One of the most frequently asked questions we get is in regard to the 70/30, 60/40, or 50/50 split in the water stream during the ionization process. This question has variables and definitely deserves an explanation!
How a stream of water splits will vary based on three factors: the mineral content of the source water, the speed of water passing through the ionizer, and – to a lesser degree – the selected power setting. Internally, there’s nothing in our ionizers that will affect the volume of water to either stream – it’s the use of electrolysis that persuades the ions in one direction or another. When using electrolysis to move alkaline ions to one stream and acidic ions to another, the content of the source water is the most important factor, especially when considering the ratio of water split.
All ions have mass and mass means volume. So if you have hard water that’s full of alkaline minerals with few acidic elements, more than likely the water split will have more water in the alkaline stream and less in the acidic. Soft water containing less mineral content will have a stronger acid stream and a little less to the alkaline stream. Remember, an ionizer can only work with what it’s given, which will be reflected in the water split.
As is true with all ionizers, the flow rate and power setting will also play a role in the water split ratio – although not as much as the water itself. The stronger the power and longer contact time with the ionizer’s titanium plates will produce a deeper alteration.
The Athena has an adjustment screw inside the acidic drain tube, which can be used to adjust the stream of water coming from the byproduct line. The adjustment of this screw will only restrict the water’s flow from the by-product hose and can cause acidic water to back-up into the water cell. Because water always takes the path of least resistance, it will continue to flow where it can; in this case, acidic ions can be pushed through the water cell and into the alkaline water stream, decreasing the pH production in the alkaline stream. In most cases, the level affected is very slight, but does exist, none-the-less. A very mild restriction will usually go unnoticed, but too much of a restriction can affect the performance or your ionizer. If you wish to make this adjustment, please be sure to check your pH levels as you go to make sure that your ionizer is still giving you the best water possible.
