Water is the most important substance for life on Earth, and access to safe drinking water is a major global challenge in the twenty-first century. All living creatures require clean and purified water as a basic requirement.
Water covers more than 71% of the earth's surface, but only around 1% of it is drinkable according to international standards due to countless contaminants.
Carbon filtration, for example, eliminates or reduces the concentration of contaminants and undesired components in water, allowing it to be used for its intended purpose. This method is essential for human health since it allows people to profit from both irrigation and drinking.
What is a Carbon Filtration System?
In water filtration, carbon is a regularly utilized media. Carbon filtration is one of the most widely used water treatment methods. It is used in practically every sort of water filter system, including refrigerator filters, backpacking water filters, shower filters, pitcher filters, reverse osmosis water purification systems and whole-house filters.
Carbon filtering is a filtration technology that employs a surface of activated carbon to adsorb contaminants from a fluid.
Carbon Filtration for Clean Water
The most reliable method of obtaining excellent water that is free of particulates and microbiological contaminants is to use a water treatment system.
In water treatment, carbon filters are used to remove pollutants and toxins. A carbon filter aids in the removal of pollutants and impurities from water.
For home water treatment, granular activated carbon (GAC) or equivalent powdered block carbon are utilized.
Secondary materials are utilized in most carbon filters used in purifying water to assist prevent bacteria from growing inside the filter.
Why is Activated Carbon Used in Filtration Systems?
The enormous surface area of activated carbon contributes significantly to its effectiveness. As a result, it may effectively filter pollutants using physical absorption. Contaminants in dirty water are drawn to the carbon's surface, where they accumulate in the micron gap. For these pores, which act as parking spots for contaminants when dirty water runs through them, carbon filters are commonly known as parking spaces.
The amount of filtration is influenced by the pore size; the smallest pores give the best filtration. Similarly, the length of time water is in connection with the surface of activated carbon has an impact on filtration. The finer the filtering, the longer the duration. As a result, finer activated carbon filters combined with low pressure provide the optimum filtration efficacy.
The filtering effect is also influenced by the micron rating, which defines the shape of pollutants that will flow through the filter. The pore diameters in activated carbon blocks range from 0.5 microns to 10 microns. However, the pore size must not be too small; otherwise, water molecules may be unable to move freely. The optimal pore size is between 1 and 5 microns.
Where are Carbon Filtration Systems Used?
Carbon filtration is extensively employed in the eradication of siloxanes and hydrogen sulfide from biogas, as well as for water purification, air filtration, and industrial gas processing. It's also utilized in respirator masks, sugarcane purification, various coffee decaffeination processes, and the extraction of precious metals, particularly gold. It's also found in automobile exhaust ventilation systems and cigarette filters.
When it comes to removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sediment, taste, and odor from water, charcoal carbon filters are the most effective. Salts, minerals, and dissolved inorganic compounds are not removed effectively.
However, because an activated carbon unit will not eliminate hardness if the water includes high levels of magnesium and calcium (hard water), softening is still required. It won't get rid of dissolved metals like iron, lead, manganese, or copper, nor will it get rid of chlorides, nitrates, or fluorides.
Types of Carbon Filters
In water purification systems, there are two types of carbon filters. If you are looking for a filter for your home or industrial purposes, these filters would be the most available in the market. They are described below.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Granular activated carbon is a carbon type that is made up of microscopic, loose carbon granules. GAC filters are most typically used as a "polishing filter" in the water purification process, and they improve the taste and smell of drinking water significantly.
Filters made of granular activated carbon (GAC) have a very high adsorption capacity and can remove a wide range of pollutants.
VOCs, pesticides, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates and other contaminants are frequently removed using GAC filters.
Disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine are used in municipal water treatment plants, and they can leave an unpleasant taste and smell in drinking water. GAC filters are typically used as single or multiple stages in a reverse osmosis system because they can improve flavor and odor.
Carbon Block Filters
The loose bits of carbon are crushed together to create a filter in a carbon block filter.
Compressed activated carbon of one pound in a carbon block filter has the surface area of a 160-acre farm. This by far makes it the most adsorbent material out there!
Water flow rates are much lower in a carbon block filter than in a GAC filter consisting of loose media due to the compacted form of the filter. The micron rating of the filter has an impact on flow rates. The micron rating of a carbon block filter is determined by how much carbon is squeezed.
How Much Will it Cost?
Block and granular activated carbon filters are the two types available. Filter cartridges on both must be updated once a year. Organic compounds are used to make granular carbon filters. Installing both systems costs between $50 and $500.
How Often Do You Need to Change Carbon Filters?
Every 18-24 months of constant (24/7) use, carbon filters need to be replaced. Carbon filters have been demonstrated to survive up to four years, though this varies depending on the company's product. The carbon grade, usage, humidity, and plant kind all affect how long these filters last.
When replacing your carbon filter, keep the following in mind:
* Carbon particles of various sorts. The pelletized particles have a longer shelf life than the granulated ones.
* The density of the filter influences how long it lasts.
* Humidity levels in the surroundings indicate that the filters are appropriate for up to 60% - 70% humidity.
To Sum Up
Whatever water purification system you choose, it is suggested and ideal to purchase it from a reputable company. This will ensure that you have clean, treated water.