There are many different kinds of filtration systems or devices that you can use within your home, and carbon water filters are one effective option. All of these different styles and variations work differently from one another, and it’s important to learn to distinguish between them. Take a look at this quick guide about the activated carbon water filter, how it works and the different options that are available for you to purchase.
A carbon water filter uses a quantity of activated carbon to help absorb contaminants that are otherwise present in the filter. Activated carbon is a term used to describe carbon that has been “activated” with a slight electric charge, which will make it easier to attract even more particles in the filtration process. Activated carbon will carry a slight positive charge to make it attract negative ions of contaminants. The carbon material itself can be derived from any number of different sources, including coconut shell, wood and bituminous.
Carbon is so effective as a filtration medium because it has a massive surface area for a small amount of material, with a pound of carbon having intricate layers of surface area covering well over 100 acres of space. Additionally, carbon itself is hydrophobic and oleophilic. This means that water will flow right through to get away from the material, while oils and other contaminants will be attracted to the material and will be absorbed. With all of that surface space, the water will be passing through and coming into contact with a great deal of the medium, providing maximum absorption.
Typical carbon water filters for the home will come in one of two styles. The first is the granular activated carbon, which has small granules of carbon material, in various different sizes or shapes depending on the model, application or brand that you settle on. The second is powdered block carbon, which may be more effective for certain applications or removing certain contaminants, but is usually more expensive.
An activated carbon water filter can be used to help clear your water from many different compounds and contaminants. At the forefront of this you’ll find chlorine, various unpleasant smells and tastes, radon, VOCs, and all kinds of natural sediment. You’ll also be helping to clear heavy metals and hydrogen sulfide.
You won’t, however, be removing any bacteria or viruses, which is important to remember. That’s why sometimes carbon water filters are used as the first filtration medium or process in a multi-step approach using different systems. However, for home usage, carbon still removes a variety of different compounds and contaminants that will help to provide you with healthier, safer and better tasting water.
So that’s how carbon water filters work, and what you need to know to understand their functionality. There are many different options available on the market today, covering a broad range of budgets, applications, sizes and more. If you’re ready to buy an activated carbon water filter just be sure to keep all of the above information in mind and you’ll be on your way to making a sound decision.
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