Carbon Cartridges

Description

Carbon filters remove oils, pesticides, excessive chlorine, and persistent organic pollutants.  They are typically used in whole-house filtration and drinking water applications.  Carbon filters require regular changes to stay effective. Refillable granular activated carbon filters do not have a built-in sediment filter.  Pre-filtration is highly recommended.

Filter Type

• DOE – Double open end – The filter housing seals both at the top and the bottom of the filter

How to increase carbon filter life?

• Install a Pleated Sediment Pre-filter ahead of the carbon filter to remove easy-to-capture particles.  Pre-filters are much less expensive than carbon filters, and Pleated Pre-filters will hold the most particles.
• Could you install a depth filter between the pleated and carbon filters?  These filters don’t hold as much dirt as pleated filters, but they are great at capturing long and skinny particles.

How is this stuff made?

The base material consists of carbon-rich materials like wood, coconut shells, lignite, or even certain types of coal.  The process involves heating the carbon to high temperatures to remove the cell membranes and leave the cell walls in place.  This creates an interconnected network of pores and cavities.  Organic molecules rub against the surface of the cavities and are attracted to the walls.  The next step is to grind particles.

• Granular Carbon – A course grind produces particles of varying sizes that pack well.  Sold in a convenient throw-away cartridge.
• Granular Carbon Refillable – A course grind produces particles of varying sizes that pack well.  Filter cartridges and media are sold separately.
• Carbon impregnated pleated – A medium or fine grind coated and bonded to a polyester, polypropylene, or other pleated filter.
• Carbon Block –  A fine grind produces a powder molded with the help of a binding agent like food-grade polypropylene.