Manual Upflow pH Correction System – Juraperle Calcium Carbonate Water Neutraliser

An economical, reliable solution for correcting acidic water without electricity or automatic backwashing.

The GAPS Water Treatment Manual Upflow pH Correction System is designed to neutralise acidic water, helping to protect copper pipework, plumbing fittings, hot water cylinders and other equipment from corrosion.

Using high-purity Juraperle calcium carbonate, the system naturally raises water pH as the media gradually dissolves.

Its simple upflow design and Clack 1191 In/Out head eliminate the need for an automatic backwashing valve, providing a straightforward, low-maintenance solution for suitable domestic and commercial water supplies.

Available in five vessel sizes to accommodate different flow rates and treatment requirements.

What's Included?

• Fibreglass Pressure Vessel: Durable, corrosion-resistant blue vessel, available in five sizes.

• Clack 1191 In/Out Head: Robust, non-electric valve designed for upflow pH correction applications.

• Clack V3006 Bypass Valve: Allows the system to be isolated or bypassed for maintenance.

• Choice of Connection Fittings: Select either ¾" BSPM or 1" BSPM connections to suit your existing plumbing.

• Juraperle Calcium Carbonate: High-purity, naturally dissolving media for correcting acidic water.

• Gravel Support Bed: Supports the Juraperle and promotes even water distribution.

• Internal Distribution System: Includes riser tube, upper screen and lower distributor.

• Filling Funnel: Supplied to assist with loading and replenishing the filter media.

Available Sizes and Flow Rates

These flow rates are indicative design figures. Actual treatment performance depends on incoming water pH, free carbon dioxide, alkalinity and other water characteristics.

Important: The system should be matched to the required service flow rate. Choosing a vessel that is unnecessarily large for the available flow can increase the risk of poor water distribution and media compaction.

How Does Upflow pH Correction Work?

Unlike conventional downflow systems, which direct water downwards through the filter media, this system operates in the opposite direction.

1. Water enters the Clack In/Out head and travels down the central riser tube.

2. Water is distributed at the bottom of the vessel through the lower screen and gravel support bed.

3. Water flows upwards through the Juraperle, allowing the calcium carbonate to dissolve gradually and neutralise acidity.

4. Treated water exits through the upper screen and returns to the water supply.

This upward flow arrangement promotes contact between the water and the media while helping to reduce the tendency for the bed to compact.

Unlike an automatic backwashing system, however, it does not periodically flush accumulated contaminants from the vessel.

Why Choose a Manual Upflow pH System?

No Electricity Required

The system operates using water pressure alone. No electrical supply, timers or electronic controllers are required.

No Automatic Backwashing

There are no programmed backwash cycles, eliminating the associated water consumption and the need for a permanent backwash drain connection.

Simple, Reliable Design

With no motors or electronic components, there are fewer moving parts to maintain or replace.

Quiet Operation

No noisy backwash cycles or automated regeneration.

Natural pH Correction

Juraperle gradually dissolves into acidic water, increasing its pH and helping to reduce corrosion of plumbing and equipment.

Choice of Vessel Sizes

Five options allow the system to be matched to different water demands, from smaller domestic installations to higher-flow applications.

Important – Is an Upflow System Suitable for Your Water?

Manual upflow systems are intended for relatively clean water supplies and are not suitable for every water quality problem.

Because these systems have no automatic backwash facility, sediment and contaminants accumulating within the media bed cannot be routinely flushed to drain.

The following conditions may increase the risk of fouling, media compaction or blockage:

• Elevated iron or manganese concentrations.

• Significant suspended solids, sediment or turbidity.

• Heavy organic contamination.

• Water chemistry that encourages deposits or precipitation.

• Inadequate or highly irregular operating flow rates.

Where these conditions are present, additional pretreatment or a Backwashing pH Correction System may be more appropriate.

We recommend obtaining a water analysis before selecting a system, particularly for borehole, well and spring water supplies.

Maintenance and Juraperle Replenishment

Juraperle is a sacrificial filter medium. As it neutralises acidic water, it gradually dissolves and must be replenished periodically.

The rate of consumption depends on:

• Incoming water pH and free carbon dioxide.

• Daily water usage.

• Operating flow rate.

• Initial quantity of media.

Replenishing the Juraperle

1. Isolate the system using the bypass valve and relieve the pressure.

2. Remove the Clack In/Out head from the vessel.

3. Check the remaining media level.

4. Add fresh Juraperle using the supplied filling funnel.

5. Refit the head and return the system to service following the appropriate commissioning procedure.

Ensure sufficient access above the vessel for removing the head and replenishing the media.

We recommend periodically checking the treated water pH to confirm that the system continues to provide effective pH correction.

Please note that calcium carbonate dissolves into the water during treatment and can increase water hardness.

Choosing the Correct Size

Choosing the appropriate vessel is essential for effective pH correction.

A larger vessel contains more Juraperle and offers greater potential treatment capacity, but it must also receive an appropriate flow rate to promote even distribution through the media bed.

Bigger is not always better.

The correct system depends on both the required water flow and the chemistry of the untreated water.

If you are unsure which size to choose, please contact GAPS Water Treatment with your water analysis and required service flow rate. Our experienced team will be happy to help.

GAPS Water Treatment – Simple, effective pH correction without electricity or automatic backwashing.