Last Updated on November 30, 2021 by TODD FRANZEN
An activated carbon filter can be a confusing topic. Knowing what this is, and how these works don’t have to be. There are some simple items you need to understand when it comes to what a carbon filter can do and how to use it in a water filtering and purifying system.
Carbon is a commonly used medium for water filtration and purification. This means that the size of the bubbles within each activated carbon pore is extremely small making them very effective at trapping particles as they pass through.
What are Carbon Filters?
This clean and natural material removes any harmful substances from your drinking water while improving its taste! The activated carbon removes organic chemicals and contaminants that may be present in your drinking or tap water supply.
When activated, the carbon filter will trap chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides along with other volatile organic compounds and impurities.
Once the carbon filter has become full, it can no longer be used for filtration purposes. At this point, the filter needs to have the activated carbon replaced or “regenerated.” But reactivation is not economically viable due to the temperatures needed. Coconut Husk are the most common and are highly renewable.
How do Carbon Filters Work?
Activated charcoal works through a process called adsorption. Adsorption describes the ability of activated carbon to attract other substances onto its surface as it passes through activated carbon filters.
This happens as carbon particles in water moves through the activated charcoal filter, cleaning and removing substances such as chlorine from your water supply to improve its taste and smell. It also helps purify tap water by removing many organic chemicals that are present in drinking water supplies. Even after filtration processes have taken place at water treatment plants.
What is a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Water Filter?
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters are the most common activated carbon filtration systems that are used with in-home water treatment. The coconut husk’s shell-activated carbon is one of the most used forms of granular activated carbons. They are very effective in removing contaminants from drinking water supplies.
Granular activated carbon filters remove contaminants like chlorine, VOCs, nitrates, pesticides, hydrogen sulfide, and much more from your water supply to improve its taste and smell.
Activated charcoal also helps purify tap water by removing many organic chemicals that are present in drinking water supplies even after municipal filtration processes.
The granular activated carbon filters are made of small, loose particles that have been heated to create microscopic pores. These porous pieces provide a large surface area for contaminants to adhere to and remove. GACs do not remove chemicals or heavy metals, but instead, adsorb organic impurities and improve the taste of water through carbon filtration methods.
Its effectiveness makes this one of the most popular types of activated charcoal filters. This is perfect for those who want to clean up their water source or make it taste better. For the best results, use it in conjunction with other types of media. It’s not just a one-trick pony!
What is a Carbon Block Filter?
A carbon block filter is a process of taking this granular activated carbon and compressing them into a more dense type of filter.
The activated carbon is compressed by a thermal process. This type of activated carbon filter removes more chemicals and contaminants from your water supply. Both have their purpose.
The activated carbon block filter has an even larger surface area to absorb impurities as they pass through the pores in this activated charcoal filter media. These activated charcoal filters reduce or remove chlorine, mercury, and asbestos from your water supply. In other words, They also have the extra benefit of reducing Trihalomethanes (THM’s) to make sure you drink even cleaner!
Click Here for a more comprehensive list of what GAC’s and Carbon Block filters can remove out of your water.
What are Microns?
Microns are the tiny unit of measure that scientists use to describe distances on a scale thousands or millions less than an inch apart. The definition of a micron is: “A unit of length equal to one thousandth (10-3) of a millimeter or one millionth (10-6) of a meter. Also called a micrometer. – Reference Link
It is important to know how activated carbon filters are measured because this will show you if the water quality has improved. A micron” is a measurement of size. On a very small scale.
As an example, Beach Sand is about 80 microns. A human hair is around 70 microns. Pollens such as Ragweed, are around 40 microns. Bacteria are around 1 micron. Certain sedimentary clays can get down to .5 microns. To put this into perspective, one inch is = to 25,400 microns and the oxygen we breathe is .0005 microns in size.
FAQ’s
How often should a carbon filter be changed?
The lifespan of a carbon filter is usually 6 to 12 months, depending on the system. That all depends on how dirty or contaminated that water is.
Why carbon filters should be used in the event of an emergency?
Activated carbon is an excellent choice for everyday use, not just when disaster strikes. But cases like widespread Lead Poisoning in Flint, Michigan proves that emergencies don’t happen until it’s too late. Activated carbon works best to remove contaminants from your water source. A carbon filter is a life-saving tool when clean water might not be available. Ultimately, you’re taking control of your water source!
Imagine if you were in a disaster and didn’t know what kind of water was safe to drink.
A little bit of common sense can go a long way in making sure you have what your family needs before disaster strikes!
Make sure that the worst-case scenario is a thing of your past by taking action with proper filters in place!
The only way to be sure your drinking water is safe is with a carbon filter. These can remove contaminants, including lead and mercury as well as arsenic or manganese oxide from natural sources! Carbon Filters can take care of what we don’t see.
What are Charcoal Water Filters?
Charcoal was a type of filter that removed impurities from fluids. It is not very common now. Water flows through activated carbon granules to remove bad tastes and odors, leaving the water with a fresh clean taste!
Charcoal was a type of filter that removed impurities from fluids. It is not very common now. Water flows through activated carbon granules to remove bad tastes and odors, leaving the water with a fresh clean taste!
What are coconut water filters?
The coconut husks are heated in a lab during manufacturing. This process is what gives activated carbon its ability to absorb and neutralize toxins, making it one of the most common types used today for water filters. They do an excellent job at removing bad tastes, odors VOCs (volatile organic compounds), chlorine, and pesticides.
What is a Peat Water Filter?
The Peat Filter is one of the oldest forms of carbon. It was a way to remove contaminants from drinking water supplies. One reason why this practice no longer occurs is that people don’t want their drinking water so acidic. But this is a way to filter water.
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