If you are searching for the most effective method to eliminate impurities and hard minerals from your water, you must be familiar with activated carbon filters and charcoal filters. But have you ever considered which one is better for your needs? Let us start by understanding the material and why they are commonly preferred for water filtration methods.
Charcoal
Charcoal is derived from organic materials such as wood through Pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is a process where organic materials are burnt without oxygen. This means the temperature wood burns at is roughly 850-950 degrees Fahrenheit or 484 – 510 degrees Celsius. After the organic material (wood) has completed burning, the material is set to cool. The vents inside the kiln are also closed to eliminate any form of oxygen to ensure that the remainder is charred.
The material created through this entire process is known as charcoal. It is porous and hard. Charcoal contains a good proportion of carbon making it excellent for heating, cooking, filtration and more.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is quite similar to charcoal, but they have some significant differences that set them apart. As we have discussed, charcoal is traditionally made from organic materials, primarily wood. On the other hand, activated carbon can be created from various sources, such as
- Nutshells
- Coal
- Coconut husk
- Peat
- Ignite
- Coir
- Petroleum Pitch and more
Activated carbon is created with the help of one of these processes mentioned:
Physical Activation
There are two methods through which physical activation is achieved. First is the method of Pyrolyzation, which is also the method that creates charcoal. The second process is oxidation. This process entails exposing the carbon to steam or oxygen at the temperature of approximately 600-1200 degrees Fahrenheit or 315-648 degrees Celsius.
Chemical Activation
Chemical activation requires filling the carbon with chemicals such as phosphoric acid, zinc chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride or potassium hydroxide. Most manufacturers select chemical activation as it can be done with lower temperatures and is much quicker.
Difference Between Activated Carbon Filter and Charcoal Filter
Now that we have discovered the difference between charcoal and activated carbon, what is the difference between charcoal and activated carbon filters?
People use charcoal and activated carbon filters interchangeably, mainly because they share similar features. For example, both activated carbon and charcoal filters are porous and capture pollutants and various contaminants. But they do differ, and evidence suggests that carbon filters are better.
Firstly, activated carbon filters tend to be pure rather than charcoal filters. Activated carbon filters are usually better quality and are preferred when filtering water, unlike charcoal filters.
Activated carbon filters are mainly preferred because they have a bigger surface area. For example, one gram of activated carbon has a surface area of roughly 500 square meters. The porous material in the activated carbon filters permits water to go through while simultaneously holding onto pollutants and hard chemicals like iron, chlorine and more.
Using activated carbon filters is a great way to purify your water and ensure that it is free from contaminants and softens it. When water becomes soft, it improves the taste of water and removes any odour or colour residue. It also reduces the use of soap and improves skin and hair condition, amongst other benefits,
Although charcoal filters remove impurities, activated carbon filters ensure you get safe and high-quality water for daily use.
Find The Best Activated Carbon Filters From Cleantech Waters
We at Cleantech Waters are India’s leading activated carbon manufacturer; we supply you with superior-quality activated carbon filters for all your requirements. Whether you need activated carbon filter systems for sewage treatment plants or to purify wastewater, our carbon filters come equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an execution system to provide clean water. We have horizontal and vertical activated carbon filters designed per IS or ASME norms. They have a well-designed collection and distribution system that uses high-grade MS/FRP/MSRL/SS materials.
To know more about the features of our product, feel free to contact us at +91-9558996411 or send us a quick email regarding your queries at info@cleantechwater.co.in.