Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters | Residential drinking water, office systems | 0.5 micron filtration (Base) ▲ 0.2 micron (Advanced) (ISO 4009) NSF/ANSI 42 certified | Improves taste/odor (▲ Advanced removes 99.9% chlorine) Cost-effective ($20 Base ▲ $30 Advanced) | Ineffective against dissolved minerals (e.g., fluoride) Requires replacement every 6–12 months |
Carbon Block Filters | Under-sink systems, whole-house filtration | 0.2 micron filtration (Industry: 0.5 micron) ▲ Advanced uses 0.1 micron (ISO 4009) NSF/ANSI 53 certified | Removes lead and VOCs (▲ Advanced adds heavy metal filtration) Compact design | Higher pressure drop ▲ Advanced reduces by 20% Costly ($40–$60) |
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems | High TDS areas, commercial kitchens | 0.0001 micron filtration (Industry: 0.001 micron) ▲ Advanced uses graphene membranes (ISO 2917) NSF/ANSI 58 certified | Removes dissolved solids (▲ Advanced: 99.9% fluoride removal) High purity | Wastes water (▲ Advanced improves recovery to 50%) Slow flow rate |
Ceramic Filters | Outdoor use, emergency water treatment | Porous ceramic with 0.2 micron filtration (Industry: 0.5 micron) ▲ Advanced has 0.1 micron pores (ISO 9001) NSF/ANSI 53 certified | Durable (▲ Advanced lasts 2 years vs 1 year Base) No chemical additives | Clogs easily ▲ Advanced includes pre-filter |
Ion Exchange Resins | Water softening, industrial use | Sodium-based resins (Industry: calcium-based) ▲ Advanced uses potassium (ASTM D3304) NSF/ANSI 44 certified | Reduces water hardness (▲ Advanced: 95% removal vs 85% Base) Extends appliance lifespan | Adds sodium ▲ Advanced reduces sodium by 30% Requires frequent regeneration |
UV Sterilization Systems | Pathogen removal in well water, hospitals | UV-C light at 40 mJ/cm² (Industry: 30 mJ/cm²) ▲ Advanced delivers 50 mJ/cm² (EPA-approved) | Kills 99.9% bacteria/viruses (▲ Advanced: 99.99%) Chemical-free | Requires clean input water ▲ Advanced includes pre-filter |