Filtersorb SP3

FILTERSORB® SP3 – Advanced Scale Prevention Media

FILTERSORB® SP3 is a next-generation scale prevention and water conditioning media designed to combat the negative effects of hard water without the need for traditional salt-based water softeners. Manufactured by Watch Water® Germany, this innovative filtration media utilizes Nucleation-Assisted Crystallization (NAC) technology to transform dissolved hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) into microscopic crystals that remain suspended in water, preventing limescale buildup on plumbing, appliances, and surfaces.

FILTERSORB® SP3 is a highly effective, salt-free alternative to traditional water softeners, offering superior scale prevention without the environmental drawbacks of ion exchange systems. It is an ideal solution for those seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to protect plumbing systems, appliances, and industrial equipment from scale buildup.

How Does FILTERSORB® SP3 Work?

FILTERSORB® SP3 functions as a Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC) media, which means it attracts hardness ions and forces them to form stable nano-crystals. These crystals are:

• Non-Adherent – They remain in suspension rather than forming scale.

• Chemically Stable – They do not re-dissolve back into the water.

• Environmentally Friendly – They do not require salt, electricity, or regeneration cycles.

Key Benefits of FILTERSORB® SP3

• Salt-Free Scale Prevention – Eliminates the need for traditional water softeners that use sodium chloride.
• No Wastewater Discharge – Unlike ion exchange softeners, it does not produce brine waste.
• Eco-Friendly & Chemical-Free – Uses a physical reaction instead of harsh chemicals.
• Long Lifespan – Typically lasts 3–5 years before replacement is needed.
• No Maintenance – Does not require regeneration, backwashing, or electricity.
• Retains Essential Minerals – Unlike conventional softeners that remove calcium and magnesium, FILTERSORB® SP3 retains them in a harmless form.

Applications of FILTERSORB® SP3

FILTERSORB® SP3 is widely used in various residential, commercial, and industrial applications, including:

• Household Water Treatment – Whole-house point-of-entry filtration systems.

• Hotels & Resorts – Prevention of scale buildup in water heaters, showers, and fixtures.

• Food & Beverage Industry – Protection of coffee machines, steam ovens, and ice makers.

• HVAC Systems & Cooling Towers – Reducing maintenance costs and increasing efficiency.

• Car Wash Systems – Prevents mineral spotting on vehicles.

Does FILTERSORB® SP3 prevent corrosion?

No, FILTERSORB® SP3 does not prevent corrosion. Its primary function is scale prevention through Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which converts dissolved hardness minerals into non-adherent micro-crystals. While this process effectively prevents scale buildup, it does not provide corrosion inhibition.

Why Doesn’t FILTERSORB® SP3 Prevent Corrosion?

• No Chemical Additives – Unlike some anti-corrosion treatments that introduce phosphates or silicates, FILTERSORB® SP3 does not alter the chemical composition of the water.

• Does Not Affect pH – Corrosion is often linked to acidic or highly oxygenated water. FILTERSORB® SP3 does not modify the pH, alkalinity, or corrosiveness of the water.

• No Protective Coating – Some anti-corrosion systems work by depositing a thin protective layer on pipes and surfaces. FILTERSORB® SP3 does not do this, it only neutralizes scale formation.

Corrosion is influenced by various factors, including water pH, oxygen levels, chloride content, and metal composition of the plumbing system. FILTERSORB® SP3 does not neutralize acidic water, remove corrosive elements, or create a protective barrier on metal surfaces.

How much FILTERSORB® SP3 to use?

Watch® recommends to use 3 liters of FILTERSORB® SP3 to treat temporary hardness up to 450 ppm at the flow rate of 1 m3/h. In theory FILTERSORB® SP3 can treat any level of temporary hardness depending on the system design and flow rate control. Water total hardness is calculated in respect with equivalent CaCO3 hardness.

The Pressure Vessel volume should be 6 to 7 times of the volume of the media.

Why the Vessel Volume Should Be 6 to 7 Times the Media Volume

1. Prevents Channeling and Ensures Full Bed Utilization

When water flows too quickly through a small vessel or tightly packed media bed, it can channel, cutting narrow flow paths through the media, leaving large portions of it unused. By using a vessel that is significantly larger than the media volume, you ensure:

• Even distribution of water.

• Full contact with the entire media bed.

• Optimal treatment performance.

2. Provides Adequate Freeboard (Empty Space)

FILTERSORB® SP3 and similar media expand slightly under flow. A 6:1 vessel-to-media ratio ensures there is enough:

• Freeboard (empty vertical space) above the media.

• Buffer zone for water turbulence without pushing media into the upper strainer (especially important in upflow / downflow systems).

Freeboard helps prevent:

• Media carryover into plumbing.

• Premature media loss.

• Increased pressure drop.

3. Reduces Pressure Drop

A wider vessel provides:

• Lower flow velocity.

• Less friction loss across the bed.

• More efficient operation, especially at higher flow rates

This ensures the system operates within the recommended service flow rate (LPM) of the media and avoids excessive backpressure that could damage plumbing or reduce efficiency.

4. Ensures Proper Bed Expansion (if backwashable)

For systems like Katalox Light or AFM, which require backwashing, the vessel must allow for 50–100% media bed expansion during backwash. A 6:1 ratio accommodates this easily, even if FILTERSORB® SP3 typically doesn’t require regular backwashing.

What Happens If You Undersize the Vessel

If the vessel is too small for the media:

• Media may compact or fluidize, reducing treatment performance.

• Water may bypass the media due to channeling.

• Pressure drop may become excessive.

• Media may be pushed into the plumbing.

• Short-circuiting can occur, rendering the system ineffective.

Recommended Volume and Flow Cart vs Total Hardness