Kaidefei Antiscalants in Water Purifiers (RO Membranes)

Antiscalants used in water purifiers are different from industrial-grade chemicals. In purifiers, the antiscalant typically used is a polyphosphate-based material, often referred to as FOF antiscalant, with phosphoric acid as its key ingredient. Phosphates are commonly found in everyday products, including certain drinks and foods.

 

Many people are hesitant when it comes to water purifiers that use antiscalants, often hearing things like, "Don’t choose a purifier with antiscalants; they’re bad for you." But is that really the case? Do brands not understand whether adding antiscalants is good or bad?

 

If antiscalants were harmful, why would so many reputable brands continue to use them?

 

 

What’s Really Inside Water Purifier Antiscalants?

First, it’s important to clarify that the antiscalants used in water purifiers are different from industrial-grade chemicals. In purifiers, the antiscalant typically used is a polyphosphate-based material, often referred to as FOF antiscalant, with phosphoric acid as its key ingredient. Phosphates are commonly found in everyday products, including certain drinks and foods.

For those worried about antiscalants passing through the filters, it’s worth noting that the filtration pore size in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is 0.0001 microns—far smaller than the molecules in antiscalants. Under normal operating conditions, antiscalants can’t penetrate the RO membrane.

However, during periods of inactivity, if the purifier sits unused for a long time, there may be slight pressure imbalances across the membrane. This could cause some antiscalant residue to pass through. This is what’s referred to as the "stagnant water" issue—where small amounts of antiscalant might mix with the purified water. The simple solution is to let the tap run for a moment to flush out the stagnant water before use.

 

Is Antiscalant Harmful to Health?

For adults, the small quantities of antiscalants that might enter drinking water pose little to no risk. After all, we consume far more questionable ingredients in many modern foods. However, concerns naturally arise when it comes to children, especially infants who rely on formula. Excessive intake of phosphates may affect a child’s ability to absorb calcium and other minerals.

If you have young children at home, particularly those on formula, it might be better to avoid purifiers that use antiscalants. But in general, the impact of antiscalants on health is minimal and often overstated.

 

Why Do Water Purifiers Use Antiscalants?

So why do brands incorporate antiscalants into their water purifiers? The answer lies in regional water quality. In many northern regions of China, or in other region around the world, the water’s TDS levels (Total Dissolved Solids) often exceed 300, sometimes reaching as high as 500. This means that hard water—containing high levels of calcium and magnesium—leads to severe scaling issues.

To combat this, manufacturers add around 10 grams of antiscalants into the pre-filters like the PP cotton or activated carbon filters. This prevents high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions from overwhelming the RO membrane, protecting it and extending its lifespan.

In areas with high TDS levels, without antiscalants, the RO membrane could wear out within 18 months to two years, especially in larger households with higher water consumption. Replacing the membrane frequently can be costly, with prices sometimes reaching 800 to 1,000 RMB for high-end brands.

To balance product lifespan and cost, many manufacturers add antiscalants to prolong filter life and offer claims like "six-year or eight-year filters" to attract consumers.

 

What’s the Alternative?

If you live in an area with poor water quality and are concerned about antiscalants, you can opt for purifiers that use universal filter cartridges. These cartridges are often easier to replace and come without the need for antiscalants. This helps reduce costs while maintaining a reasonable filter replacement cycle.

 

The Truth About Antiscalants in Water Purifiers

Overall, antiscalants in water purifiers are not as harmful as some might believe. Their presence doesn’t pose an immediate health risk, and in most cases, their use helps protect the internal components of the purifier, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

 

 

Introducing Kaidefei Polyphosphate Antiscalant Balls

While many purifiers use liquid antiscalants or Siliphos (a type of phosphate crystal), Kaidefei stands apart with its food-grade polyphosphate antiscalant balls. Unlike liquid antiscalants, these slow-release balls offer superior performance and safety. Despite their effectiveness, they are not as widely known in the market. If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting solution for scaling issues in your water system, Kaidefei polyphosphate balls are a great choice.

These antiscalant balls dissolve slowly, releasing just the right amount of phosphate to prevent scaling without impacting water quality. Although they aren’t as popular yet, their potential in improving water filtration and system longevity is undeniable.