Iron Rival Filters with Birm® Media and Air Injection Oxidizer Technology

Description & Benefits

Iron Rival Series filters are offered with 3 media options: Birm® (Good), Katalox Light® (Better), and Filox (Best). See our Compare Models tab to determine the best choice for your application. Our Birm® media option is highly cost-effective, and requires less backwash flow rate, volume, and frequency as compared to the other options. It is recommended for iron removal applications up to 3 ppm (mg/l), particularly when manganese and hydrogen sulfide are not present. A pH range of 6.8 to 9.0 is required.

Iron and manganese cause unsightly staining of your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and laundry and can impart unpleasant metallic tastes to your drinking water. Iron Rival Series iron filters combine Air Injection Oxidizer technology and catalyst media to remove these common water contaminants without the use of chemicals.

The Iron Rival is available with your choice of 2 great controller options:

* the programmable relay outputs (for both normally-open and normally-closed contacts) can be used to send a signal to activate external devices such as solenoid valves, pumps, audible alarms, notification lights, etc. based on the valve's operating cycle or status.

Iron Rival w/ Birm® Media Benefits:

• removes dissolved and precipitated iron up to 3 ppm (mg/l)
• chemical free!
• dramatically enhanced oxidation as compared to standard Birm® iron filters
• light weight media with relatively low backwash flow rate and frequency
• able to treat higher flow rates with less pressure loss than most competitive systems
• single tank system requires smaller physical footprint - saves space!
• pre-programmed digital control valve with fully-automated backwash - made in the USA!
• limited maintenance required - no filters to replace
• non-metallic treatment tank will never rust or corrode - tank comes with a 10-year warranty!
• does not require an air injector, venturi or micronizer that can plug with iron and hard water deposits
• no expensive air pumps to replace or repair
• effective over wide pH range of 6.8 to 9.0
• ideal iron pre-treatment for arsenic reduction

Ideal for the treatment of well water and surface water (lakes, streams, springs, and rivers).

No more chemicals!...

All Iron Rival systems are designed to backwash periodically to eject trapped sediment and particulates. Accordingly, the control valve is connected to a drain and the backwash water together with the rejected contaminants are simply discharged to the drain during the backwash process. The backwash is controlled by the robust and time-proven Fleck 5800 digital control valve, and is generally programmed to occur in the middle of the night (fully adjustable) when you are not likely to be using any water. In a typical residential application, the Birm® media will be backwashed every 3 days. It should be replaced approximately every 5 years to maintain optimal performance.

How Iron Rival™ Filters Work - Chemical Free Iron Treatment

Oxidation followed by filtration is the most effective means of iron treatment - the method has been around for decades in one form or another. The oxidation of iron can be done in many ways; however, it is most frequently initiated by a chemical oxidant such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or permanganate, or through an air injection pump or venturi. Chemical oxidants are a nuisance to set-up, monitor, and maintain, and often require additional equipment to treat new problems posed by the introduction of the chemicals to the water. The use of air injection pumps or a venturi requires additional costly equipment, require longer contact times (bulkier equipment), and have proven ineffective at the lower flow rates typically found in most residential settings.

Iron Rival Series Filters use a unique air injection oxidizer technology that overcomes all of these shortcomings. The result is the industry's most effective chemical-free treatment system for iron. And, not only is it highly effective, it is affordable, easy to install and operate, and requires very little maintenance!

Water first enters the system where it is distributed into the top of the treatment tank by a unique diffuser. The top of the tank contains a pressurized head of air sometimes referred to as a "captive air charge" which immediately begins to oxidize dissolved iron. The captive air charge also dramatically increases the dissolved oxygen content of the water to prepare for the next stage of treatment.

The water then reaches the treatment tank's bed of Birm® catalyst media. Birm® rapidly accelerates the combination of the dissolved contaminants and the oxygen, resulting in the formation of oxidized particles (primarily iron hydroxide). These particles quickly grow in size and become trapped within the media bed. By the time the water reaches the bottom of the treatment tank, it is virtually free of any iron. A support bed of gravel ensures even water flow through the media bed.

Periodically, the digital control valve will automatically backwash and regenerate the system without any intervention required. This process is pre-programmed at our factory to occur at specific intervals based on your water conditions and media selected - it is normally set to occur every 3 days for Birm®. The regeneration is typically scheduled to occur at night when water is unlikely to be in use for maximum convenience. No chemicals or salt are required. During regeneration, the remaining captive air charge is purged, the catalyst media is backwashed to send the oxidized particles down the drain, and the chamber of air is replenished.

Since the media within the filter acts only as a catalyst, it is not used up in the treatment process. Accordingly, there are no filters to replace, no chemicals to add, no venturi systems or pumps to maintain, etc.!

The Birm® media has a long service life, generally about 5 years. It can be replaced in about half an hour without any plumbing knowledge or special experience - anyone can do it. There is no need to replace filter cartridges every few months, saving you time and money.

The result is clean, clear water at every faucet - no more unsightly iron stains!

More about Birm®

Birm® is a relatively light-weight and economical media for the reduction of dissolved iron. Like most iron removal medias, Birm® acts as an insoluble catalyst to enhance the reaction between dissolved oxygen and the iron compounds to form ferric hydroxide which is then removed through mechanical filtration in the media bed. As a catalyst, Birm® is not consumed in the iron removal process and it does not need to be regenerated. Over time, mechanical wear and fouling by other contaminants will reduce Birm®'s effectiveness and it will need to be replaced.

While popular due to its economical price and light weight, Birm® is not ideal for all iron treatment applications. It has specific operating conditions that must be met for successful treatment. While in the right conditions, Birm® can be successfully used to remove manganese as well as iron, it is our opinion that other media options including Filox and Katalox Light® generally have better manganese performance characteristics (Filox recommended). If Birm® is used for manganese reduction, the pH of the raw water should be between 8.0 and 8.5 if you are also attempting to treat iron, or 8.0 and 9.0 if treating only manganese. pH greater than 8.5 could cause formation of colloidal iron which is very hard to filter.

Compare Available Models (Media Options)

Iron Rival Series filters are offered with 3 media options: Birm® (Good), Katalox Light® (Better), and Filox (Best).

Birm®

Our Birm® media option is highly cost-effective, and requires less backwash flow rate, volume, and frequency as compared to the other options. It is recommended for iron removal applications up to 3 ppm (mg/l), particularly when manganese and hydrogen sulfide are not present. A pH range of 6.8 to 9.0 is required.

Katalox Light®

Katalox Light® is a more powerful catalyst than Birm® and it is a higher tollerence of other oxidizers such as chlorine. It has a much higher percentage of active ingredient so it works faster, can treat more severe iron problems, and lasts longer. Similar to Birm®, we find that Katalox Light® performs best for manganese reduction when the pH is higher than 8.0. It is generally very effective at eliminating low to moderate levels of hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor). That said, given the similar cost, we generally recommend the Filox option for applications involving the removal of manganese and hydrogen sulfide. It's relatively light weight and potency make it a good choice for low yield wells that might not be able to meet the backwash flow rate requirements of a Filox filter.

Filox     Most Popular Choice

Filox is the most potent media option and is our recommended solution for most iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide treatment applications. Unlike Birm® and Katalox Light®, Filox is not a coated media. It is a solid media composed primarily of the active ingredient. This makes it very resistent to other oxidizers like chlorine and peroxide, and gives it an almost indefinite life when backwashed properly. It has the broadest effective pH range, can treat the highest levels of iron, and easily handles relatively high levels of manganese and hydrogen sulfide without harm to the media. The biggest drawbacks of Filox are that it is a little bit more expensive per cubic foot (this is countered by its potency which generally permits the use of less media to do the same job), and the fact that it is relatively heavy. As a result of its weight, it requires a higher backwash flow rate and should also be backwashed more frequently.

	Good	Better	Best
See "Compare Models" for more details.	Iron Rival w/ Birm®	Iron Rival w/ Katalox Light®	Iron Rival w/ Filox
Catalyst Media:	Birm®	Katalox Light®	Filox
Recommended for:	treatment of iron up to 3 ppm (mg/l) when manganese and hydrogen sulfide reduction is not required, and pH > 6.8	treatment of iron up to 7 ppm (mg/l) and low levels of hydrogen sulfide, particularly for low yield wells	treatment of iron up to 15 ppm (mg/l) as well as manganese and hydrogen sulfide where backwash flow requirements can be met
Air Injection Oxidizer Technology?:
Iron Removal?:	up to 3 ppm (mg/l)	up to 7 ppm (mg/l)	up to 15 ppm (mg/l)
Manganese Removal?:	not recommended**	up to 1 ppm (mg/l) but Filox recommended**	up to 3 ppm (mg/l)
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal?:	Do not use if H2S is present	up to 2 ppm (mg/l)	up to 7 ppm (mg/l)
Media Life:	3-7 Years	5-10 Years	10+ Years
% Catalyst Ingredient:	approx. 1%	approx. 10%	75%+
pH Range:	6.8 to 9.0	6.0* to 9.0	5.0* to 9.0
Backwash Flow Rate Requirement:	Low	Moderate	High
Typical Backwash Frequency:	Every 3 Days	Every 3 Days	Daily
Advantages:	light weight so relatively easy to backwash less expensive	light weight so relatively easy to backwash strong catalyst tolerant of chlorine removes iron, low levels of manganese (pH 8+ recommended), and H2S across a wide pH range durable / long lasting	most potent catalyst "supercharged" by chlorine removes very high levels of iron, manganese, and H2S across a wide pH range less media volume typically required for same job extremely durable / long lasting
Disadvantages:	limited applications for manganese reduction cannot be used when H2S is present requires pH 6.8 or greater effectiveness reduce by chlorine and organics shorter media life	Filox is more effective for high contaminant levels, for manganese reduction, and for the removal of high levels of hydrogen sulfide shorter life than Filox often increases pH level	more expensive per cubic foot (but you can often use less to do the same job!) requires higher flow rates and frequency for effective backwash
Price Range:	US$707.00 to US$1,635.00	US$770.00 to US$1,956.00	US$863.00 to US$2,419.00

Specifications

Iron Rival with Birm® Media

Models:	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-8-B / IR-5800XTR2-8-B	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-9-B / IR-5800XTR2-9-B	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-10-B / IR-5800XTR2-10-B	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-12-B / IR-5800XTR2-12-B	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-13-B / IR-5800XTR2-13-B	Iron Rival IR-5800SXT-14-B / IR-5800XTR2-14-B
Home Size:	1 Bathroom or Cabin	1 - 2 Bathrooms	2 - 3 Bathrooms	3 - 4 Bathrooms	4 - 5 Bathrooms	5 - 6 Bathrooms
Tank Diameter (Inches):	8	9	10	12	13	14
Total Height (Inches):	52	56	62	60	62	73
Approx. Installation Space Required (W x D x H"):	8 x 12 x 52	9 x 12 x 56	10 x 12 x 62	12 x 12 x 60	13 x 13 x 62	14 x 14 x 73
Birm® Volume (Cubic Feet):	0.5	0.75	1.0	1.5	2.2	2.5
Optimal Service Flow Rate (GPM)*:	2.4	3.1	3.8	5.5	6.5	7.5
Max. Service Flow Rate (GPM):	3.5	4.4	5.5	7.9	9.2	10.7
Backwash Flow Rate @ 40F (GPM):	3.5	4.5	6.0	8.0	9.0	10.0
Backwash Flow Rate @ 70F (GPM):	4.0	5.0	6.0	9.0	12.0	12.0
Fleck 5800 SXT Digital Controller Features a large LCD display with 3 input buttons, and one programmable relay output	US$707.00 Write a review.	US$764.00 Write a review.	US$859.00 Write a review.	US$1,059.00 Write a review.	US$1,196.00 Write a review.	US$1,469.00 Write a review.
Fleck 5800 XTR2 Digital Controller Features a premium full-color touch screen LCD display, and two programmable relay outputs	US$874.00 Write a review.	US$930.00 Write a review.	US$1,027.00 Write a review.	US$1,226.00 Write a review.	US$1,363.00 Write a review.	US$1,635.00 Write a review.

Optimal service flow rates are based on good performance at the maximum iron level recommended for the system and a pH of 7.5. Reduce service flow rate expectations slightly if your pH is lower. Satisfactory performance can generally be achieved up to the maximum recommended flow rate under most conditions.

Iron Rival w/ Birm® Media Specifications:
Control Valve:	Fleck 5800 SXT / XTR2
Inlet/Outlet Connections:	1" MNPT
Drain Connection:	1/2" FNPT up to 7 GPM, 3/4" FNPT for 8+ GPM
Operating Temperature:	36F to 100F (2 to 38C)
Operating Pressure:	20 to 90 psi (1.4 to 6.2 bar)
Replacement Media:	Birm®
Typical Media Life:	3 to 7 Years
Maximum Total Organic Carbon:	2 ppm (mg/l)

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HomePlus Iron Rival Series Filters with Birm® Media Customer Questions & Answers

Question:

Where in the water system is it installed?

Answer(s):

In most cases, the Iron Rival should be located AFTER the pump and pressure tank. Unless otherwise directed by your water treatment technician, the Iron Rival should be installed AFTER any backwashable turbidity/sediment filters, and BEFORE most other forms of treatment including cartridge filters, water softeners, carbon filters, and/or ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers, and the hot water heater, if applicable. When possible, it is also generally desirable to place the Iron Rival AFTER the plumbing branch off to your outdoor irrigation water unless you want this water treated. By HomePlus Water on Aug 29, 2023

Question:	Is it also a water softener??
Answer(s):	No, this system is designed to remove iron through oxidation and filtration. It is not a water softener. We carry both traditional water softeners, and salt-free hard water conditioners. By HomePlus Water on Feb 27, 2024

Question:	Do your iron filters come with a media funnel to load the tank?
Answer(s):	Yes. Iron Rival filters come with a media funnel to make loading the media in the tank quick and easy. By HomePlus Water on Jul 23, 2024

Installation / Manuals

We have designed our Iron Rival systems for ease of installation. We provide a bypass valve with each system. The bypass valve has male 1" NPT threaded fittings. If your pipe diameter is different, you can connect to the bypass with simple adapters available at any hardware store. The drain line connection is female 1/2" NPT for backwash flow rates up to 7 GPM, and female 3/4 NPT for backwash flow rates of 8+ GPM.

The Iron Rival system is generally installed after the pressure tank or pressure booster if applicable but before all other water treatment equipment.

We recommend that Iron Rival systems be installed by a licensed plumber, however, your warranty is valid as long as your system is installed in accordance with local plumbing codes and the Owner's Manual.

Validations

Only the best components go into our Iron Rival water treatment systems. They are sourced from some of the leading manufacturers in the business, and assembled at our factory in Canada. You can be assured that only the finest materials have gone into the manufacture of all Iron Rival systems and that the materials used are safe for potable water contact. The following is a list of key system components:

Item	Manufacturer	Material Safety Validations
Valve & Bypass Assembly	Pentair PLC Milwaukee, WI, USA Made in USA	NSF/ANSI Standard 44 NSF/ANSI Standard 372
13" and smaller Media Tanks	Pentair PLC Milwaukee, WI, USA Made in USA	NSF/ANSI Standard 42
14" Media Tank	Clack Corp. Windsor, WI, USA Made in USA	NSF/ANSI Standard 44 NSF/ANSI Standard 61 NSF/ANSI Standard 372
Birm® Media	Clack Corporation Windsor, WI, USA Made in USA	NSF/ANSI Standard 61

Warranty Details

Iron Rival systems are backed by a comprehensive warranty program.

Subject to the limitations noted below, Iron Rival system components are warranted by HomePlus Products Inc. to be free of defects in material and workmanship for the following periods:

Fleck 5800 Control Valve: 5 Years*
13" & smaller Media Tanks: 10 Years
14" Media Tank: 5 Years
All Other Components (except as noted**): 1 Year

*Note: Pistons, piston seals, and injectors are considered wear and tear items and require regularly scheduled maintenance and replacement, usually every 2 years. They are warranted for a period of 6 months.

**Note: Due to the wide variety of potential feed water conditions, there is no warranty on the Birm® media or underbed gravel.

The term of these warranties begins on the date of delivery of the product to the customer and continues until the earlier of:

• the end of the warranty term noted above; or
• the date in which the product(s) is/are removed from the original location of installation; or
• the date in which the original purchases sells or otherwise transfers ownership of the home in which the product(s) was/were originally installed.

Only products purchased from an Authorized Dealer or HomePlus Products Inc. directly are eligible for this warranty. The products must have been installed and operated accordance with the instructions and operating conditions stated in the Owner's Manual.

Customer must register his or her warranty with HomePlus products Inc. within 90 days of original purchase for the warranty to remain valid.

This warranty applies only in Canada and the United States of America.

In the event that a part is deemed defective, the user must immediately inform HomePlus Products Inc. who will furnish a replacement part at no cost to the user. HomePlus' obligation to the customer shall be limited to the replacement of the defective part by prepaid standard freight to the original point of installation. Expedited shipping is available at the discretion and cost of the customer. When required, the return of defective parts to HomePlus is the responsibility of the customer.

This warranty does not cover any labour costs including labour costs related to troubleshooting, repair, installation, or maintenance.

This warranty does not apply to the following situations: misuse; normal wear and tear; neglect; unauthorized repair or damage caused through installation, adaptation, or modification; use in an improper manner or manner inconsistent with the manufacturer's installation, operating, and maintenance instructions; misapplication; wear or deterioration due to environmental conditions; damage occurring during transit; mishandling; improper storage; incorrect supply of water; tampering or alteration; fire, freezing; Act of god; or any cause beyond the control of HomePlus Products Inc.

The original warranty period does not change in the event of part replacement by HomePlus Products Inc.

This warranty is issued exclusively to the original consumer purchaser of record so long as the product remains installed in the original location of installation, and is not transferable.

The provisions of the foregoing warranties are in lieu of any other warranty, whether expressed or implied, written or oral (including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose). HomePlus Product Inc.'s liability arising out of the manufacture, sale, or supplying of the products or their use or disposition, whether based upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the actual purchase price paid by the authorized distributor or consumer for the product. In no event shall HomePlus Products Inc. be liable to the distributor or any other person or entity for special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (including, but not limited to, property loss, loss of incomes, or loss of use damages) arising out of the manufacture, sale, or supplying of the products, even if HomePlus Products Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages or losses. These warranties are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and may change without notice.

To report a warranty problem with your system or request warranty service, please call HomePlus Products Inc. Toll free: 1-866-376-2690