Better-tasting water and scale protection / In one quick-change cartridge
SPECIAL FILTER® is a compact cartridge platform combining activated-carbon filtration with FILTERSORB® SP3 scale-prevention media. The SP 520UF model adds an ultrafiltration membrane.
The activated-carbon block supports the reduction of chlorine, unwanted taste, odor and sediment, while FILTERSORB® SP3 helps reduce the formation of hard scale without adding sodium or phosphate. The SP 520UF incorporates a nominal 0.1-micron ultrafiltration stage for additional fine-particle and microbiological control when operated within validated conditions. The quick-change head includes automatic water shut-off for faster, cleaner cartridge replacement.
Carbon filtration / Scale prevention / Optional ultrafiltration
Compact filtration.
For drinking water and food-service equipment.
SPECIAL FILTER® cartridges are designed for cold-water, point-of-use installations where improved taste, sediment reduction and scale protection are required.
Drinking-Water Dispensers
Compact filtration for improved taste, odor and clarity at the point of use.
Coffee and Espresso Machines
Scale protection and chlorine reduction for beverage equipment and coffee preparation.
Restaurants and Cafés
Treated water for beverage preparation and compatible catering equipment.
Ice Makers and Refrigerators
Filtration for connected cold-water appliances and ice-production systems.
Vending Machines
Compact cartridge treatment for water-fed beverage-vending equipment.
Dishwashers and Steam Equipment
Scale-management support for compatible appliances operating within temperature and flow limits.
Four filtration capabilities across one compact product family
Activated-Carbon Block Filtration (CARBON-PURE™)
The carbon-block stage supports chlorine, taste, odor, sediment and selected adsorbable-organic reduction when supported by appropriate performance testing.
Salt-Free Scale Prevention (SCALE-GUARD SP3™)
FILTERSORB® SP3 supports nucleation-assisted crystallization, helping convert dissolved temporary-hardness minerals into microscopic crystals with a reduced tendency to attach to equipment surfaces.
Nominal 0.1-Micron Ultrafiltration (UF-BARRIER™)
Available in the SP 520UF model, the ultrafiltration membrane provides an additional barrier for fine particles and microorganisms larger than the validated membrane cutoff.
Fast Cartridge Exchange (QUICK-LOCK™)
The insert-turn-lock cartridge connection and automatic water shut-off simplify cartridge replacement without regeneration, electricity or a separate brine system.
SPECIAL FILTER® Models
Compare technical specifications, dimensions, and capacities across SP 510, SP 520, and SP 520UF.
Model Specifications & Comparison
| Feature | SP 510 | SP 520 | SP 520UF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activated-carbon block | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sediment reduction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FILTERSORB® SP3 scale prevention | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ultrafiltration membrane | No | No | Yes |
| Bacteria-reduction claim | No | No | Requires validation |
| Published nominal capacity | 12,000 L | 25,000 L | 72,000 L* |
| Published filtration rating | 5 µm | 5 µm | 0.1 µm |
| Published flow rate | 3.7 L/min | 6.5 L/min | 9.5 L/min |
| Published pressure range | 2–7 bar | 2–7 bar | 0.7–8.6 bar |
| Published temperature range | 5–37.8°C | 5–37.8°C | 5–37.8°C |
| Cartridge dimensions (H × W × D) | 280 × 75 × 75 mm | 480 × 75 × 75 mm | 480 × 75 × 75 mm |
Product Codes & Ordering Guide
| Product Code | Description |
|---|---|
| SP 510-C | SP 510 complete filter with head |
| SP 510-R | SP 510 replacement cartridge |
| SP 520-C | SP 520 complete filter with head |
| SP 520-R | SP 520 replacement cartridge |
| SP 520UF-C | SP 520UF complete filter with head |
| SP 520UF-R | SP 520UF replacement cartridge |
Science & Technology
SPECIAL FILTER® combines different physical treatment mechanisms. Each technology performs a distinct function and should be described separately rather than applying every removal claim to every model.
- Carbon Adsorption – Activated carbon provides a large internal surface on which chlorine-reaction products and adsorbable organic compounds can be retained or reduced.
- Mechanical Filtration – The carbon-block structure intercepts sediment and suspended particles larger than its published nominal filtration rating.
- Nucleation-Assisted Crystallization – FILTERSORB® SP3 promotes crystallization of dissolved calcium carbonate into microscopic crystals while retaining calcium and magnesium in the water.
- Ultrafiltration Barrier – The SP 520UF adds a nominal 0.1-micron membrane (microbiological claims require an absolute pore rating, integrity controls and organism-specific log-reduction testing).
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Frequently
Asked Questions
Essential information about SPECIAL FILTER® models, treatment technologies, capacities and cartridge replacement.
Contact SupportCalculate Your SPECIAL FILTER® Lifespan
Estimate cartridge replacement intervals based on daily water consumption and selected model capacity.
Lifespan Estimation
Select your compact water-filtration solution
It all starts with your water analysis and appliance requirements.
Send us your water-quality data, application type (dispenser, coffee machine, ice maker, etc.) and daily water volume. Our specialists will help evaluate SPECIAL FILTER® models (SP 510, SP 520, SP 520UF) for your installation.
