First, you need to understand what is Activated Carbon.
Activated carbon is material that is made out of carbon molecules and is activated by heating in very high temperatures inside a special kind of kiln. This will result in the development of a network of pores, which makes the surface area increase.
It is said that the surface area of one gram of activated carbon is roughly equal to the size of a football field.
How to choose carbon water filter?
- Activated carbon water filters
Activated carbon filters are made by blending carbon and special chemicals, which binds them together at very high pressure. These blocks will be able to filter out chemicals like chlorine, odor, taste, lead, and sediment from the water, making it safe to drink. The quality of filtration will depend on the filter you use.
Tip: Make sure that the source of the activated carbon is from Coconut. This is because the micropores of the Coconut based activated carbon are about the same size as the molecules of water. The micro-pores of coal and wood-based activated carbon are usually much more significant and thereby won’t be as effective in the filtration of water.
Another thing to consider is the ash content of the carbon water filter. In wood-based activated carbon, it is around 10-15%, and for Coconut activated carbon filters, it is about 3 to 5 %.
- Understand the performance metrics of the filter
You will need to understand the capacity and the chlorine reduction percentage of the filter before choosing them. The data of such filters is represented in a graph, and it will tell you how effective it is in the filtration of chlorine and other contaminants. The acceptable rate for this is 98%. If your filter does not match this, then you will need a replacement of the carbon water filter.
- Ask for the iodine value of the block
The iodine value of the water filter determines the efficiency in the absorption of the activated carbon. The higher the iodine value is, the better the filter block performs. It would be best if you got a filter block which has an iodine value higher than 1000.
Activated carbon filters are scientifically proven and are suited to filter out the contaminants, odors, and tastes from the water, making it a necessary device. You need to ensure that your activated carbon filter meets the industry standards making it safe for your water consumption. This guide for selecting carbon water filter covers all the necessary things you need to look out for