When it comes to water filtration, carbon filters are one of the most effective methods for removing contaminants from water. Carbon filters are produced by shredding a carbon source, with coconut shells being the most commonly used and highly renewable. Carbon filters work by adsorption, which is when contaminants are attracted to and retained on the surface of activated carbon, similar to how a magnet attracts and retains iron filings. Carbon filters can also act as catalysts to change the chemical composition of some contaminants. Activated carbon is ideal for eliminating chlorine, organic chemicals such as pesticides, THMs such as chloroform, and many volatile organic compounds that are components of gasoline, solvents, and industrial cleaners.
For carbon filters used in reverse osmosis drinking water systems, both the carbon filter and the polishing filter (granular activated carbon filter) must be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The quality, humidity, and use of carbon can also influence the lifespan of a carbon filter. Charcoal is a type of carbon that was used in the past, but is rarely used now. Usually, all carbon filters are now made of coconut. Carbon block filters are more effective at removing more contaminants due to the increase in the surface area of the carbon.
Catalytic carbon filters are a type of carbon filter that contains a special catalytic carbon block and are highly effective in reducing chlorine and chloramine. A typical countertop or undercounter filter system has 12 to 24 ounces of activated charcoal. The most common types of carbon used in water filtration are bituminous, wood, and coconut shell carbons. While coconut shell carbon usually costs 20% more than the others, it's generally considered to be the most effective of the three. All of our activated carbon filters use coconut shell charcoal. Activated carbon filters, also known as activated carbon filters, are not like traditional water filters.
Only a few carbon filter systems have been certified for the removal of lead, asbestos, cysts, and coliforms. The type and concentration of contaminants in your water will determine whether you should use a carbon or non-carbon filter in your home. There are two main mechanisms by which activated carbon removes contaminants from water: adsorption and catalytic reduction, a process that involves attracting negatively charged polluting ions to positively charged activated carbon. Carbon filters can effectively remove or reduce many contaminants from water, including VOCs, chlorine, lead, fluoride, pesticides, and more. For a more complete list, read What Do Carbon Filters Remove? Don't wait for bad flavors and odors to return to the water before deciding if the filter needs to be replaced, as this indicates that the filter can no longer completely remove contaminants and that it has exceeded its lifespan. Some activated carbon filters can be used to remove chlorine and the unpleasant odor and taste it causes. These filters use coconut shell charcoal, wood charcoal, and other media with coconut shell being the most renewable.
In the event that any of the harmful contaminants activated carbon filters eliminate or reduce are present in your water supply it is possible to install one. Carbon block filters are made of finely ground granules usually less than 1 micron in size with a binding agent. Due to their compressed nature water flow rates are lower than those of GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filters made of loose medium. Coconut is the most common type of carbon used in water filters today as it is effective in eliminating bad flavors odors VOCs chlorine pesticides and more. When fluid passes through the filter particles larger than the spaces within the filter matrix are retained accumulating mainly on the surface of the filter. Ultimately when it comes to water filtration activated carbon is one of the most effective methods for removing contaminants from water making it an ideal choice for home filtration systems.
