Frequently Asked Questions
July 2013
PIODOC 11-4008 rev B
The following provides information about the LINX® family of water treatment products
made by Pionetics Corporation – the smartest water systems ever. For more
information go to www.linxwater.com or contact us at [email protected] or 480836-0887.
To see videos on how the LINX Systems save water, or to see how the systems work, go
to http://www.youtube.com/user/LinxWater?feature=watch, the LINX YouTube
Channel.
Contents
1. What is LINX ® Technology? ......................................................................2
2. How does the LINX Technology work? .........................................................2
3. What are the components of a LINX system? ...............................................3
4. What models of LINX products are available? ..............................................3
5. Which LINX system is right for me? .............................................................5
6. Why is LINX the smartest water system ever? .............................................5
7. What is the Dial-A-Taste® Control feature and how does it work? ................7
8. What is the FSA? ........................................................................................8
9. How does LINX Technology use less water than RO? ...................................8
10. How much money can a LINX system customer expect to save on their
municipal water bill using the LINX system rather than RO? ............................ 10
11. How often do the filters need to be changed? .......................................... 10
12. How much will a filter change cost? ......................................................... 11
13. How much water can I draw at one time? ................................................. 11
14. How much electricity does the LINX system use? ...................................... 11
15. Can the LINX system be hooked up to an icemaker and will the ice be crystal
clear? ........................................................................................................... 11
16. What contaminants are reduced using LINX? ............................................ 12
17. Are LINX Products Certified? .................................................................... 14
18. How do I become a LINX dealer? ............................................................. 15
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1. What is LINX ® Technology?
LINX stands for eLectrically regenerated IoN eXchange. LINX products employ the first
new technology in the point of use (POU) water treatment industry since residential
reverse osmosis (RO) was introduced in the 1970s. The patented process employs the
basics of ion exchange technology but uses electricity rather than salt or other
chemicals. LINX systems use cation and anion media to remove a wide range of Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) including metals, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, and others.
LINX Technology is the first SMART water system that (1) takes into account the quality
of your feedwater AND then (2) provides Dial-A-Taste® control which allows you to
control the TDS of your product water. By taking into account the quality of the
feedwater, the installer is able to program the feedwater TDS into the system to
optimize performance and recovery. The Dial-A-Taste feature allows YOU to decide how
your drinking water will taste.
LINX products are ideal for any application that requires TDS reduction in lower volume
applications.
2. How does the LINX Technology work?
Water passes thru LINX TDS cartridges made from ion exchange resin. An electrical field
causes the TDS in the water to be adsorbed in the cells producing high quality deionized
water.
THE DEIONIZATION PROCESS
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Periodically, based on feed water quality, the cells need to be regenerated. During
regeneration the electrical field in the cells is automatically reversed releasing the
contaminants. The cells are flushed with water and the concentrated TDS goes down the
drain. The system is then ready to again produce high quality water.
THE REGENERATION PROCESS
Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tyPIZlJk38 see a video on how LINX
systems work.
3. What are the components of a LINX system?
LINX systems include the following components:
1. A sediment pre-filter to remove suspended solids in the feed water
2. LINX TDS reduction cartridge(s) – 1 or 2 depending on LINX model
3. A carbon post-filter to polish the water prior to drinking
4. Optional UV or Ultra Filter for purifier benefits
4. What models of LINX products are available?
LINX technology is available in 3 products:
a. The LINX 160
i. Ideal for residential and small office
drinking water applications
ii. 3 or 4 stage design
1. Sediment pre-filter
2. Single LINX cell
3. Carbon post-filter
4. Optional UV or UF
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iii. During deionization, the system produces 1 to 6 gallons (4 to 24
liters) of drinking water in 2 hours, depending on feedwater quality
iv. Regeneration takes 30 minutes
v. 20-35 gallons (80-140 liters) per day production capacity.
Warranted for 25 gallons (100 liters) based on average daily
production
vi. A tank is required
vii. Universal power supply for 100-120V and 200-240V (via
reversible switch)
b. The LINX 140 Series
i. For high volume users or for very high
TDS feedwater
ii. Available in either a tank (LINX 140T)
or tankless (LINX 140) models
iii. 3 or 4 stage design
1. Sediment pre-filter
2. 2 LINX cells
3. Carbon post-filter
4. Optional UV or UF
iv. Dual cell design produces 0.5 gallons (2
liters) per minute
v. Prior to regeneration, the system
produces 1.5 to 12 gallons (4 to 48 liters) of drinking water at up to
0.5 gpm (up to 2 liters) in up to 24 minutes, depending on
feedwater quality
vi. Regeneration takes 38 minutes
vii. 100 gallons (400 liters) maximum daily production. Warranted for
25 gallons (100 liters) per day based on average daily production.
viii. Available in 120 and 240 volt systems
c. LINX Cooler Modules (LCM) and Coolers
i. LINX technology is also available in coolers
ii. LINX 160 & LINX 140 LCMs are suitable to be used
in a variety of full sized coolers
iii. Also available with either the LINX 160 & LINX 140
LCM already integrated into the cooler
All LINX models can be private labeled.
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5. Which LINX system is right for me?
6. Why is LINX the smartest water system ever?
LINX products employ programmable software that controls how it works and allows
performance to be optimized based upon feedwater quality and product water
preference. This is what allows you to dial the taste, keeps track of how much water is
produced, and tells you when it is time to service the unit and replace cartridges etc.
LINX systems have a built in leak detector that shuts down the system if it senses a leak.
The system will also issue an audible alarm to alert the home or business owner. (In
addition, you can plug in remote leak detectors that will also issue an alarm through the
LINX 160 system.)
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Built in Leak Detector on the LINX 160 and LINX 140 systems
External Leak Detector in the LINX 160 System
The LINX systems also have indicator lights next to the Dial-A-Taste control that inform
the consumer of the system status. (See the Dial-A-Taste control in FAQ #7.) A label on
the system tells the consumer what each light means. No other drinking water system
has this ability to think and communicate.
A typical label on the LINX 140T model.
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7. What is the Dial-A-Taste® Control feature and how does it work?
LINX products include the patented Dial-A-Taste® Control that allows the consumer to
select any of 5 settings to get the taste they want. Other drinking water systems only
have one setting and one water quality output.
If you like water with higher mineral content set the dial to the minimum power setting
of 1 on the LINX 160 (move the dial towards the “A” light on the LINX 140). If you like
RO quality water, set the dial for maximum power of 5 on the LINX 160 (move the dial
towards the “D” light on the LINX 140). (See the Dial-A-Taste control settings below.)
You might find setting the dial on one of the middle suits your taste the best. The dial
changes the electrical current to the LINX cell, which changes the level of TDS reduction.
TDS reduction is generally in the range of 70% at the minimum dial setting and 95% at
the maximum setting. The dial setting has no effect on the water recovery rate.
LINX certification testing for contaminant claims showed a minimum of 85% reduction
(e.g. nitrate/nitrate) levels at the minimum power dial setting. LINX systems actually
perform better than the 85% minimum TDS reduction under nearly all feedwater
conditions. See http://www.linxwater.com/pdfs/LINX-140-140T-PerfDataSheet.pdf
for the Performance Data Sheet.
\
Dial-A-Taste setting and indicator lights on a LINX 160 system.
Dial-A-Taste setting and indicator lights on a LINX 140 system.
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8. What is the FSA?
The Field Service Assistant (FSA) is a hand held device that is used for
a number of functions that helps optimize LINX system performance.
It provides the technician with a complete system diagnosis and IF
service is needed, walks the technician through the step-by-step
service process.
The FSA also is used by the installer to program feedwater TDS to
optimize performance and recovery. The following table illustrates
water recovery at 50 psi and 50 degrees Fahrenheit:
Feedwater
TDS
<100
100-200
200-300
300-400
400-500
500-600
600-700
700-800
800-900
900-1000
>1000
Water Efficiency /
Recovery – LINX 160
90%
82%
76%
70%
67%
65%
63%
62%
61%
61%
61%
Water Efficiency /
Recovery – LINX 140
90%
82%
76%
70%
65%
61%
58%
55%
55%
55%
55%
Water Efficiency /
Recovery – Typical RO
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
9. How does LINX Technology use less water than RO?
Two factors affect the water efficiency of POU drinking water systems:
1. Net driving pressure (the sum of feedwater pressure, plus any booster pump if used,
less back pressure, less the pressure loss due to kinetics of the treatment device)
2. Feedwater temperature
RO systems are greatly affected by these whereas LINX products are not.
During certification testing, POU drinking water systems are rated for recovery and
efficiency. Recovery indicates the percentage of water that the unit produces as a
percentage of total water used – without the required storage tank in the case of
RO. For most household RO systems the recovery rate is 25-33% when the system is
tested in the laboratory; but these are conditions that NEVER exist in your home or
office – no tank and ideal feedwater temperature and pressure. That means that when
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you add the tank even under ideal feedwater temperature and pressure the recovery
rate drops as the back pressure from the tank increases, as the tank fills. In certification
testing when the tank is added “recovery” is called “efficiency” and when RO systems
are operated with the tank they recover 14% of the water under the best of conditions
in simulated household usage. Because water is usually drawn one glass at a time and
the RO is always topping off the tank against the highest back pressure, the actual water
usage rate is much lower even than the “efficiency” rating. That is why RO salesmen
and their literature talks about “recovery” not “efficiency” and they certainly don’t want
to talk about “actual usage performance”.
LINX products employ a batch process and only regenerate after the system produces
the preset volume of water depending on the LINX model and feedwater TDS setting.
During regeneration, the LINX 160 uses 0.6 gallons (2.6 liters) of water, while the LINX
140 uses 1.2 gallons (5 liters) of water.
Pionetics recently asked John VanNewenhizen (a 40 year water treatment industry
professional with over 30 years at Culligan International in technical management and
product development) to perform tests comparing 5 different point-of-use systems
under simulated household use to determine the real rate of recovery for each.
Feedwater temperature and pressure also affect RO recovery and when factored in,
greatly influence the final efficiency numbers. The following tables from the report
show actual efficiency rates for LINX and a typical RO with 400 ppm TDS feedwater. Go
here http://www.linxwater.com/pdfs/Water-Savings.pdf to read the full study.
You can also see the water savings in action on the LINX YouTube Channel here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmUvTu0KUIs&feature=youtu.be. The tables
below provide information on LINX system efficiency depending upon temperature and
water pressure.
LINX Percent Efficiency Projections
over a range of Temperatures and Pressures
Pressure and
Temperature
77 F (25 C)
70 F (21 C)
64 F (18 C)
60 F (16 C)
54 F (12 C)
48 F (9 C)
40 F (4 C)
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% Recovery
at 20 PSI
(1.5 Bar)
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
% Recovery
at 40 PSI
(3 Bar)
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
72%
% Recovery
at 60 PSI
(4.5 Bar)
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
% Recovery
at 80 PSI
(6 Bar)
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
71%
Typical RO Efficiency Projections
over a range of Temperatures and Pressures
Pressure and
Temperature
77 F (25 C)
70 F (21 C)
64 F (18 C)
60 F (16 C)
54 F (12 C)
48 F (9 C)
40 F (4 C)
% Recovery
at 20 PSI
(1.5 Bar)
7%
6%
5%
5%
4%
4%
3%
% Recovery
at 40 PSI
(3 Bar)
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
% Recovery
at 60 PSI
(4.5 Bar)
12%
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
% Recovery
at 80 PSI
(6 Bar)
14%
13%
11%
10%
9%
8%
6%
This data indicates that RO wastes water at a far greater rate than reported during
certification. At the TDS level in the feedwater used in testing (~400 ppm TDS) LINX
wastes only 0.5 gallons (2 liters) for every 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water and is
indifferent to variances in feedwater pressure or temperature. This is the same
recovery as reported in LINX certification testing. See the Performance Data Sheet
http://www.linxwater.com/pdfs/LINX-140-140T-PerfDataSheet.pdf.
10. How much money can a LINX system customer expect to save
on their municipal water bill using the LINX system rather than
RO?
LINX users can expect to save money on their water and sewer bills. Per the results of
the VanNewenhizen study, water savings could be as much as 1,000 gallons (4,000
liters) every month or MORE if the home used just 1 gallon of water per day. The actual
price of water charged by the water provider is a factor, as well as, the volume of
drinking water used each month. One LINX customer in Mesa, AZ reported a $10 USD
reduction in his monthly water bill after switching to LINX 140. Consumers should
consult a local dealer for regional cost savings specifics.
11. How often do the filters and TDS Cartridges need to be
changed?
For single cell LINX 160 systems, the LINX TDS cartridge needs to be replaced after 650
gallons (2,500 liters) of product water have been produced. For the dual cell LINX 140
systems, both of the LINX TDS cartridges need to be replaced after 1,300 gallons (5,000
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liters) of product water have been produced. This is the amount of drinking water used
in a home over 2-4 years depending upon family size, etc. Over time “scale” may form
in the TDS cartridge and TDS reduction may decline somewhat. If this occurs the TDS
cartridges may have to be changed out more often. On softened water they will last
longer. For water over 17 grains we recommend pre-softening.
The pre and post filters are rated to produce 650 gallons (2,500 liters) of product water.
We recommend that they be changed annually.
The indicator lights on the front of the systems inform the customer when water
production has reached these volumes.
12. How much will a filter change cost?
This is determined by the dealer but is typically about $100 USD for the service call and
replacement of the sediment and carbon filters, and $200-250 USD for the service and
replacement of the sediment and carbon filters plus the TDS reduction cartridge(s).
13. How much water can I draw at one time?
This is determined by the size of the storage tank for the LINX 160 and 140T systems.
For the LINX 140 (tankless) system up to 3 gallons (12 liters) of water is available prior to
regeneration.
14. How much electricity does the LINX system use?
LINX systems use very little electricity – only 0.2 kWh per gallon which is equivalent to
70 kWh per year for a typical family using 1 gallon (4 liters) of drinking water a day.
15. Can the LINX system be hooked up to an icemaker and will the
ice be crystal clear?
Yes. Crystal clear ice is a function of the ice maker, in concert with good water.
Residential icemakers freeze the ice from the outside in and sometimes air gets caught
in the cube, thus the ice is not perfectly clear. Commercial icemakers freeze ice from
the inside out, which pushes the air out – thus you always get crystal clear ice cubes as
long as good water is used. The higher pressure and flow from a LINX system allows you
to use it with any type of high-end residential ice maker.
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16. What contaminants are reduced using LINX?
Internal test data and reports from others who have evaluated LINX products indicate
the following performance.
This is for information only and not for making “claims” as defined by the certification
agencies.
Contaminant
Aluminum
Ammonia
Arsenic III
Arsenic V
Barium
Bacteria
Percent
Reduction –
LINX test data
performance
95
98
85
93
99
99.9
Percent
Reduction –
Typical RO
98-99
86-92
96-98
2 log reduction from LINX technology plus 1
log additional from the optional UV
Bicarbonate
Borate
Bromide
Cadmium
Calcium
Chloramine
Chloride
Chlorine –hypochlorite
87
70
>95
99
94
40
92
80
90-95
30-50
87-93
96-98
94-97
Chromium III
Chromium VI
Copper
Cyanide
Ferrocyanide
Fluoride
Iron
Iodine
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury
Monochloroacetic Acid
Nickel
Nitrate
Nitrite
>90
99
99
98
>98
92
90
>95
99
92
>95
>98
80
98
99
99
96-98
90
96-98
86-92
98-99
87-93
95-98
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Comments
87-93
13-91
96-98
96-98
95-98
96-98
98-99
60-75
RO removes with pre-carbon or it will
damage the membrane
At low pH (6.5)
At low pH (6.5)
97% in the LINX 140 and 140T
92% in the LINX 140 and 140T
Pathogens
Perchlorate
Pesticides
No data
available
96
Somewhat, but only weak acids, bases and
ionic species
Phosphate
Potassium
Pyrogens
Radon
Sediment
>95
94
Selenium
Silver
Sodium
Strontium
Sulfate
Sulfite
Thiosulfate
Viruses
99
>98
<94
99
>95
>95
>95
98-99
87-94
No data available
No – Radon is a noble gas
5 micron sediment filter is very effective for
sediment reduction
>95
93-96
87-93
96-98
98-99
96-98
98-99
2 log reduction from LINX technology plus 1
log from the UV
Uranium
>95
VOCs
Carbon filter reduces VOCs
Zinc
>98
98-99
Italics indicate estimated performance from ion exchange selectivity information.
Actual performance will depend on the power setting and flow rate. Reducing the
flow rate will increase contaminant reduction due to increased contact time.
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17. Are LINX Products Certified?
LINX products are certified by a number of “authorities”. The attached summarizes the
major certifications.
Summary of LINX 160 and LINX Cooler Module (LCM 120V and 240V) Drinking Water
System Certificates (US, Canada, Europe universal voltage 100-240V)
Certificate
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53;
nitrate/nitrite)
LINX 160 system
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53;
nitrate/nitrite)
LCM-160 system
UL979:2005; Water Treatment
Appliances
LINX 160 Product
UL 60335-1, Household and Similar
Electric Appliances-Safety; US and
Canada, LINX 160 Product
Electromagnetic Compatibility
CFR 47 Part 15 Subpart B
LINX 160 Product
IEC 60950-1:2001; Information
Technology Equipment-Safety
POU11 Power Supply
IEC/EN 60335-1, Safety of Household
and Similar Electrical Appliances; LINX
160 Product
IEC 60950-1/EN 60950-1 + A11;
Information Technology EquipmentSafety; POU11 Power Supply
CE Mark
LINX 160 Product
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Mark
Issued by
Water Quality
Association
Water Quality
Association
TUV Rheinland
Description
Confirms structural and
material safety, performance
benefits
Confirms structural and
material safety, performance
benefits
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability
TUV Rheinland
Confirms compatibility with
other electronic devices
TUV Rheinland
Confirms electrical safety and
reliability of power supply
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability,
electromagnetic compatibility
Confirms electrical safety and
reliability of power supply
TUV Rheinland
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability of
power supply, compatibility
with other electronic devices
Summary of LINX 140T-120V, LINX 140-120V and LINX Cooler Module Drinking Water
System Certificates (US, Canada, Europe)
Certificate
Mark
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53;
nitrate/nitrite)
LINX 140T-120V and LINX 140-120V
Products
WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI 53;
nitrate/nitrite)
LINX Cooler Module
UL979:2005; Water Treatment
Appliances
LINX 140-120V Product
UL 60335-1, Household and Similar
Electric Appliances-Safety; US and
Canada, LINX 140-120V Product
Electromagnetic Compatibility
CFR 47 Part 15 Subpart B
LINX 140-120V Product
IEC 60950-1:2001; Information
Technology Equipment-Safety
POU10-120V Power Supply
IEC/EN 60335-1, Safety of Household
and Similar Electrical Appliances; LINX
140-240V Product
IEC 60950-1/EN 60950-1 + A11;
Information Technology EquipmentSafety; POU10-240V Power Supply
CE Mark
LINX 140-120V Products
Issued by
Description
Water Quality
Association
Confirms structural and
material safety, performance
benefits
Water Quality
Association
Confirms structural and
material safety, performance
benefits
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability
TUV Rheinland
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability
TUV Rheinland
Confirms compatibility with
other electronic devices
TUV Rheinland
Confirms electrical safety and
reliability of power supply
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability,
electromagnetic compatibility
Confirms electrical safety and
reliability of power supply
TUV Rheinland
TUV Rheinland
Confirms structural and
electrical safety, reliability of
power supply, compatibility
with other electronic devices
18. How do I become a LINX dealer?
Sign a dealer agreement and purchase a minimum stocking inventory plus a starter kit
that includes an FSA, and all the parts needed to service LINX systems. Thereafter you
will be able to purchase as many systems as you want. To get an “exclusive” territory
you must agree to a minimum monthly purchase volume based on the size and
demographics of the area you want.
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