You may have heard of “Activated carbon” because of its use across many industries. It is extensively used as filters in wastewater treatment plants to remove contaminants and other impurities from water. But have you ever wondered what these filters are and how they work? We have put together a guide to help you understand how an activated carbon filter works and how it can be beneficial to you.
What Are Activated Carbon Filters?
Activated carbon is a form of carbon that comes in a fine black powder and acts as a powerful absorbing agent. It is generally used for removing impurities, chlorine, and bad taste from the water. Activated carbon filters are also used in vacuum cleaners, ovens, compost piles, and water purification systems to selectively remove toxins and other contaminants.
Applications of Activated Carbon
- Water purification systems: Activated carbon filters are majorly used in industrial wastewater treatment plants and for providing safe drinking water to houses. Distilled breweries also use activated carbon to improve taste and remove odour.
- Cosmetics: High absorption qualities make activated carbon a brilliant choice to be used in shampoos, face masks, and other beauty products.
- Air purification: The increased presence of pollutants in the atmosphere has led to the use of activated carbon to trap odours and harmful compounds to provide clean and breathable air.
- Medical use: Many countries have started using activated carbon to maintain kidney health by flushing toxins. It has also shown promising results to treat diarrhea.
- Personal care products: Companies have started using activated carbon in oral care products such as toothpaste and teeth whitening products because of its anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties.
Working of an Activated Carbon Filter
Activated carbon water filters work efficiently because of their remarkable absorption qualities. They have pores and a large surface area, which effectively traps contaminants on the surface.
Whenever any liquid comes in contact with it, intermolecular forces react and draw out molecules on the surface area of the filter. Organic compounds such as chlorine also stick to the surface due to chemical reactions.
Activated carbon manufacturers use different filters that have large and small holes. The smaller the pore hole, the finer the filtration will be. The effectiveness of the filters also depends on the acidity, pollution, and the temperature of the water along with the time of contact between the water and the filter.
What Are the Types of Activated Carbon Water Filter?
Carbon is produced either through thermal activation or chemical activation. These two methods allow the pores to open and then the filtration process starts. However, activated carbon manufacturers treat wastewater with two types of filters-GAC, and carbon block filters.
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) – As the name suggests, GAC has loose granules of activated carbon in the filter to remove any impurities. The granules typically come in cylindrical containers that allow the water to flow easily through the cartridge.
- Carbon block filters – The main difference between GAC and solid carbon block filter is that the latter has a small particle size that allows it to remove a wide range of impurities. Water flows through the carbon block filters, eliminating a wide range of impurities. While carbon block filters are more efficient, they are also more expensive than GAC filters.
Trust Us to Provide Reliable Wastewater Treatment Solutions!
With state-of-the-art technology, our carbon water filters have enhanced the way companies treat their wastewater plants. You can effectively remove impurities from the water with our compact and specialized water solutions. We also offer the best sewage treatment plants in India as per varied specifications.
Also Read:
How Does an Activated Carbon Filter Work?
Benefits & Uses of Activated Carbon Filter in Sewage Treatment Plant
Application and Benefits Of Activated Carbon in Water Treatment