables to achieve desired outcomes, mitigating membrane creep and minimising drain water while maintaining desired rejection rates, irrespective of supply water pressure variations.
When do I need to replace the RO membrane?
Membrane failure can manifest in two primary ways. First, the rejection efficiency may decrease, causing the output of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to rise to unacceptable levels. Second, the flow rate may diminish to unacceptable levels. With appropriate pre-filtration periodic replacement, membranes typically exhibit a 3 to 4-year lifespan, and in some cases, even longer, contingent upon usage patterns and input water quality.
Does RO waste water? Permeate : Brine ratio
The Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration process relies on maintaining a balance between Permeate (product water) and Brine/Concentrate (rinse water) to function effectively. Fundamentally, the membrane serves as a self-cleaning filter, a necessity for removing up to 99% of the input constituents. It would quickly become exhausted without the rinsing process to carry away impurities (brine/concentrate) and keep the membrane clean. In essence, the rinsing phase is integral to the Reverse Osmosis process. Various Reverse Osmosis systems can yield 1 litre of product water using generally anywhere from 4 up to even 10 litres of rinsing. Modits' system, however, has been carefully crafted with a Waterwise Permeate-to-Brine ratio of 2:3 and employs forefront solutions to slash generic "Flush" water usage by a remarkable 80%. Higher rejection rates require higher P:B ratios.
What are Pre-filters?
Pre-filters typically comprise two main components: a sediment filter and a Carbon filter. The sediment filter effectively removes particles such as dirt, dust, sand, silt, rust, and solids above their rated particulate size, ensuring cleaner water before further treatment. Meanwhile, while the Carbon filter also removes particulate, it plays a crucial role in removing additional impurities, including chlorine, chloramines, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulphide, and unpleasant tastes and odours. This process improves the water's taste and smell and enhances its overall quality. The removal of chlorine is particularly beneficial for health, taste, and odour reasons. However, it is essential to use a Carbon filter before a Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane, as chlorine has a corrosive effect on membranes, necessitating their replacement if not adequately filtered out beforehand.
Why is a sediment pre-filter not used with the Modit RO system?
Our system does not include a sediment filter to streamline service intervals, ensure filter utilisation, and minimise installation space requirements. This omission does not compromise the final filtration quality of the end product.
What is the difference between a Filter and a Remineraliser?
A filter removes contaminants from water, whereas a remineraliser adds/dissolves minerals into the water.
TDS meter Calibration
TDS meters should undergo calibration every six months to maintain the accuracy of their readings. Before dispatch, all meters are calibrated using a 342 ppm NaCl solution, ensuring that you receive a device capable of providing accurate readings.
What are Ioniser filtration systems?
Ionisers can adjust water parameters, producing alkaline, hydrogen-rich water electrically. They can achieve these alterations to a considerable extent; however, it's crucial to be mindful of safe parameters to prevent unintended consequences, such as disrupting the stomach's natural acidity or harming beneficial bacteria. While ionisers can reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), they cannot eliminate all constituents. It's worth noting that this process generally entails significant costs.
TCO - Total Cost of Ownership
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for the unit encompasses several factors: 1 - The initial purchase cost of the product. 2 - Water consumption costs $2.60 per kiloliter (kL). 3 - Electricity usage costs 47 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). 4 - Average daily usage of 11 litres and cost of a module service kit per year. 5 - Installation and servicing by the user. Over five years, the unit will produce 20,000 litres of water. Component manufacturers collaboratively recommend a lifespan of five years. Many components have the potential to endure beyond this period. Membranes, which can endure up to five years depending on input water quality and routine maintenance, may require replacement as needed. These replacements would impact the TCO, albeit minimally.