The Berkey shower filter contains KDF 55 granules, which are most
effective in removing or reducing chlorine, hydrogen sulfide,
microorganisms, scale, and water-soluble heavy metals such as lead,
mercury and iron.
KDF process media also kill bacteria and inhibit the growth of
bacteria, algae, and fungi. As an added benefit, KDF media will filter
lime scale, mold, and fungi in your shower. Berkey KDF process media are
completely safe so the process is not toxic and does not cause any
adverse side effects.
Chlorine Vapor in the Shower
In the shower environment, chlorine can either be in liquid or gas state. At higher water temperatures in the enclosed shower stall, free-chlorine moves from the liquid to the gas state, where it vaporizes and subsequently is inhaled. The United States regulates all shower heads and shower filters to flow at 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Thus, the science behind shower water filtering must take into account the unique situation in the shower, including temperature, flow rate and volume. Berkey understands this process and took all of these factors into account while developing this unique filter.
The Berkey dual process KDF Shower Filter works on a similar principle to a catalytic converter in an automobile. Inside the shower filter free-chlorine is converted into a harmless chloride. The scientific name for this chemical reaction taking place inside the Berkey shower filter is known as "Reduction-Oxidation", commonly referred to as Redox. Redox reactions can be chemically complex. Simply stated, during a Redox reaction electrons are transferred between molecules, creating new elements. For instance, when free-chlorine comes in contact with the Berkey filtration media, it is changed into a benign, water-soluble chloride. This reaction changes free-chlorine to a larger chloride element, too large to evaporate or be absorbed by the skin. Hospitals, restaurants, municipal water treatment facilities, and homes rely on KDF process media to safely reduce or remove free chlorine, iron, iron oxides, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide and bacteria from their water.
Berkey KDF process granules are high-purity copper-zinc formulations that are used in shower filter applications to reduce heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, microorganisms, and scale. Shower water filtered through redox media controls microorganism growth and reduces bacteria and other microorganisms by electron transport, causing cellular damage. Inside the Berkey filter the KDF process also kill bacteria by direct electrochemical contact and by the flash formation of hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide, both of which interfere with a microorganism's ability to function. High-purity copper-zinc redox media consistently remove 99% of free chlorine by electrochemically reducing dissolved chlorine gas to water-soluble chloride ions.
When pressurized shower water is filtered through the Berkey KDF filter media, soluble lead cations are reduced to insoluble lead atoms, which are electroplated onto the surface of the filter.
Features of the Berkey Shower Filter:
- Effective in both hot and cold water
- Reduces up to 95% of chlorine
- Reduces chemical absorption and vapor inhalation in the shower environment.
- Reduces 98% of water soluble heavy metals
- Contains bacteriostatic media (KDF-55)
- Reduces damage to hair and skin
- Eliminates foul tastes and odors
- Back Flush Attachment to prevent premature clogging
- Reduces lime, scale, mold and fungi in shower stalls
- Includes Massage Shower Head
Filter replacement:
Each dual media KDF Berkey shower filter typically lasts 25,000 gallons before needing replacement or one year whichever comes first.
