What Is The Difference Between Carbon Filters And Activated Carbon Filters?

Carbon filters are an essential part of many filtration systems, especially those that are designed to purify water or air. These filters are commonly used in homes, businesses, and industries to remove impurities and contaminants from the air or water supply. However, there are different types of carbon filters, including activated carbon filters, which are often used interchangeably. In this article, we will explore the difference between carbon filters and activated carbon filters.

What is a Carbon Filter?

A carbon filter, also known as a charcoal filter, is a type of filter that uses activated carbon to remove impurities and contaminants from the air or water. Carbon filters are made of activated carbon granules that are housed in a mesh or fabric material. The activated carbon is made from charcoal that has been heated to high temperatures in the presence of an activating agent, such as steam or carbon dioxide. This process creates a network of tiny pores in the charcoal, increasing its surface area and making it more effective at trapping impurities.

Carbon filters work by adsorption, which is the process of attracting and holding impurities on the surface of the carbon. As air or water passes through the filter, the activated carbon traps the impurities, leaving behind clean air or water. Carbon filters are effective at removing common impurities such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sediment.

What is an Activated Carbon Filter?

An activated carbon filter is a specific type of carbon filter that is designed to be more effective at removing certain types of impurities. Like carbon filters, activated carbon filters are made of activated carbon granules. However, the activated carbon used in activated carbon filters is specially treated to increase its adsorption capabilities.

Activated carbon filters are made by impregnating the activated carbon with a chemical that enhances its ability to trap certain types of impurities. For example, activated carbon filters designed to remove volatile organic compounds may be impregnated with potassium permanganate or other oxidizing agents. Similarly, activated carbon filters designed to remove chlorine may be impregnated with silver to enhance its antibacterial properties.

Activated carbon filters are more effective than standard carbon filters because they have a higher surface area and are better able to attract and hold impurities. They are often used in applications where high levels of purification are required, such as in medical facilities or laboratories.

The Difference Between Carbon Filters and Activated Carbon Filters

The primary difference between carbon filters and activated carbon filters is that activated carbon filters are more effective at removing certain types of impurities. Activated carbon filters have a higher surface area and are impregnated with chemicals that enhance their adsorption capabilities, making them more effective at removing specific impurities.

Carbon filters, on the other hand, are more general-purpose filters that are effective at removing common impurities such as chlorine and sediment. While they are less effective than activated carbon filters at removing specific impurities, they are still an essential part of many filtration systems.

Conclusion

Carbon filters and activated carbon filters are both essential components of many filtration systems. While they are similar in many ways, activated carbon filters are more effective at removing certain types of impurities due to their higher surface area and impregnation with chemicals that enhance their adsorption capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between a carbon filter and an activated carbon filter will depend on the specific application and the types of impurities that need to be removed. We are an activated carbon filter supplier. If you are interested in our products, please contact us now!