Carbon Block And Granular Carbon Filters

Granular carbon filters and carbon block systems basically perform using the same process of contaminant removal, adsorption, which is the chemical or physical bond of a contaminant to the surface of the filter media. GAC, granular activated carbon, is recognized by the U.S. EPA as the best available technology for the removal of organic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Carbon block filters have essentially the same performance characteristics with a few added advantages. Carbon block filters are extruded or compressed so that the carbon medium is in a solid form. This gives the ability to precisely combine multiple media in a sub-micron filter cartridge. By combining different media the ability to selectively remove a wide range of contaminants is achieved. Also the sub-micron pore structure gives the added benefit of parasite or cyst reduction. By creating a sub-micron physical barrier, the filter can eliminate dangerous organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Carbon based filters, by far, have the ability to produce the healthiest water when configured properly. Different types of carbons can be combined with a variety of other catalytic filter media to naturally and selectively remove contaminants while leaving the natural minerals intact.
 
It is essential for the best performance to be achieved that a multi stage process be used in order to remove contaminants in stages. Taking out the most concentrated and competitive chemicals first, like chlorine, allows the final stages of the filter to achieve a much higher level of effectiveness for the more difficult contaminants like pesticides and herbicides.