Basic Restaurant Questions
What is the average consumable water consumption of a restaurant?
High-volume quick service restaurant applications typically use about 10,000 gallons (38,000 liters) of consumable water each month.
What are the capacities of the water-using equipment?
Each piece of water-using equipment has specific capacities. For example, a fountain dispenser’s carbonation pump typically requires 1.67 gpm (6.32 lpm). On average, most water-using equipment in a restaurant requires between .5 and 1 gpm (1.9 and 3.8 lpm). The sum of the flow rate requirements would equal the Peak Flow Demands of the water filtration system.
What is the typical micron rating for systems in the foodservice industry?
In the foodservice industry, the typical micron rating is .5 microns. VIZION Ultra Filtration systems have a micron rating of .015 microns.
What technologies are used to improve taste and odor issues in drinks?
The basic technology for taste and odor reduction in the foodservice industry is activated carbon—either in carbon block form or in finely powdered form. The carbon could be used by itself or it could be incorporated into cartridges.
What technologies are used to treat scale formation on coffee equipment?
The most commonly used technology for scale reduction of fresh-brew coffee equipment is a form of food grade polyphosphate. Generally this material is fed into the ingredient water stream in the 1 to 5 ppm range for effective scale reduction. Other technologies exist, but polyphosphate is the most common today. Espresso equipment generally requires RO technology due to the higher pressures and higher temperatures required for this equipment. TAC can also be used on coffee and espresso equipment for scale reduction instead of the other mentioned technologies.
What technologies are used to treat scale formation on ice machines?
The most commonly used technology for scale reduction in ice-making equipment is a form of food grade polyphosphate, just as with fresh-brew coffee equipment.
What technologies are used to treat scale formation on steamers?
Boiler-based commercial steamers will have scale buildup regardless of the treatment used if the boiler is not blown down or emptied each day. If the boiler is blown down, the most effective technology for scale reduction is either a citric acid feed or template-assisted crystallization.
What technologies or processes are used in de-scaling steamers, ice machines, and coffee machines?
The most effective de-scaling material is a citric-acid compound that works effectively (within 30 minutes) and does not require neutralization before being flushed into the sewer system.
VIZION Questions
What are the benefits of the VZN series?
VZN combines all of the features of extremely fine filtration, taste and odor reduction, self cleaning, and low cost of ownership into a package that requires less space for installation at a lower initial investment.
What is different about VZN?
The VZN series is smaller in size than other VIZION systems and has a lower initial cost.
How do the VIZION systems provide cost assurance?
By separating mechanical filtration and chemical treatment, our systems assure you that each portion of the water treatment process lasts as long as projected. In addition, the self-cleaning mechanical filtration element assures the carbon cartridges will not plug prematurely and will last one year.
How do the VIZION systems provide quality assurance?
First, the mechanical filter element removes particulates as small as .015 microns. That level of filtration is 33 times finer than the next best system. Second, because the water then passes through the carbon cartridge, the carbon cartridge is used solely for taste and odor reduction. The end result is the highest quality ingredient water available. Third, restaurants occasionally bypass the water treatment system because the cartridges become clogged and do not provide the restaurant with water. The self-cleaning aspect of the VIZION systems assure the carbon cartridge will not plug, eliminating the need for restaurants to bypass the water treatment system. This assures quality ingredient water will always be used by the restaurant.
What is the return on investment for VIZION systems?
Because the self-cleaning mechanical filtration removes almost all suspended particles prior to the carbon cartridge, we can assure a repeatable low annual cost with a rapid payback.
Why is it suggested to have a VIZION ultra filtration system in front of a TAC system?
If particulates are present in the water, they provide a site for calcium and magnesium to adhere to, which then forms scale. Our ultra filtration system prevents scale from forming by removing these sites. An ultra filtration system removes particles as small as .015 microns, which is virtually all suspended particles. Because all the particles are reduced beforehand, the TAC system can operate more effectively and reduce larger amounts of scale.
VIZION Residential Questions
What is the benefit of installing a VIZION system into a residential home?
VIZION systems as residential point of entry (POE) systems, provide the benefit of ultra filtered water, whether for drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing or other uses, at a very low cost. VIZION system improve the drinking water as well as reduces maintenance costs on water using appliances.
Is a VIZION system a whole house system or strictly for drinking areas?
A VIZION system can be used as a whole house filter to filter showers, sinks, and toilets, but it is best if outside hose bibs and sprinkler systems are not connected to it.
Why do I need a VIZION system if my tap water looks clear and has no undesirable odors?
Appearance and odors can indicate water quality issues, but they are not the only indicators; there are many contaminates in water that pass undetected. Before purchasing water treatment system it is always a good idea to work with a local water specialist to make sure all your water quality issues are being addressed. Please see our Residential Sales Locator.
Why do I need a VIZION system for the entire house and not just the kitchen faucet?
Point of use (POU) filters made for kitchen faucets do not address all water quality issues in your home. A VIZION water treatment system will provide quality water to all locations throughout the house as well as help reduce maintenance costs on water using appliances.
Do VIZION systems reduce scale formation in residential piping and fixtures?
Yes. The VIZION system uses a two-part process to reduce scale formation. First, the ultra filter reduces almost all suspended particles as small as .015 microns, leaving virtually no sites for calcium and magnesium to adhere. Next, VIZION uses a scale reducing technology known as Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC). TAC alters the dissolved hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) into harmless, inactive microscopic crystals which prevents them from adhering to the piping. TAC works most effectively after ultra filtration and with appliances that have a flow to drain or blow down system.
Why do I need a VIZION system if I have a softener?
A softener will not remove tastes, odors or particles from the water. By installing the VIZION system in front of the softener, the VIZION system will reduce the particles in the water thereby increasing the efficiency of the softener.
Can a VIZION system replace my softener?
If the softener is used primarily for scale reduction in your home, then a VIZION system with a TAC cartridge can replace the softener.
Will a VIZION system make water safe to drink and no longer require boiling the water?
Although VIZION systems substantially reduce microbiological contaminates; if the water that is being filtered requires boiling because of harmful microbiological contaminates, then the VIZION system needs to be coupled with additional technologies to make the water safe for drinking. A VIZION system is an excellent pretreatment for an ultraviolet system or posttreatment for a Chlorinator. If you have unsafe water, please work with a local water specialist to make sure all your water quality issues are being addressed. Please see our Residential Sales Locator.
On the existing water supply in a home, where should a VIZION system be installed?
In whole house applications, the VIZION system can be installed at the water point of entry (POE) into the house. It is recommended that outside hose bibs or the sprinkler system are not plumbed to the VIZION System.
VIZION Restaurant Questions
How does a VIZION system compare to other foodservice suppliers of filtration?
VIZION systems provide a higher quality of water (measured in particulate removal and taste and odor reduction) than most current filtration systems. VIZION systems also require less frequent cartridge replacements and are less expensive to operate than other models.
Do VIZION systems filter water for the entire restaurant?
No, the VIZION systems should be supplying water only to the consumable water equipment, such as ice, fountain, coffee, and tea equipment.
What water treatment equipment does the VIZION system replace on current drawings?
VIZION systems would typically replace the back-room filter system, which provides water for fountain beverages, coffee, tea, and ice.
Where should a VIZION system be installed into an existing water supply in foodservice applications?
VIZION systems should be installed at the beginning of the consumable water loop for foodservice applications. This loop would include ice makers, carbonator pumps, coffee and tea equipment, and carbonated beverage systems. See the Application Diagrams for more information.
How do I decide which VIZION system will best meet my needs in terms of flow rate?
The 6.6 gpm (25 lpm) system will suffice for most quick service restaurants. The best method is to calculate the Peak Flow Demands to determine the best system for your needs.
What is the difference between a Peak Flow Demand and Continuous Flow?
A Peak Flow Demand would be when all the equipment connected to the water filtration system is running at the same time. Continuous Flow is the flow that occurs a majority of the time throughout the day. The VIZION ultra filtration systems should be sized for the Peak Flow Demand.
How can the TAC-05, which is only rated for 5 gpm (19 lpm), have enough capacity for VIZION systems with a higher rating?
The TAC-05 is rated on a Continuous Flow whereas our Ultra Filtration systems are rated on a Peak Flow Demand. The TAC-05 is compatible with such units because when our ultra filtration systems run at their Peak Flow Demand, it is unlikely the systems would run over the 5 gpm (19 lpm) for a long enough period of time to drastically affect the TAC’s ability to reduce scale.
When should I install a TAC system?
A TAC system should be installed with every VIZION system to provide full scale-reduction protection. However, if you would do an on-site water quality test, locations with 6 grains or lower of hardness do not require a TAC system. For locations with 7 grains or higher of hardness, we recommend installing a TAC system.
How do VIZION systems impact steamers and coffee equipment in regards to scale formation?
VIZION systems filter water to .015 microns, which is critical in the process of preventing scale formation. If particulates are present in the water, this provides a site for calcium and magnesium to adhere to. When the site is removed by the ultra filter, the formation of scale is lowered. VIZION also has a scale-reducing technology called TAC. This system works effectively with coffee equipment and steamers that have a flow-to-drain or blow-down system. The TAC system contains polymer beads that cause the calcium and magnesium in the water to bond to the calcium on the beads. This strong bond prevents minerals from building up on the equipment. If there is no flow-to-drain or blow-down system on the steamer or coffee equipment, then the equipment may need to be occasionally cleaned.
Do the manufacturers of steam equipment honor their warranty if a VIZION system is being used?
VIZION systems are not specifically targeted for use on steam equipment alone so we have not yet approached steam equipment OEM’s on this matter.
VIZION Technical Questions
Who do I call for installation and service?
On our website there is a list of Installers and Authorized Service Agenies. Please see our VIZION Sales and Service Locator.
You can also call A.J. Antunes Technical Service at 1-877-392-7836 for questions regarding installation and service.
Where do I get parts and replacement cartridges?
Replacement parts and cartridges can be purchased from our Installers or Authorized Service Agenies. Please see our VIZION Sales and Service Locator.
What are the suggested water conditions for the VIZION ultra filtration systems?
*Maximum water supply pressure should not exceed 100 psi with an ideal pressure being between 45-75 psi. If the pressure is below 45 psi, the flow rates are not guaranteed and the system will not clean properly.
*The maximum operating temperature is 100°F (40°C).
*Turbidity should not be above 10 NTU's.
*Iron should not be above 3 ppm.
*The VIZION systems should operate 30-40% of the time.
*For the majority of the time, the VIZION systems should operate at 50% of the rated flow rate.
*If your water conditions exceed any of these requirements, please work with a local water specialist to make sure all your water quality issues are being addressed. Please see our Residential Sales Locator.
How do VIZION systems affect the water pressure?
VIZION systems do not greatly affect the water pressure. On a new cartridge there is about 1 psi (0.06 Bar) pressure drop for every 1 gpm (3.8 lpm). For example, if your system is running at 3.5 gpm (13.3 lpm) then you should except to see a 3.5 psi (0.24 Bar) pressure drop with a new cartridge.
What NSF standards do VIZION ultra filtration systems have?
The L-420 and L-440 ultra filters are listed for NSF Standard #42 for particulate reduction and NSF Standard #53 for turbidity reduction and cyst reduction.
What material is the VIZION ultra filter made of?
The ultra filter is made of PES Polyethersulphone.
What do I need to protect the ultra filter from?
The ultra filter should be protected from becoming dry, freezing, direct sunlight or other UV sources, high temperatures, abrupt changes in temperature, organic solvents, concentrated acids, abrasive materials, rough handling, or being dropped. Any of these could result in irreversible damage to the ultra filter.
Why do you need a drain for a VIZION system?
A drain is necessary to clean the system. The ultra filter removes turbidity from the water, and particulate matter is stored on the filter’s surface. When the cleaning starts, the turbidity is pushed off the surface along with a volume of water to the drain.
What is the purpose of the flush tank in a VIZION system?
This tank is downstream of the ultra filter and stores filtered water, which aids in cleaning. When the ultra filter cleans itself, water from the flush tank flows backwards through the filter and dislodges particulates from the surface.
How much water is used for cleaning a VIZION system?
Because the cleaning process lasts for only 1 minute on TAP and CAP systems and 15 seconds on all other systems, there is very little water waste. Typical recovery rates are between 96 and 98 percent. On average, about 10 to 20 gallons are used for the cleaning process per day.
How long does the carbon cartridge last?
The carbon cartridge lasts one year in all foodservice applications.
What is the life expectancy of the VIZION ultra filter?
The life expectancy of the VIZION ultra filter is 5 years on municipally treated water. If the ultra filter is being used on well, surface or any other non-municipally treated water source, it is very difficult to determine the life expectancy because it is dependent on the incoming water quality.
Is there ever a time when a pre-filter is needed for the VIZION ultra filter?
Yes. Well, surface or non-municipally treated water may require a backwashing 3 or 5 micron sand filter. Please work with a local water specialist to make sure all your water quality issues are being addressed. Please see our Residential Sales Locator.
How can I tell when the ultra filter needs to be replaced?
Typical signs the ultra filter needs to be replaced include decreased flow rate from the system or decreased performance of the equipment downstream from the water filtration system. Water pressure, volume of water filtered, turbidity levels, and particulate size all affect the life of the membrane.
Will a VIZION system operate in a gravity-fed system?
It may operate, but there can be problems with the system cleaning properly due to low pressure. Every foot of elevation from the ground produces approximately 0.50 psi (0.03 Bar). Thus, a water holding tank 40 feet high will generate about 20 psi (1.4 bar). This would allow the system to operate, but the cleaning may be compromised since the flush tank cannot fill completely at that pressure and properly clean the ultra filter.
Should the VIZION Systems run directly to atmosphere?
It is not recommended for the VIZION systems to run directly to atmosphere because the system needs some type of appliance that would create back pressure downstream of the VIZION system. If this back pressure is not present then the ultra filter will not clean as well and will need to be replaced more frequently.
Water Basics Questions
Does an ultra filter make turbid water clear?
In most cases, an ultra filter makes turbid water clear. In some water conditions, part of the turbidity is caused by contaminants such as iron, hydrogen and sulfide. These contaminants need to be in an oxidized state or in solid particle form prior to passing through the ultra filter. If they are in a dissolved state the ultra filter will be less efficient at removing them.
Does an ultra filtration system reduce taste and odors in the water?
An ultra filtration system may assist in some taste improvement since it removes nearly all particulates from the water, but the best technology to reduce taste and odors in the water is a carbon cartridge. VIZION systems place ultra filter ahead of the carbon cartridge, allowing the carbon cartridges to have larger pores for reducing taste and odors.
Does the ultra filter reduce lead, chlorine, and other minerals?
The ultra filter reduce particulates as small as .015 microns, which can include lead or other oxidized minerals, but does not remove totally dissolved solids (TDS). Chlorine is also dissolved in the water and is not capable of being removed by the ultra filter. In many VIZION systems, a carbon cartridge follows an ultra filter and the chlorine is removed by adsorption. In terms of scale producing dissolved minerals, the TAC system transforms these minerals so they do not form scale on hot-water-using equipment.
What is the carbon cartridges’ main purpose in typical filtration systems?
Carbon cartridges’ main purpose is to reduce off tastes and odors from the water.
What is the typical failure mode of carbon cartridges when used for particulate reduction and taste and odor reduction?
Particulate reduction usually blocks the surface of the carbon cartridges, which limits the cartridges’ ability to reduce off tastes and odors.
What is the NSF Chlorine reduction requirement?
NSF requires chlorine to be reduced from 2 ppm to 1 ppm.
What are chloramines and why are they used?
Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia used to disinfect water. Years prior to using chloramines, straight chlorine was used for disinfection. But it was determined that chlorine combines with other organic matter in the pipeline to form trihalomethanes, which are carcinogenic. Chloramines, on the other hand, do not form trihalomethanes but are more difficult to remove.
Does an ultra filtration system perform like a reverse osmosis (RO) system?
An ultra filtration system has some physical similarities to the RO pressure vessel, inlet, outlet, and drain, but it does not perform like one. An ultra filtration system reduces particulates in the water while an RO system reduces dissolved minerals. An RO system will reduce smaller particulates, but the flow rate of the water that goes through an RO membrane is limited. Typically an RO system is a slow and steady process that requires a storage tank to hold filtered water. An ultra filtration system has a less restrictive flow rate requirement and does not need a storage tank. It filters water immediately when you need it.
Can an ultra filtration system replace an RO system?
An ultra filtration system alone cannot replace an RO system if it is being used to remove dissolved minerals. However, the VZN system that includes an ultra filter and TAC can replace an RO system if the minerals are being removed because of scale buildup on hot-water-using equipment.
How can a VIZION system extend the life of an RO element?
The fine filtration supplied by ultra filter will reduce turbidity and particulates that would plug the pores of the RO membrane. If an ultra filter was not used, these particulates may plug the pores of the RO membrane and cause a flow restriction and decrease in pressure, resulting in limited RO output.
What log reduction levels for virus and bacteria are required to be considered a water purifier?
Log Reduction of 3 1/2 for cysts, 4 for viruses and 6 for bacteria is required by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the United States to be considered a water purifier.