SCALE PREVENTION MEDIA BASED ON NAC TECHNOLOGY
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FILTERSORB® SP3
INTRODUCTION

FILTERSORB® SP3 is the result of deep research work along with its undisputable success in the market worldwide. Watch-Water® is the embodiment of new technology called Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC). The transformation of Calcium and Magnesium hardness into non-soluble micro-crystals are the fundamentals of this unique product. In addition, the formed crystals provide essential minerals to the water and making it the healthiest water available. Above all, FILTERSORB® SP3 doesn’t add up any sodium in the water like conventional softeners.

The core motivation for developing FILTERSORB® SP3 was to find a true replacement for the conventional sodium-based water softeners, ion-exchange resins or other chemicals, that are either partially functional or functions at the cost of the environment and health. Similarly, the increased sodium content in water or decreased pH factor (making the water acidic); directly influences the health problems, environmental damage and damage to the systems that are vulnerable to chemical corrosion due to sodium.

The recent restrictions upon many softeners eventually lead to an environmentally friendly, cost-effectiveness and true solution for water softening.

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How SP3 adds tastes to your Coffee!

CO2 Made
by SP3
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Weak ACID Cation
Problem
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How SP3 adds tastes to your Coffee!

Media Description

Double Layered Coated (DLC) modified ceramic beads (3rd generation).

FILTERSORB® SP3 Scale Prevention method:

Based on Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC). Technology, which is a directed crystallization process where continuous catalytic conversion of Carbonate water hardness into non-soluble sub-micron crystals takes place.

FILTERSORB® SP3
WORKING PRINCIPLE

When the hard water under goes nucleation in the pressure vessel, the calcium bicarbonate Ca(HCO3)2 is transformed in form of calcium carbonate CaCO3 crystals. Therefore, these crystals are formed through decomposition and crystallization process, forming very stable and harmless crystals.

The following equation describes the reaction that occurs inside the pressure vessel when flow over grains of nucleation.
Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3+ CO2 + H2O

 

• The name “SP3 (Scale Prevention)” is to indicate this unique transformation of water hardness Ca(HCO3)2 into 3 components. For instance,
1. CaCO3 (micro-crystals)
2. CO2 (colloid)
3. H2O (pure)

• In the pressure vessel, the equilibrium of carbonate species in water is shifted, assisted by the driving force of stable crystal formation. Therefore, the reaction is pushed to the right. After that, CO2 is being removed and the soluble Ca(HCO3)2 converts into insoluble calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals.

• As a result, calcium carbonate crystals grow steadily. However, they are very stable and cannot dissolve (incapable of forming scale) in the water.

• Glass grains crystallization sites provide increased nucleation sites for the formation of submicron sized CaCO3 crystals. Hence, this amazing process is called Nucleation Assisted Crystallization.

NAC –
NUCLEATION ASSISTED CRYSTALLIZATION

Once formed and detached from the surface of FILTERSORB® SP3 media beads, the crystals will not adhere to any other surfaces, even in the case of hot water applications. The crystals cannot form scale because of its stable molecular structure and neutral surface electro potentiality.

Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC).

is the basis of reliable Scale Prevention capability of FILTERSORB® SP3

The transformation of water hardness takes place in the following steps:


1. The continuous transformation of water hardness makes the immediate crystal growth possible with unidirectional chemical equilibrium viz.
Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O
As CO2 leaves fast the right hand direction of the equation is preserved.
2. The crystals developing on the surface of the FILTERSORB® SP3 bead, grow rapidly and nucleates
3. After a certain period of time the micro-emulsion of CO2 and CaCO3 forms colloid particle and leaves the media bead surface in neutral form. The average dimension of CaCO3 crystal coated globules ranges in sub micro-meter scale. The noted reaction time is normally around 5 seconds.

 

Micro Crystals and Colloid CO2 : The story behind amazing pH stabilization of FILTERSORB® SP3 treated water

Influence of formed CaCO3 as pH balancing factor:
The reaction: Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O is unidirectional while SP3 is transforming the hardness into water insoluble crystals.

• In nucleation assisted crystallization process formed CO2 leaves as colloid gas and is used as the template by the rapidly growing crystals in the nucleation site.
• Formed CO2 micro-bubbles exists in colloid form and thus does not form carbonic acid to dissolve back the calcium/magnesium crystals
• Hence, the reverse reaction of CO2 with water forming Carbonic Acid is not possible and the pH stability is maintained. In fact, every excess CaCO3 crystals are buffering any carbonic acid leftover. (See Illustrated Presentation)

WHY
FILTERSORB SP3 IS THE BEST?

Some key points are mentioned here.

• No TDS change: As FILTERSORB® SP3 , does not take out or give in anything in the water. As a result of no ion-exchange chemistry, the TDS of water remains unchanged before and after the treatment.

• No pH change: pH of the water remains same. This factor makes the treated water suitable for almost any use where corrosion is concerned.

• Rich Minerals Preserved: FILTERSORB® SP3 does not add up sodium or any chemicals in the water. It simply preserves the Calcium and Magnesium contents of water, making the treated water the healthiest mineral water available. These Calcium and Magnesium are quintessential for nervous systems & muscles functionalities. They are indispensable parts in the cell chemistry of the plants and most of the life forms on earth.

• De-Scaling: Not only FILTERSORB® SP3 prevents scale formation in water channels, but it also helps to reduce the previously formed scales. The NAC process takes out water dissolved CO2 in almost-visible micro-bubbles forms that help reducing previously formed scale over a period of time (depends on the usage period).

• Biocides: NAC process creates the conditions that water dissolved CO2 agglomerate to form micro-bubbles. These CO2 bubbles actively destroys bacterial membranes acting as a biocide. So along with the scale prevention FILTERSORB® SP3 also helps preventing Biofouling.

• Test-Kit: It has the TEST KIT available, which helps one to see the performance of this unique scale prevention media within 3-4 minutes, right on the site. Watch Water has also developed a portable unit to perform live demonstrations.

TECHNICAL DATA
PACKAGING / MSDS

Appearance White/opaque solid granules
Composition Modified ceramic beads
Bulk weight (kg/m³) 780
Particle size (mm) 0.55 – 0.75
Moisture content 10 – 25%
Number of Drum(s) on a pallet Pallet Dimension (L x W x H) Weight (volume in liters)
1 60 cm x 40 cm x 80 cm 50 kg (60 liters)
4 80 cm x 60 cm x 80 cm 200 kg (4 x 60 liters)
6 120 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm 300 kg (6 x 60 liters)
9 120 cm x 120 cm x 80 cm 450 kg (9 x 60 liters)
18 120 cm x 120 cm x 145 cm 900 kg (18 x 60 liters)

OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS
WATER IMPURITIES

Flow direction Up Flow
Recommended operating temp.(°C) 5 to 90
pH range 6.5 to 9.5
Hardness (carbonate), max. ppm 1400
Salinity, max. ppm 35000
Iron, max. ppm 0.5*
Manganese, max. ppm 0.05
Free chlorine, max. ppm 3
Copper, max. ppm 1.3
Oil Free
Hydrogen sulfide Free

Note: Do not use where water is microbiologically unsafe or with water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit. System must be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. Pre-treatment for sediment, Iron, Hydrogen Sulfide, Manganese, hydrocarbons and Copper may be required depending on conditions. Install systems in new facilities with copper pipe after six weeks of water use.

Special Information: FILTERSORB® SP3 has good capacity to absorb Iron, Copper, Manganese, Lead, Zinc etc. Therefore, in high concentration presence of these contaminants the FILTERSORB® SP3 beads may change color and come to an end of the media life. Similarly, from studies it’s also possible that the media might change color due to dye leaching from the container tank made of polyethylene.

Therefore, in case of any strange color change of the FILTERSORB® SP3 media beads or the treated water is noticed, please contact us with detailed water analysis.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Filtersorb SP3 is a revolutionary anti-scale media that prevents scale formation without using salt or chemicals. It transforms dissolved calcium and magnesium into aragonite stable non-soluble CaCO3 crystals, which remain suspended in water and do not attach to surfaces. These crystals are formed through the decomposition and crystallization process, forming very stable harmless crystals.

The following equation describes the reaction that occurs inside the pressure vessel when flowing over grains of nucleation (Filtersorb-SP3)
Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3+ CO2 + H2O

The name “SP3 (Scale Prevention)” is to indicate this unique transformation of water hardness Ca(HCO3)2 into 3 components. For instance,
1. CaCO3 (micro-crystals)
2. CO2 (colloid)
3. H2O (pure)

Nucleation Assisted Crystallization is a chemical-free water treatment process that converts dissolved hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) into micro and non-soluble micro-crystals that do not adhere to pipes or appliances. This prevents limescale buildup without removing the minerals from the water. Eco-friendly solutions compared to traditional water softeners.

The media uses a physical transformation process called Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC). It converts hardness minerals into microscopic crystals that are stable and do not form scale on surfaces like pipes or appliances. This prevents limescale buildup without removing the minerals from the water.

No, it is not a traditional water softener. Unlike softeners that remove calcium and magnesium ions through ion exchange and replace them with sodium, Filtersorb SP3 retains these beneficial minerals in the water but prevents them from forming scale.

  • • Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC): No Salt, no regeneration, no wastewater, retains beneficial minerals and prevent scale
  • • Softeners: Use salt, require backwashing and regeneration, remove calcium/magnesium from the water. NAC is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative that is ideal for scale prevention, not softening.

No, Filtersorb SP3 retains calcium and magnesium in the water but changes their forms to aragonite crystals so they cannot form hard scale deposits.

  • • Prevents scale buildup in pipes and appliances
  • • Environmentally friendly – no salt, no chemicals, no regeneration
  • • Retains healthy minerals in drinking water
  • • Maintenance-free and low operating cost
  • • Extends life of appliances and improves energy efficiency

Yes, Filtersorb SP3 is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 & NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 standards with Water Quality Association (WQA) & International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) for safe use in potable water systems.

Filtersorb SP3 is completely maintenance-free. No regeneration, backwashing, or salt refilling is required. Media replacement is only needed after its service life ends, typically 5–7 years depending on water usage and hardness.

Yes, Filtersorb-SP3 is proven effective for water hardness levels up to 75 grains per gallon (≈1,282 mg/L). It works well in both residential and commercial applications where scale prevention, not softening, is the goal.

The media typically lasts between 5 to 7 years, depending on water quality, flow rate, and system design. Replacement is recommended after this period to maintain optimal performance.

While the system is simple to install, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper sizing and integration into your water system, especially for larger or commercial setups.

NAC systems are low maintenance. There is no need for salt, chemicals, or regular backwashing. The only routine maintenance is replacing the NAC media, typically every 5 to 7 years, depending on water quality and flow rates.

No. Since Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC) does not remove calcium or magnesium, the water retains its natural mineral content. It does not produce slippery feel associated with softened water, but it prevents scale formation on surfaces and appliances.

Absolutely! NAC uses no electricity, no salt, and produces no wastewater, making it a green and sustainable choice for scale prevention. It’s also compliant with global environmental regulations and ideal for areas with brine discharge restrictions.

Yes. NAC systems are easily adaptable scale prevention NAC technology and can be installed upstream or downstream of other systems such as:

  • • Carbon filters
  • • UV disinfection
  • • Sediment filters

Yes, Filtersorb SP3 does more than just prevent scale, it can also help gradually to reduce existing scale deposits over time. As the treated water flows through the system, it interacts with old scale, leading to gradual removal and improved system efficiency. Many users have observed noticeable reductions in scale buildup after continued use.