1. Introduction
The DOULTON British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Ceramic Drinking Water Filter Cartridge (Model W9120133-4) is designed to provide clean, great-tasting water by reducing various contaminants. This ceramic filter element is compatible with British Berkefeld gravity filter systems (Duchess, Duke, Prince) and other gravity water filter systems such as Berkey, Phoenix, Purewell, ProOne, and Alexapure. It effectively reduces fluoride, chlorine, organics, and heavy metals while retaining beneficial natural minerals.
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your filter cartridges to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Safety Information
- Read all instructions carefully before installing or using the filter cartridges.
- Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
- The filter elements are designed for use with potable water sources only.
- Do not use with salt water.
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.
- Keep out of reach of children.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove the filter cartridges from their packaging. Inspect each cartridge for any visible damage. If any damage is observed, do not proceed with installation and contact customer support.
Image: The DOULTON British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Ceramic Drinking Water Filter Cartridge, shown both in its retail packaging and as an individual filter element, alongside a yellow washer. This image illustrates the product as received.
3.2 Installation
The Ultra Fluoride filter elements are designed to be installed in the upper chamber of your gravity water filter system. This placement ensures that the filter does not sit in the clean, filtered water in the lower chamber.
- Prepare the System: Ensure your gravity filter system is clean and empty.
- Insert Filter: Place the threaded stem of the filter cartridge through the hole in the base of the upper chamber.
- Secure with Washer and Wing Nut: From the underside of the upper chamber, place a washer over the threaded stem and then screw on the wing nut. Hand-tighten the wing nut until snug, ensuring a secure seal without overtightening.
- Repeat for Additional Filters: If installing multiple filters, repeat the process for each cartridge.
Image: A view inside the upper chamber of a stainless steel gravity water filter system, showing several DOULTON British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Ceramic Drinking Water Filter Cartridges securely installed with their wing nuts.
Image: A close-up of the bottom of a DOULTON British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Ceramic Drinking Water Filter Cartridge, highlighting the threaded stem, the black washer, and the wingnut used to secure it in place within a gravity filter system.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Initial Flushing
Before first use, it is crucial to flush the filters to remove any manufacturing residues and prepare them for optimal performance.
- Fill Upper Chamber: Pour approximately 6 gallons (22.7 liters) of water into the upper chamber of your gravity filter system.
- Allow to Filter: Let the water filter through the cartridges into the lower chamber. This process may take some time.
- Discard Water: Discard the filtered water from the lower chamber.
- Clean Lower Chamber: After discarding the water, clean the lower chamber thoroughly.
- Ready for Use: Your filters are now ready for regular use.
Image: Water being poured into the upper chamber of a gravity water filter system, demonstrating the initial filling process. The white ceramic filter elements are visible within the chamber.
4.2 Regular Use
Simply fill the upper chamber of your gravity filter system with water. The water will slowly pass through the ceramic filter elements into the lower chamber, providing filtered water for consumption. The flow rate may vary depending on water quality and filter condition.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
The ceramic filters are re-cleanable. If the flow rate significantly decreases, the outer surface of the ceramic element may be clogged with impurities. To restore flow:
- Remove Filters: Carefully remove the filter cartridges from the upper chamber.
- Brush Surface: Using a soft brush or scouring pad (not soap or detergents), gently scrub the outer surface of the ceramic element under running water. This will remove the accumulated layer of contaminants.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the filters thoroughly to remove any loosened particles.
- Reinstall: Reinstall the cleaned filters into the upper chamber as described in the Installation section.
5.2 Filter Replacement
The Ultra Fluoride filter elements have a long lifespan, but their effectiveness in fluoride reduction will diminish over time. It is recommended to replace the filters when their capacity for fluoride reduction is reached or if the flow rate cannot be restored by cleaning.
- Fluoride Capacity: If your water contains 1 ppm of fluoride, the filters will effectively remove it for approximately 515 gallons (1,950 liters) before needing replacement.
- General Lifespan: For general filtration, the ceramic elements typically last up to 6 months, depending on water quality and usage.
- Replacement Procedure: To replace, simply unscrew the wing nut, remove the old filter, and install a new one following the steps in the Installation section. Remember to perform the Initial Flushing procedure for new filters.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Slow flow rate | Clogged ceramic surface | Clean the ceramic filter surface as described in Section 5.1. |
| Water tastes unusual after cleaning | Insufficient rinsing after cleaning | Rinse filters thoroughly under running water before reinstallation. |
| Leaks from filter connection | Loose wing nut or improperly seated washer | Ensure the wing nut is hand-tightened and the washer is correctly positioned. Do not overtighten. |
| Reduced fluoride removal effectiveness | Filter capacity reached | Replace the filter cartridges as described in Section 5.2. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | W9120133-4 |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Dimensions | 7" H x 2.6" W (17.8 cm H x 6.6 cm W) |
| Item Weight (per filter) | Approximately 1.21 lbs (0.55 kg) |
| Fluoride Reduction | Up to 98.9% (tested with 1 ppm nominal influent fluoride concentration) |
| Fluoride Capacity | 1,950 ppm total absorption (approx. 515 gallons at 1 ppm influent) |
| Origin | UK |
| Compatibility | British Berkefeld gravity filter systems (Duchess, Duke, Prince), Berkey, Phoenix, Purewell, ProOne, Alexapure, and other compatible gravity systems. |
| Incompatible with | British Berkefeld Baron gravity filter, salt water. |
Image: A cross-section of the DOULTON British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride Ceramic Drinking Water Filter Cartridge, illustrating the various internal filtration media and ceramic shell.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase replacement parts, please contact DOULTON customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official DOULTON website for the most current contact details.
DOULTON filters undergo rigorous testing to ensure consistently excellent results and product quality.
