Water Systems - Softener & Reverse Osmosis Terminology

AC block filterIt is an activated carbon which is pressed tightly into a block form commonly used to filter out taste and odors.BrineIt is a strong solution of salt water generally used in the regeneration process in water softeners.Brine TankIt is commonly called the salt storage tank for a water softener.Brine ValveIt is float switch that controls water level in the brine tank.D.I.R.It is a demand initiated regeneration. All GE softeners are D.I.R. Based on your daily/weekly/monthly water usage patterns, the electronic controls decide the most efficient regeneration length and frequency.Flow RateThe quantity of flowing water and/or brine measured in liters per minute (L/min) (gallons per minute [gpm]).GACIt is a granular activated carbon filter, loose grains of carbon packed in a filter to remove taste and odors.

GPGGrains per gallon - measure of water hardness

GPMGallons per minute - measure of flow rate

PPMParts per millionMaximum Service Flow RateThe highest flow rate listed in the manufacturer’s literature at which a softener will deliver water containing 1 gpg or less hardness repetitively with a pressure drop of 103 kPa (15 psig) or less through the softener.Pressure DropThe difference between the inlet and outlet water pressure of a system at a specific service flow rate. It is measured in kilopascals (kPa) (pounds per square inch gauge [psig]) pressure.Regeneration/RegenerateIt is a solution of chemical (brine) used to restore the capacity of a water softener to remove minerals from the water.ResinIt is a synthetic organic ion exchange material used commonly in water softeners.Reverse Osmosis (RO)It is a process of filtering a liquid, such as water through a semi-permeable membrane (filter) which will transmit the liquid but will impede most solids.Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)This is the total of minerals (inorganic and organic) dissolved in water.Volatile Organic Chemical ContaminantsThese are things that can be found in ground water run-off. The GNUV10Z undercounter filter, reduces the level of these, as well as most pesticides and herbicides.