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What is a 7SO Softening Cartridge?

This pretty cool piece of equipment is used for food service and commercial applications. It can give you delicious specialty coffee, wonderfully strong espresso or refreshing, crisp ice tea. This cartridge reduces minerals like calcium and magnesium which cause hard water. It’s like having a mini water softener under your sink. This is ideal for hard water at a flow rate as high as 1/2 gallon per minute. The ion exchange technology is a carbon and resin blend. The cartridge has a psi range of 10-125, as well as, a temperature range of 35 to 100 degrees. The 2,000 grain capacity is ideal for high mineral content and low volume application. What is the proper way to use the 7SO (EV9607-04)? Usually it is a 2 stage setup. The first stage would be a MC2 (EV9612-56) filter. This reduces the chlorine, sediment, taste and odor. The precoat sub-micron technology reduces the dirt and particles as small as 1/2 micron. The 2nd stage is the 7SO, which reduces the hardness. Best operating procedure is to change the cartridge every 6 months just like most other filters. To determine cartridge life, divide total capacity of cartridge by the hardness in grains per gallon (gpg). So for example, 2,000 grains for the 7SO divided by 15 grains of hardness, you would exhaust this cartridge after running approximately 133 gallons of water through it. You can also change when hardness of treated water increases to more than 3 grains per gallon. Do not exceed recommended flow rate which is 0.5 gallons per minute. Don’t forget to flush the cartridge when you install it or change one out. You do this by running water through it for five minutes at full flow. This should be done no matter what filters you are using. The other great thing about this cartridge is that it fits all existing Everpure heads. No electrical connection is required. So if you have hard water in your foodservice location and want great tasting espresso we would recommend the 7SO. For more information on how we can help you on this system or others like it please call us at 800-942-7873.

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Everpure ScaleKleen Ice Machine Sanitizing Instructions

Even though ice machines ensure the daily delivery of a clean food product in millions of foodservice facilities around the world, too often they are left out of a business’s preventive maintenance plans. Developing and sticking to a consistent cleaning process for your ice machine not only helps guarantee your customers a clean food product time and time again, but it also enables you to reap the most from your investment for many years to come.

Your ice machine should be emptied and thoroughly sanitized at a  minimum every six months and Filter Pure recommends Pentair Everpure ScaleKleen, the smart, environmentally safe way to delime your water-using appliances. It removes limescale buildup and scale quickly and easily. It’s FDA approved to be used around food grade material, it is completely non-toxic and is safe to pour down the drain after use.

SCALEKLEEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR ICE MACHINES;

1. Turn off the ice machine, and drain the sump. 2.  Mix one 7-ounce packet of ScaleKleen in one quart of hot water and pour the solution into the ice machine sump. 3.  Allow the sump to fill so that the pump is not starved of water. NOTE: Do not turn on, the “REFRIGERATE” cycle. ScaleKleen works most effectively when mixed with hot water. The colder the water; the longer it takes to dissolve the scale. 4.  Turn the switch to the “PUMP” mode and allow water to recirculate with ScaleKleen for 20 minutes. 5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 if scale deposits are still visible. 6.  Drain and rinse the sump thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining traces of ScaleKleen. 7.  Check the pH of the water in the sump. If it is within one pH unit of the influent tap water; then the ScaleKleen has been sufficiently rinsed out. (NOTE: an inexpensive pH test kit is available from your Everpure dealer). 8.  Turn the ice machine on to the “ICE” mode and place it back in service Cleaning times and frequencies can vary depending on the water quality and conditions of where the unit is installed. (Special care must be taken when bread or foods containing yeast are being prepared in the vicinity of the ice machine, since yeast-type bacteria could impact the machine’s operation.) Typical between-clean times average 30, 60, or 90 days (consult the user’s manual) to ensure the unit runs at its highest operating efficiency — the ultimate goal of any preventive maintenance program. By taking the time to clean your machine and change the filters you can greatly increase the life of your machine and drastically decrease the cost of owning an ice machine over time. Are you having problems with your water filtration or the quality of your water? Please do not hesitate to call us. We are trained professionals dedicated to solving all your water quality issues. Call us at 800-942-7873 or click the link below to ask a question.

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How Often Do I Change My Water Filter?

One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is in regards to how frequently a water filter cartridge should be changed. Whether it’s a standard sediment or carbon filter, every customer has one key priority in mind: How Long Will I Have Dependably Clean, Great Tasting Water? In other words, how can I be sure that my filter is still reducing the impurities that can impact the flavor of my water? Our standard answer: It depends. The frequency of filter changes depends upon your water quality and your water usage. For example, if there are a lot of sediment particulates in your water, then you will have to change your filters more frequently than someone with little to no sediment. If you are a large restaurant consuming large amounts of water a minute or a hospital with large ice machines, then your usage will demand more frequent filter changes. Having said that, we suggest replacement schedules that are generally as follows: Everpure High Flow CRS Quad MC2 System The most common Everpure Filtration System, mainly seen in the back of the house of restaurants should be changed every 6 months, or every 36,000 gallons. The EC210 prefilter, to the left of the MC2 filters, should be changed more frequently to extend the life of the MC2 filters. We recommend every 3-4 months.       Insurice Triple PF i4000(2) System w/ 20″ Prefilter For water filtration on ice machines, sometimes it can be difficult knowing when to change the filters, especially if you see no difference in the ice. But even if the ice is fine, deep inside the machine inches of scale can be forming and ruining your machine. That’s why it is important to keep a filter change out schedule. We recommend every 6 months or however many gallons are specified on the water filters. For the system pictured to the left, the Insurice Triple PF i4000(2), change those filters every 36,000 gallons of use. Again, changing the prefilter will give your primary cartridges longer life. You should also replace your water filters whenever you notice a decline in performance, whether it is a drop in flow rate and/or pressure, or an unusual taste in the water. You should also, per the CDC, replace your water filter after any boil water advisory alert is lifted in your area. Remember: taste and odor may tip you off to the presence of chlorine in your water, but most contaminants are tasteless and odorless. For the benefit of our customers, we have set-up automatic electronic reminders that are sent when we see that their filters are due to be replaced, based on order history.  We can even set-up Auto-Ship for customers that know they will need water filters by a certain date, but may not remember to place an order. If you have a water filter or filter model not included in the list above, and have a question regarding how often you should replace your filter, I invite you to submit a question below or call our team at 1-800-942-7873. Click here to ask us a question!

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The Best Espresso in Town!

Every single morning before arriving to work, Amy stops by her local Starbucks and orders her usual venti latte. They know her there by name and are happy to send her on her way with her triple espresso shot drink. Amy said that her morning espresso kick starts her day and without it, well, you would probably find her half asleep at her desk, struggling to focus on her work.

Espresso can be a vital part of someone’s day, like Amy. Did you know that over 55% of the US drink espresso? That percentage is equivalent to 150 million people! That’s A LOT of espresso! 

Did you also know that Espresso is 90% water! It is a key essential ingredient in espresso preparation. So having a water filtration system becomes a must, especially in areas with hard water. Not having filtered water will affect the taste of your espresso as well as the lifespan of your equipment.  So what is the best water filtration system for your espresso machine?   Well, here’s a couple options to consider: The Claris System 5-Stage Filtration Process

  • Pre-filtration
  • Carbonate hardness adjustment
  • Fine filtration
  • Highly efficient carbon block removes harmful contaminant and unpleasant odors and tastes
  • Solid membrane filter removes particles down to 5 micron for highest equipment protection
  • Operates in vertical or horizontal position

 

3 -Stage Blending: Softens, Buffers, and Filters Water
  • Utilizes ion exchange resin with buffering capabilities and high capacity coconut carbon filtration
  • A small amount of carbon filtered water bypasses softening resin to allow proper initial hardness. 
  • Buffering prevents water from becoming too acidic. 
  • It also reduces hardness in water that can cause minerals to build-up in espresso equipment. 
  • It also reduces chlorine, off tastes and odors. Cartridge replacement is simple, quick and clean. 
*The QC7I-Twin ESO7 System is pictured to the right.
Depending on your espresso machine and water quality needs, your commercial water filtration system may differ. Give us a call and we’ll be glad to help you in sizing the right system.
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The Wonderful World of Conditioned Water

As a Hydrotech distributor, I wanted to share with you all the amazing benefits of having conditioned water! Soap Saver: having conditioned water reduces how much soap you use (up to 70%). It also delivers greater washing power and protects your washing machines too! Clothes Brightener: conditioned water helps your clothes last longer, feel fresher, cleaner, and softer! Plus, no fading colors! Money Stretcher: with conditioned water you’ll use less cleaning supplies. Hard water breaks down those cleaning chemicals making them less efficient and making you use more. Dish Sparkler: no more streaks and spots. Conditioned water eliminates those hard water problems and helps your dishwasher last longer. Stain Eliminator: tired of seeing mineral build up in your bathroom? Conditioned water benefits all your bathroom fixtures keeping those unsightly rings and spots away! Scrubbing Helper: hard water can cause film and soap scum to be left behind when scrubbing counter tops, floors, tile, etc. Not with conditioned water! Hot Water Guard: help your water heater last longer by eliminating scale build-up with conditioned water! With less scale build-up you’ll be able to save energy by 20%. Pipe Protector: through time, scale build up can kill your pipes. You can prevent a major headache by using conditioned water to help your pipes stay clean! Faucet Preserver: No more corroded or plugged valves. Keep your faucet in mint condition with conditioned water. Face Saver: conditioned water will leave your face smooth and razor burn free. Body Refresher: showering with conditioned water will leave you free from soap build-up left on your skin and a more refreshing feeling. Hair Pamperer: conditioned water revives hair color and leaves you with a more radiant shine! With all these amazing benefits, why wouldn’t you use conditioned water! Call us today to see how we can make a refreshing difference and save you money!  

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Legionella: The Silent Killer!

In the last year, over 400 people have been infected by a water born bacteria called Legionella.  Over 30 of those infected died. What’s more shocking than those numbers is the fact that those outbreaks took place in hospitals, retirement communities, theme parks, and hotels.   An estimated 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease each year in the U.S. How can so many people be infected by this bacteria, especially in places where you think you would be safe from any deadly bacteria? Being exposed to any water system can be a source of disease if the water in it is subjected to conditions that promote growth of the organism. 

 In Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, multiple people developed Legionnaires disease; case investigation and environmental culture surveillance found that the Legionella bacteria came from the ice machine. One 66-year old patient, who was making a slow recovery from cancer, died from the outbreak due to inhalation of the aerosols released from the ice chips he was consuming. 

So how do you kill Legionella?

First, is preventing it! Killing the bacteria before it reaches any water system. Traditional oxidizing agents such as chlorine have been proven very effective in controlling Legionella. Using continuous chlorination at low free residual levels can be effective in controlling Legionella. That’s why many hospitals are using Everpure’s 7SI cartridges on their ice machines to help prevent the Legionella bacteria from forming in their water.

7SI Cartridge

  • Specializes in slime and bacteria growth prevention
  • Reduces particulates down to 0.5 micron
  • Utilizes depth filtration and Fiberdyne™ media for superior dirt holding capability
  • Leaves chlorine and chloramines within water that is supplied to equipment which helps to reduce slime and bacteria growth in applications
  • Reduces system maintenance, service costs and buildup. Scale and slime, as well as, bacteria growth can result in clogging of distribution lines, malfunction of probes, floats, pumps, solenoids and valves, and higher energy consumption
  • Sanitary cartridge replacement is simple, quick and clean. Internal filter parts are never exposed to handling or contamination
  • Can be used on Insurice® and Hybrid Manifold Systems
  • NSF® Certified under NSF / ANSI Standards 42 and 53

Features:

  • Cyst Reduction
  • Particulate Reduction
  • Capacity: 25,000 gallons (94,635 liters)
  • Maximum Flow: 3.5 gpm (13.25 lpm)
  • Qty. per Case: 0
  • Working Pressure: 10 – 125 psi (0.7 – 8.6 bar), non-shock
  • Max. Temp: 35 – 100ºF (2 – 38ºC)
  • H: 20.75″ D: 3.25″ Certifications: NSF42 NSF53
Contact us for more information on the 7SI cartridge and how to stop Legionella.
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Hydroblend Cuts Long-Run Costs

For applications in which water is heated past its boiling point, it is advisable to employ measures designed to reduce the level of lime and other minerals in the water service to safeguard against scale buildup in water boilers. Such buildup can lead to machinery damage, and if left unaddressed, failure. While the most common example of applications in which this is a concern is the brewing of coffee and other fine coffee beverages, the filtration of, and control of scale in, water used in steam equipment is extremely important. Because each piece of steam machinery, such as those used in the food service industry, by definition contains a boiler in which water is heated past its boiling point, harmful scale buildup will result if water used is not appropriately treated. There are two popular methods of addressing the presence of scale in a water supply, depending on whether scale has already formed or not. They are: Polyphosphate Granules

Generally used to clean boilers which have already suffered an amount of scale buildup, polyphosphate granules, such as Everpure’s proprietary formula “ScaleKleen,” remove limescale quickly, easily, and safely in an environmentally friendly manner from OCS brewers, steam, warewashing, and other equipment. Because activated citric acid is the typically the primary ingredient in these non-toxic blends, they are safer to skin and won’t burn clothing like conventional deliming acids. In addition, they are sewer system disposable, so you can pour it down the drain.

Hydroblend Scale Sticks

Hydroblend” scale sticks are the second component of a two-stage water filter designed by Everpure. Scale inhibitor feeders (scale sticks) reduce scale inline by dispensing a controlled amount of Hydroblend, a sophisticated blend of polyphosphate compound which inhibits scale. As such, scale sticks present in dual-filter systems designed for OCS brewers, steam, warewashing, and other applications significantly reduce scale inline, effectively preventing scale from ever forming.

While both methods are used in modern commercial settings, each approach has its advantages. Polyphosphates have been used in the prevention of mineral scale and corrosion control for years as a cost-effective method of controlling scale within a water supply. Hydroblend products on the other hand, are comparatively new, and marginally more expensive. There are however, several advantages. Hydroblend products are:

  • 100% active, so there is no residual product left over.
  • specifically designed to provide mineral scale prevention and corrosion control in high temperature and high hardness applications, while phosphate granules are not.
  • designed to ensure that the product feed rate is consistent over predictable time periods.
  • available in various configurations allowing it application to many different processes.

Regardless of which approach is used, it is important to monitor and control scale levels within a water supply. Doing so will prevent costly repairs and possible replacements.