Activated Carbon Explained

Nov 21st 2024

Activated carbon is a powerful tool in water filtration, known for its remarkable ability to purify and cleanse. To appreciate its full potential, we need to understand what activated carbon is, how it's made, and its role in making our water safer and healthier.

What Is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon created through a unique activation process. This process increases the surface area for adsorption, allowing it to trap and remove contaminants from liquids and gases. While both activated carbon and charcoal originate from carbon-rich materials, activated carbon undergoes additional treatment to enhance its filtering capabilities, making it significantly more effective.

Activated Carbon Composition

Activated carbon production can include coconut shells, wood, coal, and peat. These raw materials are carbonized or heated without oxygen to create a carbon-rich base. Carbon is exposed to steam or chemicals at a high temperature, resulting in it "activating." This opens up countless tiny pores within the carbon structure, maximizing its adsorption capacity. Without activation, the carbon would lack the necessary surface area to filter contaminants effectively.

Uses and Benefits of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon's effectiveness extends beyond filtering water. Its versatility and benefits in various applications stem from its unique adsorption properties, making it a go-to solution for environmental and health-related challenges.

How Does Activated Carbon Work?

Activated carbon works effectively through a process called adsorption. As water or air passes through an activated carbon filter, pollutants and other impurities stick to the carbon, or are trapped in the carbon's pores, leaving the filtered substance cleaner.

Activated Carbon in Water Treatment

Activated carbon captures harmful substances to ensure the water you drink is safe to consume. Our Aquaperform water filter is an optimal choice for cleaner water in your home.

  • What does activated carbon do in a filter? An activated carbon filter can remove contaminants by trapping them in its porous structure, resulting in cleaner water.
  • What does activated carbon remove from water? Activated carbon treats contaminants, including chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals such as lead & mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastics, and forever chemicals.
  • Does activated carbon remove PFAS? Yes! Activated carbon reduces the concentration per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water.

Carbon Filtration Benefits

Activated carbon filtration benefits are vast:

  • Reduces plastic waste: Activated carbon is an environmentally friendly option as it reduces the need for plastic water bottles and other disposable filtration methods.
  • Removes harmful chemicals: It removes potentially harmful substances without adding chemicals to the water.
  • Meets certification standards: Many activated carbon filters meet stringent certification standards that ensure they perform reliably.

Explore Multipure's Filtration Systems

Activated carbon is an excellent resource in water filtration, offering a simple, chemical-free way to improve water quality. Our filtration systems, utilizing activated carbon bound in a unique solid block structure - will bring cleaner, safer, and healthier water to your home. Browse our products online or contact us with any questions.