Ecomix FAQ’s- Frequently Asked Questions

Ecomix has been applied internationally since 1998 but is very new to water treatment experts in the United States.  We’ve compiled this list of Ecomix FAQ’s to assist in application.  If you are experiencing a problem or would like to discuss a potential application feel free to contact ShedWater.  Download a copy – Frequently Asked Questions

Regeneration

How often do I regenerate an Ecomix system? 

Treat the system just like a water softener.  These units are regenerated when the capacity is exhausted.  The unit’s volume capacity should be calculated using raw water hardness and the number of bags of Ecomix (.88 cu.ft.).  One bag has a softening capacity of 11,500 grains.

Can I regenerate with untreated water?

Regenerating with untreated or raw water will not affect the performance of Ecomix.

Why is the softening capacity so low compared to cation softening resin?

The softening capacity is not lower.  The capacity of the cation resin component is rated lower because each bag contains more than just cation resin.  Cation softening resin is only one of the five components.

What happens if you increase the salt dosage to 8-10 pounds?

If you increase salt dosage it will influence the treated water hardness – it will be lower. Also you could obtain higher exchange capacity, approximately 15,000 grains per cubic foot.

Can potassium chloride salt be used?

If using potassium chloride increase the salt dosage to 9 lbs. per cubic foot.

What happens if I operate the Ecomix system without that first regeneration?

The system will not remove the contaminants properly.  There are 5 components in one bag.  In order for the system to operate properly these components need to be “layered”.  During regeneration the mixture self-classifies into layers making it ready for use.

Should I use resin cleaners or salt with resin cleaners when I regenerate an Ecomix system?

No, resin cleaners should not be used.  There are several reported cases where efficiency was severely impaired after usage of resin cleaners.  Regular softener salt and proper regeneration sequencing will keep Ecomix clean.

Installation

My tank holds a cube and a half of media.  Can I use half a bag and save the other half for another installation?

Each bag contains 5 separate components in specific amounts. These components are thoroughly mixed during production and there should be no problem using half a bag. If you intend to use just half it is important to shake the bag before loading the vessel.  To avoid the trouble, you can order full AND half bags.  Specify packaging when ordering from your supplier.

Why is a top basket distributor necessary?

This distributor is necessary in order to prevent the media from being lost during the backwashing sequence of regeneration.

Iron and Manganese

Is it true that Ecomix will remove all types of iron, including ferric?

Ecomix will not remove ferric or oxidized iron efficiently.  In applications where ferric is present we recommend placement of a sediment filter ahead of the system to trap ferric iron particulate.

Is it possible to use Ecomix when iron content in water is higher than the limit of 15 ppm?

There are units in operation which successfully remove iron in greater concentrations.  However, prior to doing so you should contact your water treatment specialist with a complete water analysis.

Can I use Ecomix if there is aeration or oxidant dosing ahead of the unit?

We do not recommend installation of oxidation and or aeration ahead of the Ecomix system.  If you have to use aeration or oxidant dosing for any reason we strongly recommend treatment with a multimedia sediment filter and an activated carbon filter to remove residual active chlorine prior to the Ecomix system.

Can I use Ecomix in cases with high iron, tannins or manganese when hardness is low?

Ecomix will operate successfully under these conditions.  However, raw water hardness must be used to program the control valve and you must set the “Day Override” to 3 or 4 days.  Be sure to contact your water treatment specialist if you have questions.

Is the Ferrisorb an ion exchange based product that is also regenerated by salt?

Ferrosorb is regenerated due to surface scouring mechanism during backwash. This is the reason why we always draw attention on the proper backwash flow rate.

Tannins, TOC, Color

Can I use Ecomix to just remove organic color and tannins?

Ecomix C should not be used if organic matter reduction is the only purpose of treatment.  But Ecomix C can be used to reduce organic matter (color) and to soften water from well or municipal supply.  The unit’s capacity should still be rated based on raw water hardness.  Removal of TOC/Tannins in excess of 3 ppm may be challenging.  Follow up treatment with a coal based carbon may be required.

I have customers who use surface water (lake, rivers, canals, ponds) rather than well water.  Can I use Ecomix for this application?

Ecomix is intended to for well water not surface water treatment. Surface water may be microbiologically contaminated, have high levels of TOC (total organic carbons), tannins and color that often exceed product limitations.  Surface water can be treated with Ecomix only after chlorination and sediment filtration followed by activated carbon filtration prior to the Ecomix system.

My application is a well that is close to surface water (lake, rivers, canals, ponds).

La Motte Tannin Test Kit

Tannin Test Kit

Water in shallow wells close to surface water might be a mixture of well and surface water and may have higher than normal TOC and color.  It could be microbiologically contaminated. In these situations, Ecomix is applicable but additional treatment may be required.

  • Pre-treatment with chlorination followed by contact tank
  • Sediment filter with FilterAg Plus
  • Coal based GAC filter (chlorine removal)
  • Ecomix System

We recommend paying attention to the color of the water and doing a tannin test. You must strictly follow the test instructions. For example, commonly used LaMotte test kits require a 30-minute wait before the results are indicated. Once complete, please send the water analysis and the tannin test results with a picture of the water in a white bucket to your water treatment specialist. LaMotte Test Spec

 

H2S, Sulfur, Hydrogen Sulfide, Rotten Egg Odor

Is Ecomix sensitive to H2S?

No, it is not sensitive to hydrogen sulfide content in well water and its efficiency will not be affected.

Will it reduce H2S?

Sometimes it may slightly reduce the rotten odor of H2S but it is not recommended as a solution.

General Questions

How many years does Ecomix last?

In most applications with proper operation, it will last 5 or more years before it has to be replaced.

Is Ecomix sensitive to active chlorine, pH level or TDS?

Ecomix shows stable operation with active chlorine levels below 1 ppm and pH in the range of 5 to 9.  It is not affected by the anion composition of the water and is stable with feed water TDS below 4,000 ppm.

Can I use Ecomix if it was accidentally frozen during storage?

Freezing of should be avoided as it may cause damage to its components. To avoid freezing, Ecomix should be stored in a dry room protected from sunlight at temperatures of 35–80 °F (2–27 °C). If it does freeze, thaw out slowly at room temperature before loading and use. Do not treat frozen with heat or steam.