System Architecture
How Aurum Water Systems Work
A multi-stage approach where each component serves a specific purpose. Understanding this logic helps inform system selection and maintenance decisions.
Treatment Flow
Source Water
Municipal / Well / Mixed
Pre-Filtration
Sediment Removal
Ultrafiltration
Bacterial Barrier
Polishing
Chemical Refinement
Treated Water
Consistent Quality
Pre-Filtration
Sediment & Particulates
Purpose
The first line of defense removes larger particles that would otherwise damage or clog downstream components. This stage extends the life of the entire system by preventing premature membrane fouling.
What It Removes
- Sand and sediment particles (5-100+ microns)
- Rust and pipe scale
- Debris from aging infrastructure
- Suspended solids and turbidity
Why This Stage Exists
Without effective pre-filtration, ultrafiltration membranes face excessive loading and shortened lifespan. This stage absorbs the brunt of particle contamination, allowing precision components to focus on their specific functions.
Relationship to System Longevity
Pre-filter media are consumable by design. Regular replacement at predictable intervals protects more expensive downstream components from damage and maintains consistent flow rates.
Structural Filtration
Ultrafiltration Membrane
Purpose
The structural barrier that physically excludes bacteria, cysts, and fine particles. Ultrafiltration provides absolute size-based separation without chemicals or significant water waste.
What It Removes
- Bacteria (E. coli, Legionella, etc.)
- Protozoan cysts (Giardia, Cryptosporidium)
- Fine particles (0.01 micron nominal)
- Colloidal matter and turbidity
Why This Stage Exists
Unlike reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration removes pathogens while retaining beneficial minerals and operating at household pressure. Water recovery rates exceed 95%, dramatically reducing waste compared to RO systems.
Relationship to System Longevity
Quality UF membranes maintain performance for years when properly protected by pre-filtration. Periodic flushing maintains permeability. The membrane housing and support structures are designed for decade-plus service life.
Conditioning & Polishing
Chemical Refinement
Purpose
The final stage addresses dissolved chemicals that pass through physical barriers. Activated carbon and specialty media target taste, odor, and specific chemical concerns based on local water conditions.
What It Removes
- Chlorine and chloramines
- Taste and odor compounds
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Specific chemicals based on configuration
Why This Stage Exists
Ultrafiltration does not remove dissolved chemicals. This final stage completes the treatment chain by addressing aesthetic concerns and specific contaminants that vary by region and source.
Relationship to System Longevity
Carbon media has finite adsorption capacity. Replacement schedules depend on water usage and contaminant loading. Modular design allows media changes without system modification.
Stages work together as a system
Each stage depends on the others for optimal performance. Pre-filtration protects ultrafiltration membranes. Ultrafiltration provides the structural barrier that polishing alone cannot achieve. Polishing addresses what physical filtration cannot remove.
This interdependence means system design matters as much as component quality. Proper sizing, staging, and integration ensure each element performs at its best for its entire service life.