MTBE
(Methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether) is the most common oxygenated
fuel additive used in reformulated gasoline. Contamination
of groundwater with MTBE is a rapidly growing problem in
49 U.S. states. In drinking water, even trace amounts of
MTBE can cause taste and odor problems, which may lead to
nausea and dizziness. The potential long-term health effects
of MTBE are not understood at this time, however, initial
studies indicate MTBE may cause kidney and liver problems.
MTBE removal from water is a challenge because it is very
soluble in water and must compete with other organics for
binding sites on the filter medium. These other contaminants
(BTEX - butane toluene ethylene xylene and TOC - total organic
carbons) are adsorbed more readily, and MTBE often slips
by standard carbon filters, ending up in the filtered water.
The PFE-1 filter has been specifically designed to remove
MTBE from drinking water when used in conjunction with a
British Berkefeld gravity filter system. The media within
the Super Sterasyl filters, in the upper chamber, capture
the more strongly adsorbed BTEX and TOC's. This permits
the downstream PFE-1, secured as a post filter, to more
efficiently remove MTBE.
The
PFE-1 filter is manufactured to exceed ANSI/NSF Standard
53 which requires that MTBE be reduced by at least two thirds
from an influent rate (water going in) of 15ppb to an effluent
rate (water going out) of less than 5ppb. *The reduction
efficiency of the PFE-1 filter is greater than 95% and each
four-oz. cartridge, of the four cartridge set, has an approximate
capacity of 1,200 gallons even if contamination level is
as high as 600ppb! MTBE removal is achieved via a special
medium called "AquaBond". Its unique pore structure,
created using a proprietary process, is designed for increased
adsorption capacity for trace organics and weakly adsorbed
species, such as MTBE, DBCP, THM's, pesticides and herbicides.
The "AquaBond" granular medium has proven superior
adsorption capacity compared to standard activated coal-based
carbon. Generally, the longer the contaminated water is
in contact with the effective medium, the greater the removal
of MTBE. This is known as the "Trickle Method".
Because the PFE-1 filters used in conjunction with a
British Berkefeld gravity filter incorporate the "Trickle
Method", it is the preferred system for removing MTBE
from contaminated drinking water sources.
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SIZE: 6"
COLOR: WHITE
MEDIA: 100 GRAMS OF MTBE - ADSORBING AQUABOND MEDIUM
PER FILTER
REPLACEMENT: *6 MONTHS OR 1,200 GALLONS (PER FILTER)
MSRP: $85.00
PER SET OF FOUR
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* Actual capacity is dependent on the presence of other
competing contaminants in the source water. High levels
of total organic carbons and volatile organic compounds
may reduce the capacity and efficiency of these elements.
*Not yet available in California, Iowa, or Wisconsin
