- For what applications can I use AQUALOOP?
AQUALOOP most commonly is set up for greywater recycling. It also is used for potable rainwater, septic tank treatment for recycling, and surface water treatment for potable and non-potable use.
- Can AQUALOOP remove dissolved substances such as sea salt?
The core component of AQUALOOP is ultrafiltration and microfiltration. This membrane filtration filters even the smallest particles > 0.02 microns and thus provides bacteria-free, clear water. Dissolved substances are not filtered with the ultrafiltration and microfiltration, instead, some dissolved substances such as BOD and some iron and manganese are removed via AQUALOOP's biological cleaning. In many cases, dissolved solids are sequestered and removed in the sludge after biological treatment.
- Where can I install the PURAIN rainwater filter?
We recommend that PURAIN filters be installed inside the tank if possible. If the entryway or some other factor does not allow this, then the tank can easily be mounted externally either underground or in a wall-mount. Many distributors deliver your storage tank already fitted with a PURAIN filter. HD Filters are designed for direct bury installation.
- How long is the warranty on the AQUALOOP components?
The warranty period on all INTEWA products is 2 years. But even after the warranty period, we are there for you because we want you to benefit of your own water source for a long time.
- Is it worth using AQUALOOP?
The installation of AQUALOOP technology will pay for itself in a few years, for many commercial greywater recycling or water purification systems. The recycling of water is absolutely necessary now in many regions of the world due to water shortages or to ensure supply.
Several owners of "water recycling systems" report that it's fun to reuse one's own grey water, for instance, by treating and converting high-quality rain water in to shower water - as we become independent of the potable water suppliers, reduce costs and make a significant contribution to the conservation of the environment.
- Can I connect the washing machine water to the AQUALOOP?
Of course! The NSF350 C certification for Aqualoop was completed using both bath and laundry water.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages between rainwater and greywater recycling?
The use of rain water and recycling of grey water are two very different methods to save precious drinking water. In some areas, the grey water is recycled due to lack of rainfall. If both are possible, then the technologies are valuable additions for appropriate water utilization. For example, rainwater can be collected for drinking water while greywater can be used for toilet flushing, laundry, and irrigation. Numerous other combinations are also possible.
With AQUALOOP rainwater, groundwater, and surface water systems, the rainwater can also be used for personal hygiene and even drinking water.
Greywater reduces sanitary sewer discharge while rainwater collection reduces stormwater runoff. Both are important but have varying importance depending on location. Both save on use of municipal and well off site water sources.
- Where can I install the PURAIN rainwater filter?
We recommend that PURAIN filters be installed inside the tank if possible. If the entryway or some other factor does not allow this, then the tank can easily be mounted externally either underground or in a wall-mount. Many distributors deliver your storage tank already fitted with a PURAIN filter. HD Filters are designed for direct bury installation.
- How much roof area can I filter with a PURAIN rainwater filter?
We offer PURAIN rain water filters in five sizes: 4”, 6”, 8”, 12”, and 16”. Each size has a maximum flow rate that it can handle. The roof size range for each filter depends upon the rainfall intensity in the specific geography of the installation site.Click here to view the color coded sizing guideUse our color coded chart for filter sizing in a wide range of US locations. If you do not see a location close to you, please contact Ecovie and we will add you location to the chart!
- Is there a filter without elevation offset between inflow and outflow?
The PURAIN rainwater filter works with the minimum possible height offset between the inflow and outflow. A height offset is a prerequisite for a self-cleaning filter in order to ensure proper operation. Since 1993, INTEWA has tested different types of self-cleaning filters – none of which captures as much water as PURAIN. Alternatively, a basket filter may be used in place of a PURAIN jump filter in order to capture 100% of rainfall and have zero elevation offset; however, they have to be cleaned out regularly regularly and do not guarantee the water quality. PURAIN filters normally require zero maintenance and yield high water quality.
- Is the rainwater filtered by PURAIN well suited for washing machines?
The water filtered by the PURAIN hydraulic jump filter is perfectly suited for use in toilets, washing machines, and even drinking water. It should be noted that the quality of water also depends on the storage of the rainwater. Factors such as temperature of the storage tank, calming inlet, overflow skimmer, size of tank, and post treatment are also critical for an optimum quality of water.
- Does self cleaning = maintenance free?
The PURAIN-filter is extremely low maintenance and in most cases zero maintenance. Dirt and leaves in the sedimentation chamber do not need to be removed because they will be flushed away with the next heavy rainfall. If the filter screen does become clogged, it is easily cleaned through the tank lid. Alternatively, in extremely rare cases, the screen can be removed for cleaning. If the filter is used for greywater applications in a AQUALOOP system, then a cleaning shower is recommended to prevent build of biofilm which can clog the filter. By showering the screen periodically, the filter screen stays clean and maintenance free. We recommend that you check your filter about twice a year.
- How is the efficiency in all rainfall conditions?
In small to medium rainfalls collection efficiency is 100 %. It turns out that almost all rain that falls, regardless of geography, is at these lower flow rates. We typically size for hydraulic jump to occur at a rainfall rate of about 1” per hour flow rate. Above this flow rate, the filter is vigorously cleaned and there will be some water flushed out to drain. Overall, capture efficiency is a maximum for a self-cleaning filter in any given geography and roof size.
- How do I install the non-return valve and overflow skimmer used with the bigger PURAIN rainwater filters?
The non-return valve and overflow skimmer, made from injection molded parts, are separately installed in the tank along with the bigger PURAIN rainwater filters, 8” to 16”.
- What are the advantages of the RAINMASTER Favorit against a submersible pump?
The RAINMASTER Favorit water supply unit, in addition to the pump, contains a built-in air gap backflow prevention for mains water back-up. In other systems, this must be installed separately. This allows the system to continuously operate on mains water, even when there is a rainwater or greywater shortage.
- Why do I need a speed controller?
Ecovie offers the RAINMASTER Favorit water supply unit with speed control (VFD). The speed unit offers great advantages for the user in better pressure control and energy savings. The RAINMASTER FAVORIT SC speed controller can save up to 40% on power costs and dramatically increase the operational life of the system.
- Should an expansion tank be installed on the pressure line and how large must it be?
We generally recommend the installation of a small expansion tank of at least 2 gallons. The expansion tank prevents water hammer, increases the service life of system components and minimizes frequent pump start-ups should leaks occur. It is especially important in the case of toilet flushing applications.
- Are RAINMASTER Favorit SC multi-pump systems more expensive than conventional systems?
No, RAINMASTER FAVORIT SC multi-pump systems are usually far cheaper than conventional multi-pump systems. This is made possible by economies of scale in production. Only the RAINMASTER Favorit SC water supply unit allows real redundancy and thus the highest possible operational reliability with its duplex and triplex configurations. The Bluetooth connectivity and pre-programming makes installation truly “plug and play.”
- How many consumers can be connected to the RAINMASTER Eco?
The RAINMASTER Eco is designed and optimized for use in single-family dwellings. It is ideal for supplying toilets and laundry efficiently with rainwater or mains water up to the second floor. Additionally, the Eco can be used for garden watering with a hose and for pressure washers. In cases with automatic irrigation or showers in larger applications with more fixtures, the Rainmaster FAVORIT is recommended to meet those flow and pressure requirements.
- Can I replace an old device with the RAINMASTER Eco?
Many rainwater systems are getting old and customers want to exchange the old pumps or rainwater units with updated devices. The Rainmaster Eco is perfectly suitable for this since it comes already supplied with flexible connections. An existing suction line with a 1" connection size and the float switch from to old device can be re-used if these are 100% water-tight and not worn out.
- Can I also water my garden with the RAINMASTER Eco?
The whisper-quiet RAINMASTER Eco at around 48 dB(A) can be easily used for hose watering and single sprinklers. For larger automatic irrigation systems we recommend the use of RAINMASTER FAVORIT.
- What are the advantages of the diaphragm pump in the RAINMASTER Eco compared to the more common centrifugal pump?
There are a multitude of benefits with the RAINMASTER Eco diaphragm pump such as 75% less energy consumption, 50% less background noise, a suction length of up to 40 m, which is almost 3 times that of a conventional centrifugal pump. (Note: The RAINMASTER Eco 10 is whisper-quiet at around just 48 dB(A)).
The Eco runs on low voltage power and is compatible with DC current which means it would work with solar panels.
- Why have other manufacturers not launched such a product yet?
INTEWA always thinks one step ahead!
- Why is the price-performance value so much better than other manufacturers?
The innovative INTEWA RAINMASTER Eco concept requires less installation space, less material and therefore faster production. These savings are passed on to our customers so that we can offer better price-performance value than other manufacturers.
- Do I need the tank level indicator?
With the tank level indicator, you can be comfortable with the knowledge your cistern water level is always in view. By being able to monitor the water level in your cistern, you can make decisions on whether the water level is sufficient for additional uses such as watering the garden, filling a pond or if an extra car wash is called for.
- Can I also use the RAINMASTER Eco for my well, pond, non-potable, or greywater?
The RAINMASTER Eco, as its name suggests, was developed for rainwater harvesting, but can be also be used for numerous other water applications. It is particularly useful in conjunction with home AQUALOOP greywater systems for toilet flushing and laundry. It may also supply well water (up to a 9 foot intake level), treated wastewater, water from streams and ponds. Should water from the natural/treated source run short, the unit automatically switches over to an approved air gap backflow mains water supply, so household water needs are always covered.
- What are the benefits of DRAINMAX Tunnel infiltration trenches in comparison to other infiltration and attenuation systems?
In comparison to gravel trenches, DRAINMAX tunnel infiltration trenches require significantly less space through its 100 % storage capacity. This also means less excavation and ultimately lower installation cost.
The DRAINMAX Tunnel infiltration trench provides an optimum price/volume ratio compared to other attenuation systems, such as infiltration pits by using less materials. Moreover, the DRAINMAX tunnel allows for easy flushing of the bottom of the trench, greatly increasing the service life of the system.
- How does the DRAINMAX Tunnel infiltration trench obtain such high capacity?
In the DRAINMAX Tunnel infiltration trench, the load is discharged into the surrounding soil by means of the tunnels special vault shaped design. However in contrast, other plastic pits need many more components to absorb the load effectively and maintain structural rigidity due to their inefficient design.
- Why is the cleaning option necessary for infiltration trenches?
An infiltration trench is a structure that has been designed for a service life amounting to decades. Basically, before any infiltration or attenuation system is installed, a sedimentation or filter system is fitted. The type of system depends on the connected surface (and its contamination) as well as on the sewage disposal requirements specified by the authorities. With good preliminary cleaners, the infiltration or attenuation system requires virtually no maintenance.
Over the course of years, and the inadequate maintenance of preliminary cleaners, there is a risk that dirt may penetrate into the trench. This dirt can significantly impair the infiltration capacity and thereby reduce the functional efficiency of the infiltration trench. Maybe the infiltration trench has to be rebuilt.
With DRAINMAX Tunnel infiltration trenches you can analyze the condition initially by means of a camera. If cleaning is necessary the DRAINMAX Tunnel trenches bottom can be completely flushed by means of a high pressure jet.
- How do I calculate the necessary size of a Tunnel infiltration trench?
The dimensions of an infiltration trench depend on several factors, such as rainfall data and infiltration rate, as well as on regional government specifications. These factors vary from country to country and even from region to region. You can obtain more details on the dimensions from civil or hydraulic engineers or your local Ecovie distributor.
- Where and how can I purchase PLURAFIT products?
You can contact us to info@ecoviewater.com and we will process the purchase at Ecovie Water management. You can also buy some of the components on our Amazon store.
- PLURAFIT or PURAIN rainwater filter?
Plurafit is suitable as rainwater filter for simple applications.For a self-cleaning filter, see the PURAIN 4” pre-filter.
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