What is an activated carbon filter and how does it work?
An activated carbon filter is a filter that uses highly porous activated carbon to bind impurities. Activated carbon has been processed to have a large surface area, which enables its effective ability to bind chemical compounds and pollutants.
How does activated carbon clean air and water?
The power of activated carbon is based on its ability to absorb impurities in its pores. In a process called adsorption, the carbon's pores trap gaseous and liquid contaminants such as organic compounds, chemicals, and unpleasant odors.
- In air cleaningactivated carbon filters trap chemicals, odor molecules and even certain gases that can be harmful to health.
- In water purificationactivated carbon removes chlorine, organic impurities, such as pesticides, and improves the taste and smell of water.
One of the biggest advantages of an activated carbon filter is its ability to handle a wide range of contaminants without significantly affecting the basic properties of the medium being filtered, such as air or water.
Where are activated carbon filters used?
Activated carbon filters are widely used both in households and in industry. They are common, for example, in the following applications:
- Air purifiers:The filters of air purifiers intended for the home often contain activated carbon, which removes odors, gases and chemicals from the room air.
- Water purifiers:Filters used to clean tap water often use activated carbon to remove chlorine, organic compounds and other harmful substances.
- Kitchen hoods:Many range hoods have an active carbon filter that removes cooking odors and prevents them from spreading to the rest of the apartment.
- Aquarium filtration systems:Activated carbon filters remove toxins and impurities from the aquarium water, which keeps the fish's habitat healthy.
In addition to these, activated carbon filters are also found in the automotive industry, hospitals and even in special applications, such as controlling chemical leaks.