When it comes to water purity, just removing germs is not enough. Sometimes odor, bad taste and chemicals are also present in the water. To overcome these problems, Activated Carbon Filter is used.
This filter is prepared from activated carbon made from coconut shell or coal, which absorbs chlorine, pesticides and other harmful chemicals present in the water. This not only makes the water safe but also improves its taste and smell.
In this article, you will learn in detail what Activated Carbon Filter is, how it works and why it is an important part of modern water purifiers.
What is Activated Carbon Filter?
Activated Carbon Filter is a very effective technology for cleaning water. The Activated Carbon used in water filtration is actually prepared from coconut shells, wood or coal.
A special process is adopted to “Activate” carbon in which it is heated at a very high temperature. This process opens up small pores in carbon, which increases its surface area manifold.
This is the reason why Activated Carbon absorbs dirt, chlorine, odor and bad taste present in water more effectively than ordinary carbon.
Ordinary carbon does not have such capacity because its surface is limited. This feature of Activated Carbon Filter makes it an essential part of modern water purifiers.
Key Takeaways:
- Activated Carbon is different from ordinary carbon because its surface area is larger.
- It absorbs the odor, taste and harmful elements from the water.
- Activated Carbon Filter is a must in every modern water purifier.
How Does an Activated Carbon Filter Work?
The job of an Activated Carbon Filter is to purify water in a step-by-step manner. When you understand how it works, you get to know the real science of clean water.
Let’s understand its working process in simple language:
1. Water Flow:
First of all, water passes through granules or blocks made of activated carbon. These granules are filled with very small pores.
2. Adsorption Process:
The most important process here is called Adsorption. In this impurities, chlorine, and chemicals stick to the surface of the carbon. Remember, this is different from Absorption. Absorption means absorption of something, while Adsorption means stopping on the surface. Activated Carbon Filter keeps the impurities on its surface.
3. Clean and Tasty Water:
When the impurities get trapped on the carbon surface, the water comes out clearer, odorless and tastes better. This is why many people call Activated Carbon Filter as a filter that improves the smell and taste of water.
Important Points to Remember:
- Activated Carbon Filter works by Adsorption process, not Absorption.
- It purifies water by trapping chlorine, odor and harmful chemicals on the surface.
- This filter is most effective in improving the taste and smell of clean water.
Types of Activated Carbon Filters in Water Purifiers
Activated Carbon Filter is available in different forms, and each type has its own advantages and uses. It is important to choose the right type of filter based on the quality of water and your needs.
Let’s understand the main types of Activated Carbon Filter in detail:
1. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC):
This type of filter contains loose carbon granules. Its specialty is that water can pass through it quickly, that is, its Flow Rate is High. However, its ability to remove impurities is not as strong as carbon block.
2. Carbon Block:
In this, carbon is pressed and made in the form of a block. Its surface is more dense, which makes it capable of removing more pollutants, chlorine and odor. It works a little slower than Granular Activated Carbon, but the purification capacity is excellent.
3. Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC):
It contains very fine particles of carbon powder. It is often used in combination with other filter systems to further improve purification capabilities. PAC filters are primarily used to block excess odors and chemicals.
Key Takeaways:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) provides faster water flow.
- Carbon Block removes contaminants most effectively.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) is more useful as a support filter.
Impurities Removed by Activated Carbon Filter
Activated Carbon Filter helps in removing many harmful impurities in cleaning water. Its main job is to stop things like chemicals, chlorine and odor, giving you fresh and better tasting water.
Let’s know which impurities Activated Carbon Filter removes:
1. Chlorine and its by-products:
Chlorine is added to drinking water so that bacteria do not grow, but this causes strong odor and bitterness in the water. Activated Carbon Filter removes these elements and improves the taste and smell of water.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
VOCs get mixed in water due to industrial and household chemicals. These can harm health if consumed for a long time. Activated Carbon Filter absorbs these harmful chemicals.
3. Pesticides and Herbicides:
Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture sometimes reach water sources. This filter helps remove them, making the water safer.
4. Bad taste and odor causing substances:
Organic matter, chlorine and other chemicals present in water spoil the taste of water. Activated Carbon Filter removes these and provides fresh water.
5. Some Microorganisms (Limited):
This filter can stop bacteria and microorganisms to some extent, but is not fully capable of removing viruses and all types of pathogens. Therefore, it is often used in combination with other filter technologies (such as UF or UV).
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Activated Carbon Filter is best at improving taste and odor.
- It removes harmful impurities like chlorine, VOCs and pesticides.
- It must be used with other filters to remove all pathogens.
Benefits of Using an Activated Carbon Filter
The Activated Carbon Filter not only makes your drinking water safe, but also makes it more refreshing and tasty. This is why it is an integral part of modern water purifiers.
Let’s understand its main Benefits:
1. Improves the taste and smell of water:
The Activated Carbon Filter removes chlorine, organic chemicals and odor-causing elements. This makes the water taste natural and fresh.
2. Removes harmful chemicals and pesticides:
Pesticides and herbicides used in farming, as well as chemicals like VOCs and chlorine, can make water unsafe. The Activated Carbon Filter absorbs these and makes the water clean and drinkable.
3. Makes it safer when combined with other technologies:
When Activated Carbon Filter is used with RO, UV or UF Purifier, it increases the overall purification capability of water. It improves the taste while the other technologies remove dissolved salts and microorganisms.
4. Eco-Friendly and Easy Replacement:
This filter works without electricity and is also safe for the environment. Plus, by simply replacing it from time to time, you can get pure water for a long time.
Important Takeaways:
- Activated Carbon Filter is great for improving taste and odor.
- It removes harmful substances like chemicals, VOCs and pesticides.
- When combined with RO/UV/UF, it provides even better protection.
- No electricity required and can be easily replaced.
Limitations of Activated Carbon Filters
Activated Carbon Filter is very useful in cleaning water, but it also has some limitations that you need to know. Understanding when and how to use it is important for your safety and water quality.
Let’s take a look at its Limitations:
1. Does not remove dissolved salts and heavy metals:
While Activated Carbon Filter can remove chlorine, VOCs and some chemicals, it cannot remove dissolved salts and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic etc. from water.
2. Not effective for high TDS or highly polluted water:
If your water is very dirty or has high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), then Activated Carbon Filter alone is not enough. For such water, it is necessary to use it in combination with RO or UF system.
3. Needs to be replaced regularly:
The capacity of carbon decreases with time. If the filter is not replaced on time, it is not able to remove impurities effectively. Hence, regular checking and replacement is necessary.
Important Points to Remember:
- Activated Carbon Filter cannot remove all types of contaminants.
- Use it along with other technologies in high TDS or heavily contaminated water.
- Timely replacement is a must to maintain the efficiency of the filter.
Where are Activated Carbon Filters used?
Activated Carbon Filter is used in many types of water purification systems nowadays. It is used not only in homes but also on a large scale to improve the safety and taste of water.
1. In Domestic RO, UV and Gravity-based Purifiers:
Activated Carbon Filter is installed as a primary or secondary filter in most of the water purifiers used in homes. It makes the water drinkable by removing taste, odor and chlorine from the water.
2. In Portable Water Filter Bottles:
Activated Carbon Filter is also used in small and portable water filter bottles made for travel or office. It helps in making the water tasty and safe instantly.
3. In Commercial Water Treatment Systems:
In large industries and commercial institutions, Activated Carbon Filter is used in large water purification systems. It ensures water quality by removing chemical impurities and odor.
Key Takeaways:
- Activated Carbon Filter is used in both household and portable purifiers.
- It is also useful in commercial and industrial water purification.
- Its main purpose is to improve taste, odor and chemical impurities of water.
Maintenance and Replacement Tips for Activated Carbon Filter
Proper care and timely replacement of the Activated Carbon Filter ensures the quality and safety of your water. If neglected, it may be unable to remove impurities effectively.
1. Replacement Recommendation:
Generally, the Activated Carbon Filter should be replaced at an interval of 8-12 months. This depends on how much water you use and how dirty the water is.
2. Signs to change the filter:
If the taste or smell of the water changes, or the flow of water slows down, then it is a sign that it is time to replace the filter. If not replaced on time, the efficiency of the filter decreases.
3. Cleaning other parts:
To keep the filter effective for a long time, it is also important to clean and disinfect other parts of the purifier regularly. This reduces the risk of contamination and bacteria.
Important Points to Remember:
- Replace the Activated Carbon Filter every 8-12 months.
- Replace immediately if there is a bad taste, odor or slow flow.
- Clean other filters and tank parts regularly.
Conclusion
Activated Carbon Filter plays an important role in water purification. It is highly effective in removing taste, odor and chemical impurities, making water drinkable and refreshing.
However, Activated Carbon Filter alone cannot remove all types of contaminants. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with RO, UV or UF systems to ensure that the water is completely safe and healthy.
It is very important to choose a filter according to the source of water and your needs. If your water is already less polluted, then Activated Carbon Filter may be sufficient, but it alone is not enough for more dirty or high TDS water.
FAQs Section:
Q1. What is Activated Carbon Filter?
Activated Carbon Filter is a filter that removes chlorine, chemicals, odor and taste from water and makes the water drinkable.
Q2. How does Activated Carbon Filter work?
It passes water through activated carbon granules or blocks. The porous surface present in it catches the impurities through adsorption.
Q3. What are the types of Activated Carbon Filters?
The main types are:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) – for faster flow.
- Carbon Block – for more impurities removal.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) – for use with other filters.
Q4. What does an Activated Carbon Filter remove?
It removes chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, odors and taste altering agents. It also blocks microbial impurities to some extent.
Q5. How often should an Activated Carbon Filter be replaced?
It should generally be replaced every 8–12 months. Signs: bad taste, odor or slow water flow.
Q6. Can it remove all contaminants alone?
No. It does not remove soluble salts, heavy metals and viruses. For high TDS or very dirty water, it should be used with RO/UV/UF system.
Q7. Where is Activated Carbon Filter used?
- Domestic RO, UV and Gravity-based purifiers
- Portable water filter bottles
- Commercial water treatment systems