Activated carbon filters

Carbon filters are widely used in water treatment, in the home as much as in industry. They remove chlorine and its derivatives, organic compounds and heavy metals from water.

Why activated carbon?

Activated carbon is produced from wood and organic residues, which makes it simple and sustainable to obtain. Its most important property is its enormous surface area per unit of mass: just 250 g of activated carbon provides a filter surface of around 50 m², and an average filter cartridge contains 500 g. That is why activated carbon is the adsorbent of choice for thousands of different contaminants.

For domestic use the rule is simple: after about a year, swap the cartridge for a new one - regenerating it is not worthwhile with household filters.

Types of activated carbon

Compressed carbon (carbon block) - a compacted form that produces little dust. The block can double as a pre-filter and hold back mechanical contaminants, although deposits on the block gradually reduce filter performance.

Granular carbon (GAC) - the form most commonly used in filter cartridges. Granulate binds chlorine particularly effectively, improves the taste and smell of the water and is less prone to clogging than pressed carbon.

Coconut shell carbon - the highest-grade variant, available as a block or as granulate. Made from coconut shells, it offers the highest adsorption capacity.

Activated carbon does more than chlorine

Activated carbon also removes volatile organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, benzene, trihalomethanes, radon and solvents from water. Carbon blocks additionally hold back mechanical contaminants such as sand, rust and sediment down to 0.5 micrometres.

A carbon filter works best with a mechanical filter stage ahead of it, which keeps the porous surface of the carbon free for the adsorption that matters. In our reverse osmosis systems activated carbon is a permanent part of the filter chain; matching cartridges are available in our online shop .