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Frequently Asked Questions
What is LINX ® Technology?
LINX stands for eLectrically regenerated IoN eXchange. LINX products employ the first new technology in the point of use (POU) water treatment industry since residential reverse osmosis (RO) was introduced in the 1970s. The patented process employs the basics of ion exchange technology but uses electricity rather than salt or other chemicals. LINX systems use cation and anion media to remove a wide range of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) including metals, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, and others.
LINX Technology is the first SMART water system that (1) takes into account the quality of your feedwater AND then (2) provides Dial-A-Taste® control which allows you to control the TDS of your product water. By taking into account the quality of the feedwater, the installer is able to program the feedwater TDS into the system to optimize performance and recovery. The Dial-A-Taste feature allows YOU to decide how your drinking water will taste.
LINX products are ideal for any application that requires TDS reduction in lower volume applications.
How does the LINX Technology work?
Water passes thru LINX TDS cartridges made from ion exchange resin. An electrical field causes the TDS in the water to be adsorbed in the cells producing high quality deionized water.
Periodically, based on feed water quality, the cells need to be regenerated. During regeneration the electrical field in the cells is automatically reversed releasing the contaminants. The cells are flushed with water and the concentrated TDS goes down the drain. The system is then ready to again produce high quality water.
Watch our video to see how LINX technology works:
What are the components of a LINX system?
LINX systems include the following components:
1. A sediment pre-filter to remove suspended solids in the feed water
2. LINX TDS reduction cartridge(s) – 1 or 2 depending on LINX model
3. A carbon post-filter to polish the water prior to drinking
4. Optional UV or Ultra Filter for purifier benefits
Why is LINX the smartest water system ever?
LINX products employ programmable software that controls how it works and allows performance to be optimized based upon feedwater quality and product water preference. This is what allows you to dial the taste, keeps track of how much water is produced, and tells you when it is time to service the unit and replace cartridges etc. LINX systems have a built in leak detector that shuts down the system if it senses a leak. The system will also issue an audible alarm to alert the home or business owner.
The LINX systems also have indicator lights next to the Dial-A-Taste control that inform the consumer of the system status. A label on the system tells the consumer what each light means. No other drinking water system has this ability to think and communicate.
What is the Dial-A-Taste® Control feature and how does it work?
LINX products include the patented Dial-A-Taste® Control that allows the consumer to select any of 5 settings to get the taste they want. Other drinking water systems only have one setting and one water quality output.
If you like water with higher mineral content move the dial towards the “A” light on the LINX 140. If you like RO quality water, move the dial towards the “D” light. You might find setting the dial on one of the middle settings suits your taste the best. The dial changes the electrical current to the LINX cell, which changes the level of TDS reduction. TDS reduction is generally in the range of 70% at the minimum dial setting and 95% at the maximum setting. The dial setting has no effect on the water recovery rate.
How does LINX Technology use less water than RO?
Two factors affect the water efficiency of POU drinking water systems:
1. Net driving pressure (the sum of feedwater pressure, plus any booster pump if used, less back pressure, less the pressure loss due to kinetics of the treatment device)
2. Feedwater temperature
RO systems are greatly affected by these whereas LINX products are not.
During certification testing, POU drinking water systems are rated for recovery and efficiency. Recovery indicates the percentage of water that the unit produces as a percentage of total water used – without the required storage tank in the case of RO. For most household RO systems the recovery rate is 25-33% when the system is tested in the laboratory; but these are conditions that NEVER exist in your home or office – no tank and ideal feedwater temperature and pressure. That means that when you add the tank even under ideal feedwater temperature and pressure the recovery rate drops as the back pressure from the tank increases, as the tank fills. In certification testing when the tank is added “recovery” is called “efficiency” and when RO systems are operated with the tank they recover 14% of the water under the best of conditions in simulated household usage. Because water is usually drawn one glass at a time and the RO is always topping off the tank against the highest back pressure, the actual water usage rate is much lower even than the “efficiency” rating. That is why RO salesmen and their literature talks about “recovery” not “efficiency” and they certainly don’t want to talk about “actual usage performance”.
LINX products employ a batch process and only regenerate after the system produces the preset volume of water depending on the LINX model and feedwater TDS setting. During regeneration the LINX 140 uses 1.2 gallons (5 liters) of water.
Pionetics recently asked John VanNewenhizen (a 40 year water treatment industry professional with over 30 years at Culligan International in technical management and product development) to perform tests comparing 5 different point-of-use systems under simulated household use to determine the real rate of recovery for each. Feedwater temperature and pressure also affect RO recovery and when factored in, greatly influence the final efficiency numbers. The following tables from the report show actual efficiency rates for LINX and a typical RO with 400 ppm TDS feedwater. Go here http://www.linxwater.com/pdfs/Water-Savings.pdfto read the full study.
You can also see the water savings in action on the LINX YouTube Channel here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmUvTu0KUIs&feature=youtu.be. The tables below provide information on LINX system efficiency depending upon temperature and water pressure.
LINX Percent Efficiency Projections over a range of Temperatures and Pressures |
||||
Pressure and Temperature |
% Recovery at 20 PSI (1.5 Bar) |
% Recovery at 40 PSI (3 Bar) |
% Recovery at 60 PSI (4.5 Bar) |
% Recovery at 80 PSI (6 Bar) |
77 F (25 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
70 F (21 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
64 F (18 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
60 F (16 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
54 F (12 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
48 F (9 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
40 F (4 C) |
72% |
72% |
71% |
71% |
Typical RO Efficiency Projections over a range of Temperatures and Pressures |
||||
Pressure and Temperature |
% Recovery at 20 PSI (1.5 Bar) |
% Recovery at 40 PSI (3 Bar) |
% Recovery at 60 PSI (4.5 Bar) |
% Recovery at 80 PSI (6 Bar) |
77 F (25 C) |
7% |
10% |
12% |
14% |
70 F (21 C) |
6% |
9% |
10% |
13% |
64 F (18 C) |
5% |
8% |
9% |
11% |
60 F (16 C) |
5% |
7% |
8% |
10% |
54 F (12 C) |
4% |
6% |
7% |
9% |
48 F (9 C) |
4% |
5% |
6% |
8% |
40 F (4 C) |
3% |
4% |
5% |
6% |
This data indicates that RO wastes water at a far greater rate than reported during certification. At the TDS level in the feedwater used in testing (~400 ppm TDS) LINX wastes only 0.5 gallons (2 liters) for every 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water and is indifferent to variances in feedwater pressure or temperature. This is the same recovery as reported in LINX certification testing. See the Performance Data Sheet http://www.linxwater.com/pdfs/LINX-140-140T-PerfDataSheet.pdf.
How much money can a LINX system customer expect to save on their municipal water bill using the LINX system rather than RO?
LINX users can expect to save money on their water and sewer bills. Per the results of the VanNewenhizen study, water savings could be as much as 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) every month or MORE if the home used just 1 gallon of water per day. The actual price of water charged by the water provider is a factor, as well as, the volume of drinking water used each month. One LINX customer in Mesa, AZ reported a $10 USD reduction in his monthly water bill after switching to LINX 140. Consumers should consult a local dealer for regional cost savings specifics.
How often do the filters and TDS Cartridges need to be changed?
For the dual cell LINX 140 systems, both of the LINX TDS cartridges need to be replaced after 1,300 gallons (5,000 liters) of product water have been produced. This is the amount of drinking water used in a home over 2-4 years depending upon family size, etc. Over time “scale” may form in the TDS cartridge and TDS reduction may decline somewhat. If this occurs the TDS cartridges may have to be changed out more often. On softened water they will last longer. For water over 17 grains we recommend pre-softening.
The pre and post filters are rated to produce 650 gallons (2,500 liters) of product water. We recommend that they be changed annually.
The indicator lights on the front of the systems inform the customer when water production has reached these volumes.
How much water can I draw at one time?
This is determined by the size of the storage tank for the LINX 140T systems. Our water storage tank holds 2.2 gallons which can be drawn all at once if full.
How much electricity does the LINX system use?
LINX systems use very little electricity – only 0.2 kWh per gallon which is equivalent to 70 kWh per year for a typical family using 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water a day.
Can the LINX system be hooked up to an icemaker and will the ice be crystal clear?
Yes. Crystal clear ice is a function of the ice maker, in concert with good water. Residential icemakers freeze the ice from the outside in and sometimes air gets caught in the cube, thus the ice is not perfectly clear. Commercial icemakers freeze ice from the inside out, which pushes the air out – thus you always get crystal clear ice cubes as long as good water is used. The higher pressure and flow from a LINX system allows you to use it with any type of high-end residential ice maker.
What contaminants are reduced using LINX?
Internal test data and reports from others who have evaluated LINX products indicate the following performance.
This is for information only and not for making “claims” as defined by the certification agencies.
Contaminant |
Percent Reduction – LINX test data performance |
Percent Reduction – Typical RO |
Comments |
Aluminum |
95 |
98-99 |
|
Ammonia |
98 |
86-92 |
|
Arsenic III |
85 |
|
|
Arsenic V |
93 |
|
|
Barium |
99 |
96-98 |
|
Bacteria |
99.9 |
|
2 log reduction from LINX technology plus 1 log additional from the optional UV |
Bicarbonate |
87 |
90-95 |
|
Borate |
70 |
30-50 |
|
Bromide |
>95 |
87-93 |
|
Cadmium |
99 |
96-98 |
|
Calcium |
94 |
94-97 |
|
Chloramine |
40 |
|
|
Chloride |
92 |
87-93 |
|
Chlorine –hypochlorite |
80 |
13-91 |
RO removes with pre-carbon or it will damage the membrane |
Chromium III |
>90 |
96-98 |
|
Chromium VI |
99 |
90 |
|
Copper |
99 |
96-98 |
|
Cyanide |
98 |
86-92 |
|
Ferrocyanide |
>98 |
98-99 |
|
Fluoride |
92 |
87-93 |
|
Iron |
90 |
95-98 |
|
Iodine |
>95 |
|
|
Lead |
99 |
96-98 |
At low pH (6.5) |
Magnesium |
92 |
96-98 |
|
Manganese |
>95 |
95-98 |
|
Mercury |
>98 |
96-98 |
At low pH (6.5) |
Monochloroacetic Acid |
80 |
|
|
Nickel |
98 |
98-99 |
|
Nitrate |
99 |
60-75 |
97% in the LINX 140 and 140T |
Nitrite |
99 |
|
92% in the LINX 140 and 140T |
Pathogens |
No data available |
|
|
Perchlorate |
96 |
|
|
Pesticides |
|
|
Somewhat, but only weak acids, bases and ionic species |
Phosphate |
>95 |
98-99 |
|
Potassium |
94 |
87-94 |
|
Pyrogens |
|
|
No data available |
Radon |
|
|
No – Radon is a noble gas |
Sediment |
|
|
5 micron sediment filter is very effective for sediment reduction |
Selenium |
99 |
>95 |
|
Silver |
>98 |
93-96 |
|
Sodium |
<94 |
87-93 |
|
Strontium |
99 |
96-98 |
|
Sulfate |
>95 |
98-99 |
|
Sulfite |
>95 |
96-98 |
|
Thiosulfate |
>95 |
98-99 |
|
Viruses |
|
|
2 log reduction from LINX technology plus 1 log from the UV |
Uranium |
>95 |
|
|
VOCs |
|
|
Carbon filter reduces VOCs |
Zinc |
>98 |
98-99 |
|
Italics indicate estimated performance from ion exchange selectivity information.
Actual performance will depend on the power setting and flow rate. Reducing the flow rate will increase contaminant reduction due to increased contact time.
Are LINX Products Certified?
LINX products are certified by a number of “authorities”. The attached summarizes the major certifications.
Summary of LINX 160 and LINX Cooler Module (LCM 120V and 240V) Drinking Water System Certificates (US, Canada, Europe universal voltage 100-240V)
Certificate
|
Issued by |
Description |
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53; nitrate/nitrite) LINX 160 system |
Water Quality Association |
Confirms structural and material safety, performance benefits |
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53; nitrate/nitrite) LCM-160 system |
Water Quality Association |
Confirms structural and material safety, performance benefits |
UL979:2005; Water Treatment Appliances LINX 160 Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability |
UL 60335-1, Household and Similar Electric Appliances-Safety; US and Canada, LINX 160 Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability |
Electromagnetic Compatibility CFR 47 Part 15 Subpart B LINX 160 Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms compatibility with other electronic devices |
IEC 60950-1:2001; Information Technology Equipment-Safety POU11 Power Supply |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms electrical safety and reliability of power supply |
IEC/EN 60335-1, Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances; LINX 160 Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability, electromagnetic compatibility |
IEC 60950-1/EN 60950-1 + A11; Information Technology Equipment-Safety; POU11 Power Supply |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms electrical safety and reliability of power supply |
CE Mark LINX 160 Product
|
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability of power supply, compatibility with other electronic devices |
Summary of LINX 140T-120V, LINX 140-120V and LINX Cooler Module Drinking Water System Certificates (US, Canada, Europe)
Certificate
|
Issued by |
Description |
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53; nitrate/nitrite) LINX 140T-120V and LINX 140-120V Products |
Water Quality Association |
Confirms structural and material safety, performance benefits |
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53; nitrate/nitrite) LINX Cooler Module |
Water Quality Association |
Confirms structural and material safety, performance benefits |
UL979:2005; Water Treatment Appliances LINX 140-120V Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability |
UL 60335-1, Household and Similar Electric Appliances-Safety; US and Canada, LINX 140-120V Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability |
Electromagnetic Compatibility CFR 47 Part 15 Subpart B LINX 140-120V Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms compatibility with other electronic devices |
IEC 60950-1:2001; Information Technology Equipment-Safety POU10-120V Power Supply |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms electrical safety and reliability of power supply |
IEC/EN 60335-1, Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances; LINX 140-240V Product |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability, electromagnetic compatibility |
IEC 60950-1/EN 60950-1 + A11; Information Technology Equipment-Safety; POU10-240V Power Supply |
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms electrical safety and reliability of power supply |
CE Mark LINX 140-120V Products
|
TUV Rheinland |
Confirms structural and electrical safety, reliability of power supply, compatibility with other electronic devices |