Carbon water filters, often referred to as "charcoal" filters, are primarily made using a specific type of carbon known as granular activated carbon (GAC). This material is created through a detailed process that enhances its filtering capabilities.
The Process of Making Granular Activated Carbon Filters
The following table breaks down the main steps in producing carbon water filters:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Selection | The process starts with choosing organic materials rich in carbon. Common sources include coconut shells and coal. These materials serve as the base for the activated carbon. |
| 2. Carbonization | The chosen organic material is heated to very high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This crucial step, called carbonization, converts the raw material into a carbon structure with reduced impurities. |
| 3. Activation | The carbonized material undergoes another heat treatment at high temperatures, this time to activate it. This activation process dramatically increases the surface area of the carbon. In the absence of oxygen, the material is modified to create a porous structure which allows it to adsorb contaminants. This is what gives the filter its ability to capture impurities. |
| 4. Shaping and Packaging | The activated carbon is then ground into granules of specific sizes, and it's then packaged in cartridges that can be easily inserted into water filter housings and other systems. |
Key Points of the Manufacturing Process
- High Carbon Source: Raw materials such as coconut shells and coal are vital because of their high carbon content.
- Heat Without Oxygen: The use of heat in the absence of oxygen during carbonization and activation prevents combustion and creates a porous structure instead.
- Increased Surface Area: The activation process is critical because it dramatically increases the surface area of the carbon material, enabling it to trap impurities. This is why these filters are also known as "charcoal" filters, though the term "activated carbon" is more precise.
- Different Forms: The granular activated carbon is used in different forms, including cartridges, pitcher filters, faucet filters and more.
By understanding this process, it is evident that carbon water filters rely on carefully engineered carbon materials to remove impurities effectively.
