Yes, most water distillers do utilize filters.
While distillation is a highly effective method for purifying water by boiling it and collecting the steam (which leaves behind minerals, heavy metals, and many contaminants), some volatile compounds can vaporize and carry over with the steam. This is where filters come into play.
How Filters Enhance Distillation
The primary process of distillation removes a wide range of impurities by converting water to steam and then back to liquid, leaving less volatile substances behind. However, certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous impurities can transfer with the steam into the final collected water.
To address this, many distillers include an additional filtration step. As highlighted by one source, "Most distillers use a small activated carbon filter at the spout, which removes these contaminants as water drips down into the holding container." This filter acts as a final polishing step to capture impurities that might make it through the distillation process itself.
The Role of Activated Carbon Filters
The most common type of filter used in conjunction with water distillers is an activated carbon filter. These filters are effective due to their large surface area, which can adsorb (not absorb) impurities.
- Adsorption Process: Contaminants are chemically bonded to the surface of the carbon material as the water passes through.
- Target Contaminants: Activated carbon is particularly good at removing substances that affect taste and odor, including:
- Residual chlorine (if present in source water and carried over)
- Certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Off-flavors and smells that may have carried over with the steam
This post-distillation filtration step ensures the final purified water is not only free from non-volatile contaminants but also tastes and smells clean.
Filter Maintenance
Like any filter, the activated carbon filter in a distiller has a limited capacity for adsorption. It requires periodic replacement according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain optimal performance. Regular replacement ensures the filter continues to effectively remove any lingering volatile impurities from the distilled water.
