WATER TREATMENT METHODS: KINETIC DEGRADATION FLUXION
Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) treatment methods are based on the oxidation/reduction principle. These work through immersion of an alloy of copper and zinc in water. The two metals in the alloy have a different electrical potential and, in an electrically conductive fluid like water, this generates power like a battery, which starts a process of oxidation. This breaks down and modifies the structure of chemical contaminants, and kills bacteria. KDF filters are usually used in combination with sediment and activated carbon filters (see below).
Independent tests have shown that KDF filters remove over 90 per cent of metals, 100 per cent of chlorine, and reduce nitrates by over 75 per cent. Another benefit of KDF filters is that contaminants do not adhere to any filter medium as they do in activated carbon filters, and do not flush back into the system. Minerals are not removed, so that the water has a more acceptable taste than reverse osmosis water.
KDF filters can be plumbed in under a sink to supply one tap. They provide water at normal tap flow-rates, and, this plus the taste of the water, are a significant advantage over RO water. KDF filters can be installed by a skilled DIYer and can be bought at a price comparable to medium-range activated carbon filters – £105-165 before any plumbing. Cartridges need replacing every six to twelve months and cost between £25 and £50. An extra nitrate-reducing filter can be added to one version to remove virtually all nitrates.
There are no independent test results which compare KDF filtered water to activated carbon (AC) filtered water. Suppliers believe that KDF water is purer than AC water but have no precise evidence.
A showerhead version of a KDF filter is available for £50 which screws into the showerhead and needs replacing every 18 months or so. Chlorine is significantly, but not totally, reduced by this filter. It has no sediment or carbon filters.
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