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Activated Carbon Filters / Block Carbon
Filters
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Activated carbon remains the
primary material used in POU (point-of-use) water treatment devices for
the control of chlorine, taste and odor. The advantage of activated carbon
is its broad spectrum capacity to adsorb organic chemicals and promote
catalytic/chemical reduction of chlorine disinfectants, both of which contribute
to bad taste in potable water.
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To meet basic chlorine, taste
and odor reduction requirements, a bed of loose granular activated carbon (GAC) is often suitable. Modern consumer water
filters (RO systems), however,
often provide additional " health claims," including reduction of particulates
such as asbestos or other submicron materials, heavy metals, toxic organic
chemicals.
Tastes and odors in water
can be very objectionable.Tastes and odors are caused
by many things including chlorine, and dissolved gases or minerals...etc.
which tastes and smells like rotten eggs or sulfur.
Most tastes and odors can
be easily treated by a cartridge filter containing activated carbon. The
carbon absorbs the taste and odor.
Granular carbon and Solid
Block carbon
Granular activated carbon
is a well-established technology for the reduction of a wide range of aesthetic
contaminants, and is quite effective in the reduction of some health contaminants
such as volatile organic compounds (benzene, trichloroethylene, and other
"petroleum"-based contaminants.
Because of its molecular
makeup, activated carbon can adsorb well, meaning that it can take in or
collect many organic molecules on its surface. Granular activated carbon
filters are typically inexpensive, and maintenance involves replacing six
to twelve cartridges a year, depending on the quality of the raw water
and the filter media.
Specially designed solid
block and precoat activated carbon filters are also available, which are
effective at reducing heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Solid block
filters with a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns are often effective against
biological contaminants as well.
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