The APEC Futura Water Softener is a salt-free anti-scale water conditioning system designed to prevent and remove scale buildup in residential water systems. Unlike traditional water softeners that use ion exchange and salt, the Futura system employs a catalytic process to transform water hardness minerals into stable, non-adhering crystals, thereby preventing them from forming scale on pipes and appliances.
Function Description:
The core function of the APEC Futura Water Softener is to condition water by neutralizing the effects of hardness minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, without removing them from the water. This is achieved through a unique catalytic media, which is composed of 15% ceramic and 85% modified acrylic copolymer. When hard water flows through the media, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the media's surface, where they crystallize into stable, nano-sized particles. These crystals are then suspended in the water and carried away, preventing them from attaching to surfaces and forming scale.
The system operates on an "in-out" valve principle, meaning water flows through the media without the need for complex control heads or regeneration cycles. This continuous flow ensures that the media is constantly in motion, which helps to keep it clean and prevents the accumulation of microorganisms. The Futura system is designed to be a "salt-free anti-scale water conditioner," emphasizing its departure from traditional salt-based softening methods. It is effective for water with hardness levels up to 25 grains.
Usage Features:
The APEC Futura Water Softener offers several user-friendly features that simplify its installation and operation:
- Salt-Free Operation: A primary advantage is the elimination of salt, which means no more purchasing, hauling, or adding salt to the system. This also avoids the release of salty brine into the environment, addressing concerns about sodium discharge.
- No Regeneration or Backwash: Unlike traditional softeners that require periodic regeneration cycles involving salt and backwashing, the Futura system does not. This saves water, reduces wastewater discharge, and eliminates the need for a drain connection.
- Simple Installation: The system is designed for straightforward installation. It includes a bypass valve with O-rings, split rings, and quick connector nuts for easy connection to existing plumbing. The manual provides clear instructions for connecting to both copper piping (using a Brass Sweat Adapter Kit) and PVC piping (using a PVC Solvent 90-degree Adapter Kit).
- Bypass Valve for Maintenance: A bypass valve is included, allowing users to divert water around the Futura system if untreated water is needed or during maintenance. This ensures continuous water supply to the house even when the conditioner is not in use.
- Pre-Soaking Media: Before initial use, the media in the Futura Softener should be soaked in water for 15-20 minutes. This is a one-time preparation step to ensure optimal performance.
- Flushing the System: After installation, the system should be flushed for 15 minutes by turning on 2 or 3 cold water faucets nearest the Futura, preferably outdoor garden hose faucets without aerators. This helps to flush out any small particles of media that may be present.
- No Slippery Feel: Because the system conditions water by crystallizing hardness minerals rather than removing them and replacing them with sodium, users will not experience the "slippery" feeling often associated with traditional softeners.
- Effective Scale Prevention and Removal: The system not only prevents new scale buildup but also works to reduce and eliminate existing scale in pipes and appliances over time, typically within 1 to 2 months, depending on the thickness of the existing scale.
- Wide pH Range: The media operates effectively within a pH range of 6 to 9, with some effectiveness noted at 5.5 pH, making it suitable for a variety of water conditions.
- Operating Temperature: The media is stable within a feed water temperature range of 41-120° F (5-49° C), but repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to prevent bead fracture.
Maintenance Features:
The APEC Futura Water Softener is designed for minimal maintenance, offering significant advantages over traditional systems:
- No Periodic Maintenance: The system does not require a control head or periodic maintenance tasks like those associated with traditional ion exchange units, which can incur ongoing costs.
- Media Longevity: The catalytic media is robust and designed to last for 5 years or 600,000 gallons under normal usage conditions. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of media replacement.
- Media Replacement: When the media reaches the end of its useful life, it can be easily replaced. The process involves unscrewing the tank head, pulling it out, pouring out the old media, and refilling with new media.
- No Cleaning of Media Required: The media does not need to be cleaned prior to installation, beyond the initial soaking. Its continuous motion during operation helps to keep it clean, and it does not demonstrate filtration effects that would lead to accumulation of debris.
- Microorganism Repression: The continuous suspension of the media in water during service represses microorganism growth, eliminating the need for regular disinfection in most cases. However, the media can be treated with chlorine (up to 2-3 ppm) if bacteria or organic matter removal is desired.
- No Energy Expenses: Unlike traditional softeners that often use electronic control heads, the Futura system operates without electricity, resulting in no monthly energy expenses.
- Resistance to Fouling: While the media is generally robust, it can be fouled by hydrogen sulfide, concentrated nitric acid, and oil in the water. Users should be aware of these potential contaminants, though no special precautions are needed as the media is harmless upon skin contact.
- Dishwasher Performance: The manual notes that commercial dishwashing detergents can still cause water spots due to toxic chlorine and harsh phosphates, even with conditioned water. It recommends using eco-friendly detergents, such as those by Seventh Generation, to prevent spots and ensure optimal results.
In summary, the APEC Futura Water Softener provides an environmentally friendly, low-maintenance, and effective solution for managing water hardness, offering a modern alternative to traditional salt-based systems.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
