Sediment cartridge 10" 5 microns NLF Aquapro PR-NLF-PP

Sediment cartridge 10", 5 microns

Mechanical pre-filtration cartridge in standard 10" format, filtration threshold 5 microns. It stops solid particles present in water: sand, silt, rust particles, pipe residues, deposits resuspended after network work.

Aquapro reference PR-NLF-PP, NLF series, polypropylene body.

The 5 microns: the pre-filtration compromise

The threshold determines what passes and what stops, but also the cartridge lifespan:

• 20 to 25 microns: heavily loaded water, construction work, well water. Long lifespan, lets fine particles through.
• 5 microns: the standard pre-filtration threshold on mains water networks. Stops most visible and semi-fine particles without clogging in fifteen days.
• 1 micron and below: finishing stage, as second stage, after a more open first filter.

In practice, on a domestic or tertiary installation supplied by the mains network, 5 microns in a single stage covers the vast majority of cases. On turbid water or well water, install a 20 microns upstream to avoid sacrificing the 5 microns in a few days.

What it protects

Pre-filtration is not a comfort feature, it is what makes the rest cost-effective:

• Carbon cartridges: a particle that blocks a block carbon causes flow to drop and costs you an expensive cartridge prematurely.
• Reverse osmosis membranes: sediments scratch and foul the membrane. A membrane is the most expensive component of a reverse osmosis unit.
• Water softener valves: sand and grains damage seals and pistons.
• Solenoid valves, fittings, heat exchangers: fine particles create seat leaks and blockages.

Changing a pre-filter costs a few euros. Replacing what it protects costs much more.

Standard 10" format

Compatible with 10" filter housings on the market, including 9"3/4 filter housings. Standard diameter approximately 2.5", nominal height 10". It fits in a simple filter housing, at the head of the line, or as the first stage of a 2 or 3 level assembly.

Replacement

The sediment pre-filter is replaced at flow loss, not on schedule. Field indicators:

• Clean mains network: 6 months indicative
• Loaded network or after work: 2 to 3 months, sometimes less
• Before a reverse osmosis unit: do not delay, the membrane pays the price for neglect

A transparent filter housing helps greatly: a cartridge visually browned or grey signals replacement before the customer calls about pressure drop. Use the change opportunity to clean the bowl and regrease the bowl seal.

Installation points

Install the cartridge in the direction of flow, check the presence and condition of the bowl O-ring seal, tighten with a wrench without forcing and purge before returning to service. Provide an isolation valve upstream: without it, every cartridge change becomes a general shutdown.