Due to the rise in pollutants and pollution, as well as many other issues, water filters have become an indispensable component of everyday life. Activated carbon filters are currently considered among the most effective and best water filters globally. They are well known for eliminating nasty tastes, bacteria, contaminants, and odors from the water.
To make the water drinkable again, activated carbon filters can remove nearly all contaminants, including chloramine, suspended particles, heavy metals, and sediment (up to 99 percent).
Activated carbon filters
Activated carbon filters—also called active charcoal filters—are noticeably different from the usual water filters. The system uses porous sponges or black beads to increase the impurity capture rate. One of the most important parts of this filter is the activation procedure. This involves introducing steam or heat. The steam or heat increases the carbon’s surface area. The carbon pores enlarge to absorb different contaminants in the water as a result of their activation-induced expansion.
Types of Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters can be classified into two categories:
- Granular activated charcoal (GAC)
- Carbon block filters
Carbon block filters are made from finely powdered activated carbon granules. Filters with less than one-micron pore size are made using activated carbon and a binding agent. The particles are attached so that they don’t move about too much. By combining the granules with binding agents, the carbon block filter creates its blocks.
What pollutants does activated carbon reduce or remove?
Activated carbon filters can remove gaseous, chemical, and physical contaminants. Water treated with activated carbon filters removes over 80 different contaminants. Additionally, they considerably reduce 22 other chemicals while effectively lowering 30 more. The quantity and grade of activated carbon determine the filter’s efficiency.
Activated carbon filtration is a method for purifying water by removing inorganic pollutants, herbicides, and pesticides. Activated carbon filters are able to remove or significantly reduce the following types of pollutants from water:
- Chlorine byproducts such as THMSs, haloacetic acids, VOCs, etc.
- Lithium
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chloride
- Chlorine
- Phosphate
- Herbicides
- PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)
- Pesticides
Substances that activated carbon filters are unable to eliminate
Some harmful substances are nevertheless able to pass through activated carbon filters. Here are a few water contaminants that activated carbon filters won’t be able to get rid of, even with specific materials or extra filtering.
- High levels of hydrocarbons and petroleum distillates
- Arsenic and asbestos
- Pathogens
- Radionuclides
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Microorganisms/Biological contaminants
- Fluoride
- Excessive amounts of silver, iron, or copper
Is it possible for bacteria to grow on activated carbon?
Activated carbon is a great filter, but due to its characteristics, it also provides a perfect home for bacteria. The cracked and rough surface carbon is ideal for the fixation and multiplication of bacteria. Thus, bacterial growth will inevitably occur when activated carbon adsorption equipment is used. The discharge pipe is a common entry point for bacteria into the carbon bed. You can find it between the activated carbon adsorber and the initial sterilization equipment (ozonizer or UV lamp), if any. Bacteria will eventually infiltrate this bed.
How do active carbon filters affect water?
The majority of activated carbon filter cartridges improve filtration through a process known as adsorption. Activated carbon acts like a sponge, soaking pollutants from its large surface area.
Water contaminated with impurities moves to areas with the strongest attractive force. The contaminants are drawn to the surface of the carbon because the force keeping them mixed in the water is much stronger than their attraction.
Activated carbon filters are superior to standard carbon filters in several ways. They can remove pollutants like chlorine from water, and their increased reactivity compared to regular carbon allows them to convert chlorine in water into salt.
Conclusion
Activated carbon is a miracle because it can extraordinarily remove chemical compounds, smells, pollutants, gases, and bad taste from water. The use of activated carbon filters has undeniably helped many people dealing with water contamination issues. Installing this filtering system in your home is a surefire win. Feel free to contact our helpful and courteous customer service team for assistance finding an activated carbon water filter that suits your filtration demands and budget.