Berkey has combined the age-old process of micro-porous gravity filtration with state-of-the-art materials and technology to produce the finest, most ecological and cost-effective water filtration system available anywhere.
Water is manually poured into the upper chamber of the Berkey water filtration system and gradually trickles via gravity through the Black Berkey elements into the lower chamber where the purified water is collected.
The Black Berkey purification elements are the key component that differentiates Berkey® Water Filtration Systems from all other water filtration systems on the market. These water filters were developed, refined and tested by inventors, purification specialists, researchers, and engineers through nearly 200 years of diligent, investigative research. (see History of Berkey). The patented Black Berkey elements rely on three distinct and complementary filtration principles to produce exceptionally pure water:
1. Mechanical water filtration through micro-pores
The micro-pores within the cleanable Black Berkey™ water purification elements are so small that viruses, pathogenic bacteria, cysts, particulate matter, rust, and sediment are trapped within the water filtration media and therefore are removed from the purified water that flows via gravity into the lower chamber.
2. Water purification using adsorption and ionic absorption
The media within the Black Berkey water purification elements remove contaminants by a surface phenomenon known as “adsorption” which results from the molecular attraction of substances to the surface of the filtration media. The exclusive purification elements are also impregnated with proprietary “absorbing” media that promote IONIC “absorption” of pollutants within the micro-porous elements.
These media work synergistically together to extract harmful or unwanted contaminants from the water such as chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, detergents, organic solvents, trihalomethanes, cloudiness, silt, sediment, nitrates, nitrites, heavy metals and foul tastes and odors.
3. Prolonged contact time
Another reason Berkey® water purification systems are so effective in removing contaminants from water is the extremely long contact time between the water and the purification elements. Other filtration systems rely on water pressure that forces water molecules through the filter elements at 60-90 PSI. These water molecules come into contact with the filter media for a mere fraction of a second. By comparison water molecules, passing through the “Tortuous Path” structure of the Black Berkey purification elements, are drawn gently by gravity and stay in contact with the media for a long period of time. This allows the filter media to be more efficient in capturing contaminants.
Berkey® gravity-fed water purification systems provide powerful, chemical-free filtration for homes, offices, off-grid environments, and emergencies. Whether you own a Travel Berkey, Big Berkey, Royal, Imperial, or Crown Berkey, this manual will walk ...
When do I know that I need to change my water filters? While Black Berkey filters are known for their performance, it’s important to note that they have not been tested to NSF standards, and therefore the lifespan claims (like 3,000 gallons per ...
Which water filter size is right for me? When determining the best size of water filter for your family or group, please keep in mind that Berkeys produce exceptional water quality, but the gravity filtration process takes time. If you run out of ...
Black Berkey® Purification Elements are some of the best filters on the market. The Elements have an exceptional purification capability that is due to their unique structure. The micro-pores within the Black Berkey® Elements are so small that ...
The Black Berkey Primer is a very convenient accessory that is a must-have for emergency preparedness or to use your Berkey water filter where treated water is unavailable. The Primer also makes priming your Black Berkey elements much easier at home ...