An Efficient Method for Testing the Quality of Drinking-Water Filters Used for Home Necessities

Abstract

This paper presents research conducted in the direction of analyzing the efficiency of filters used for drinking water intended for domestic consumption, with effects on the water quality gained from the public distribution network. A basic method that uses accessible techniques, such as optical microscopy and tests that involve the use of existing products on the consumer market, was developed regarding the filtration capacities of the main filters existing on the market—a method that has advantages, such as speed and ease of application, a unitary character in obtaining samples, low costs, and high efficiency. The technique approached is that of microscopy, and the samples used were taken from the laboratory tests made on the mentioned filters, using a specific experimental stand designed to support laboratory tests by using chosen filter cartridges. The research results obtained were analyzed to make a classification from the perspective of filtration efficiency, in terms of using statistical analysis tools (mathematical models and methods processed in MATLAB software). Moreover, by using a certain type of application based on specific mathematical algorithms, which takes into account some influential factors with a decisive role on household consumers, it was aimed to identify the optimal filter element for acquisition and use in its own regime. The aim of the study was to identify the optimal filter cartridge from the perspective of quality–price ratio.

Tribological Investigation of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites against 52100 Chrome Alloy Steel Based on ELECTRE Decision-Making Method

“…The choice between the material recipes tested for this paper was made using the ELECTRE method, which has a non-compensatory nature and employs a simple logic and a refined computational process. This method was previously used by some of the authors to assist the decision making between several water filters available to customers with respect to several criteria [ 21 ].…”

“…The proposed approach makes it easier to select the best option and provides a rational basis for estimating the benefits of several potential courses of action [ 21 ]. The best option is determined based on several decisional criteria and their assigned importance weights, ensuring that the utility provided by a material recipe is computed according to the economic value of the material recipe option with respect to the chosen decisional criteria.…”

“…In the bibliography, refs [ 2 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] research investigations were carried out on a composite of unidirectional oriented GF type E epoxy based on the ball-on-ring method to examine the wear and friction properties. The findings indicate that an increase in dry or wet conditions enhances both the friction coefficient and wear rate.…”

Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Polypropylene Filter Cartridges Used in Drinking Water Purification Systems

“…According to a control report carried out in 2021 by the "State Sanitary Inspection" in Romania, it appears that 97.5% of the companies whose activity profile is water treatment, to make their water potable, carry out monthly qualitative and quantitative control monitoring. This certifies that the water resulting from the treatment process has a superior degree of quality [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…Depending on wear and tear, the condition of the distribution network, and the materials from which the pipes are made, the purified water can be contaminated with both physical agents (sediments and heavy metals resulting from the erosion processes found on the inner surface of the pipes) and microbiological agents (microfauna, bacteria, parasites, and viruses) found in distribution pipes [1,7]. The presence of these contaminants in drinking water can have a significant impact on the health of the final consumer [2,[8][9][10][11][12]. One of the prophylactic and effective solutions recommended by the specialized literature consists of the application or installation of domestic drinking water filtration systems by the final consumer [2,13].…”