What is Activated Carbon Filter?

Carbon filter is the loose pieces of activated charcoal that are compressed together as a filter. 

Carbon filter is commonly used in air purification or water filtration processes. In fact, nearly water filtration and air purification are depending on carbon filter. 

Charcoal traditionally made from wood, and the activated carbon made from wood, coconut shells, nutshells, and other byproduct materials. 

1. Physical activation. 

This first process to produce charcoal is pyrolization. The second one is oxidation, exposing the carbon to oxygen in a high temperature. Usually between 500 – 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Chemical activation.

This process is involving the impregnating carbon with some chemicals. Including sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium chloride, or zinc chloride. 

How do Carbon Filters Work?

Carbon filters works through adsorption, which means when the contaminants lingered on the surfaces, the activated carbon will held it. It is more likely a magnet that attracts iron. 

Activated carbon is great to remove chlorine, organic chemicals, chloroform, and VOCs that are parts of gasoline, solvents and industrial cleaners. 

How Often Should Activated Carbon Filters Be Changed?

Activated Carbon Filter must be changed at least every 6-12 months. It is depending on how the users using it.  

After a long time using the activated carbon, the molecules in the filter will not efficiently work to adsorption the particles and chemicals. 

There are wide various of activated carbon filters’ price. Starting from $50 to $1,000 per each. To sustain your air purification and water filtration system, you need to change the air filter regularly. 

Hire a professional to replace the activated carbon filter to prevent any mistakes and get a fully maintenance from them. 

What is the Difference between an Activated Carbon Filter and a Charcoal Filter?

The main difference between activated carbon and charcoals is the filter materials. Both have a hard structure, porous substances that can capture contaminants. 

The activated carbon is purer and better-quality than activated charcoal. 

Both activated carbon filter and charcoal filter can be used as filter. 

But, the purity and effectiveness of activated carbon is way greatest than the activated charcoal.  The activated carbon is work effective in a large surface area.