{"product_id":"smart-inline-filter-cartridge-reverse-osmosis","title":"SMART Inline Filter Cartridge \/ Reverse Osmosis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen water from your cooler or RO faucet starts to taste like the tap again, the stage that polishes it has usually run its course.\u003c\/strong\u003e This SMART inline cartridge is that stage: the replacement SMART cartridge, part CQE-RC-04040, for Crystal Quest floor-model bottleless water coolers and for Thunder M under-sink reverse osmosis systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInside one sealed inline housing sits Crystal Quest SMART media, a blend of coconut-based carbon, catalytic carbon, Eagle Redox Alloy and ion exchange resin. Each medium handles a different job, so one cartridge covers the chlorine, chloramine and chemical taste problems a single carbon stage can leave behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeveral media in one cartridge:\u003c\/strong\u003e premium coconut GAC, catalytic carbon, ERA 6500 and ERA 9500 redox alloy, ion exchange resin and ceramic media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTargets chlorine, chloramine and VOCs,\u003c\/strong\u003e the usual sources of chemical taste and odor in city water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlumbed on the water line:\u003c\/strong\u003e a sealed inline cartridge with threaded connections at each end, not a slot-in appliance cartridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe listed part\u003c\/strong\u003e in Crystal Quest's water cooler manual and Thunder under-sink RO manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA,\u003c\/strong\u003e as printed on every cartridge label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA white, sealed inline housing with an elbow connector at each end and a flow arrow on the label. The label reads \"Crystal Quest SMART PLUS Inline Cartridge\" and carries the part number, the operating limits and nine numbered replacement steps. There is no sump to open: when the media is spent, the whole cartridge is replaced, which keeps the swap quick and clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow SMART media works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCarbon that adsorbs\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eCoconut-based granular activated carbon is riddled with fine pores. Dissolved organic chemicals, the compounds behind most \"chemical\" tastes and odors, stick to that enormous internal surface as water passes through. Coconut-based catalytic carbon adds a surface built to react, not just hold, which is what breaks down chloramine, the longer-lasting disinfectant many cities now use instead of chlorine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eRedox alloy that converts\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eEagle Redox Alloy (ERA) is Crystal Quest's high-purity copper-zinc granule. Copper and zinc are dissimilar metals, so water flowing over them drives an exchange of electrons. Free chlorine takes those electrons and is reduced to harmless chloride. Because the alloy converts chlorine rather than only holding it, it protects the carbon in the same cartridge from doing all the work. ERA 6500 is the chlorine grade; ERA 9500 is the grade made for iron and hydrogen sulfide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eResin and ceramic media\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIon exchange resin beads carry charged sites that trade places with dissolved metal ions, which is how SMART media adds heavy metal reduction to carbon's chemical reduction. Ceramic media rounds out the blend and helps condition the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat it reduces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e chlorine, chloramine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the main causes of chemical taste and odor in treated city water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso addressed by SMART media\u003c\/strong\u003e (capabilities of the media blend described in Crystal Quest's SMART data sheet, not separate tested ratings for this inline size):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy metals, through the ion exchange resin and redox alloy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePesticides, herbicides and petroleum-based compounds, through the carbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePharmaceutical by-products and other dissolved organic contaminants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot designed to treat:\u003c\/strong\u003e total dissolved solids and salts (that is the RO membrane's job), fluoride, nitrate or arsenic as a dedicated stage, or bacteria and viruses. Use it only on water that is microbiologically safe. For a dedicated contaminant stage, add the matching inline cartridge, such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/water-cooler-reverse-osmosis-fluoride-filter-cartridge\"\u003eFluoride Removal Inline Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Crystal Quest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOur own media blend.\u003c\/strong\u003e SMART media and Eagle Redox Alloy are Crystal Quest products with their own data sheets, so you know what is inside the housing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade for the system you own.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the part number our cooler and RO manuals list, so it matches the connections and position your system was built around.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrinted guidance on every cartridge.\u003c\/strong\u003e Flow direction, operating limits and step-by-step replacement instructions are on the label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOver 1,000,000 people served since 1994.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal Quest builds under ISO 9001 quality management, has made water filtration in the USA for over 30 years and offers lifetime support by phone, email or chat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSHARP floor-model bottleless coolers:\u003c\/strong\u003e the SMART cartridge in both the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/sharp-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eSHARP Ultrafiltration\u003c\/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/sharp-reverse-osmosis-and-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eSHARP Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis\u003c\/a\u003e coolers. In the UF cooler it is cartridge #4, after the sediment (CQE-RC-04037), GAC (CQE-RC-04038) and UF (CQE-RC-04039) cartridges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThunder M under-sink RO systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e the inline SMART post-filter after the RO membrane. Thunder C models use the inline carbon cartridge instead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-filters\"\u003eCountertop Reverse Osmosis System\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e its SMART stage, alongside the GAC cartridge and the RO membrane.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther point-of-use uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e its published applications are pre and post point-of-use RO, ice maker and refrigerator lines, and water coolers and fountains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwn a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/bottleless-water-cooler-countertop\"\u003eCountertop Turbo cooler\u003c\/a\u003e? It takes a different cartridge, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/water-cooler-turbo-multi-stage-filter-cartridge\"\u003eSMART Inline (Turbo) Filter Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e (CQE-RC-04057). Order the part number your system lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich systems use this cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest's SHARP floor-model bottleless coolers, Thunder M under-sink RO systems and the Countertop Reverse Osmosis System list CQE-RC-04040 as their SMART cartridge. Match the part number in your manual or on your current cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the same as the SMART Inline (Turbo) cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The Turbo cartridge, CQE-RC-04057, is made only for the Countertop Turbo water cooler. This cartridge serves the floor-model coolers and the RO systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it go before or after the RO membrane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts published applications include both. In Thunder M systems it is the post-filter after the membrane. Install it in the position your system's manual shows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it remove fluoride or dissolved solids?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. SMART media targets chlorine, chloramine, VOCs and other chemical contaminants. Dissolved solids are removed by the RO membrane, and fluoride needs a dedicated fluoride stage such as the Fluoride Removal Inline Cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it on a refrigerator or ice maker line?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, as an inline filter plumbed on the supply line. It is not a slot-in replacement for a refrigerator's own built-in filter cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I replace it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollow your cooler or RO manual, and replace it sooner if taste or odor returns or flow slows. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to flush a new cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The label calls for flushing about 15 minutes before use. Some fine carbon dust in the first water is normal and clears with flushing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n###\n\u003ch3\u003ePublished cartridge specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre and post point-of-use reverse osmosis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIce maker and refrigerator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater cooler\/fountain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04040\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eSMART inline cartridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSMART media (Crystal Quest data sheets)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedia blend\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoconut-based premium GAC, coconut-based catalytic carbon, ERA 6500, ERA 9500, ion exchange resin, ceramic media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEagle Redox Alloy (ERA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh-purity copper-zinc granules; reduce contaminants by oxidation-reduction (redox)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eERA pH range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5 to 8.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTreatment method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdsorption (carbon), catalytic reduction (catalytic carbon), redox (ERA), ion exchange (resin)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSealed inline cartridge, threaded elbow connector at each end, flow arrow on label\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLabel name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrystal Quest SMART PLUS Inline Cartridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating Specifications (cartridge label)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e• Water supply\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCold water only; microbiologically safe water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Use only on water that is microbiologically safe. Flush about 15 minutes before first use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Cartridge color is subject to change without notice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":67806707548248,"sku":"CQE-RC-04040","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 2","offer_id":67806707581016,"sku":"CQE-RC-04040-2PK","price":138.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 4","offer_id":67806707613784,"sku":"CQE-RC-04040-4PK","price":276.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0862\/1250\/9784\/files\/smart-inline-filter-cartridge-reverse-osmosis-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263598088.webp?v=1792488411","url":"https:\/\/filtervilla.com\/products\/smart-inline-filter-cartridge-reverse-osmosis","provider":"Filter Villa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}