Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filtration is a critical process in improving water quality by removing organic compounds, chlorine, and other pollutants through adsorption. The activated carbon material, typically derived from charcoal, has a vast surface area that allows it to capture contaminants effectively. This filtration technique enhances the taste and odour of water, making it more suitable for drinking and other uses.

How Activated Carbon Filtration Works

Activated carbon operates by adsorbing pollutants onto its extensive surface area. When water flows through the activated carbon filter, the carbon’s porous structure traps organic molecules and other impurities, preventing them from continuing through the water supply. This method is highly effective for removing a range of contaminants, including:

• Chlorine and chloramines, which are commonly used in municipal water treatment.
• Organic chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents, which can enter water supplies from industrial and agricultural sources.
• By-products of water chlorination, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pose health risks.

Applications of Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filtration is versatile and can be used in various settings, including:

• Municipal Water Treatment: To remove disinfectants and their by-products, improving the overall taste and safety of drinking water.
• Home Water Filtration Systems: Often used in point-of-use filters (like water pitchers and faucet filters) and point-of-entry systems that treat the water for an entire household.
• Industrial Processes: To purify solvents and chemicals, and to control pollution in wastewater.
• Aquariums: To keep water clear and remove toxins from fish tanks.
• Air Purification: Although not a water filtration application, activated carbon is also effective in removing odours and volatile chemicals from the air.

Advantages of Activated Carbon Filtration

• High Efficiency in Contaminant Removal: Activated carbon can remove a wide range of chemical impurities.
• Improvement in Taste and Odour: By removing chlorine and organic compounds, activated carbon significantly enhances the sensory qualities of water.
• Flexibility and Ease of Use: Activated carbon filters are easy to install and maintain, and they can be integrated into various filtration systems, both large scale and small scale.
• Cost-Effective: It offers a cost-effective solution for treating water, especially considering the broad spectrum of contaminants it can address.