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What is the function of an activated carbon filter?
Release Date:
2023-01-10
The adsorption principle of an activated carbon filter is that a balanced surface concentration forms on the particle surfaces, after which organic impurities are adsorbed into the activated carbon particles, resulting in highly effective adsorption during the initial stages of use. However, over time, the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon diminishes, and the filtration performance declines. If the aquarium water is turbid and contains high levels of organic matter, the activated carbon will quickly lose its filtering effectiveness; therefore, it should be cleaned or replaced regularly. So what is the function of an activated carbon filter?
The adsorption principle of an activated carbon filter is that a balanced surface concentration forms on the particle surfaces, after which organic impurities are adsorbed into the activated carbon particles, resulting in high adsorption efficiency during the initial period of use. However, over time, the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon diminishes, and the filtration performance declines. If the aquarium water is turbid and contains high levels of organic matter, the activated carbon will quickly lose its filtering function; therefore, it should be cleaned or replaced regularly. So what is the role of an activated carbon filter?
What is the function of an activated carbon filter?
1. The primary function of an activated carbon filter is to remove macromolecular organic compounds, ferric oxide, and residual chlorine. Organic compounds, residual chlorine, and ferric oxide can all readily cause poisoning of ion-exchange resins; moreover, residual chlorine and cationic surfactants not only poison the resin but also damage the membrane structure, leading to failure of the reverse osmosis membrane.
2. The adsorption capacity of an activated carbon filter is directly proportional to the contact time with the water; the longer the contact time, the better the quality of the filtered water. The filtered water should flow out of the filter bed slowly. Before using new activated carbon, it must be thoroughly rinsed; otherwise, dark-colored water may emerge. Prior to installing the activated carbon filter in the filtration system, place a 2–3 cm layer of sponge at both the bottom and the top to prevent the passage of large particles such as algae. After 2–3 months of use, if the filtration performance declines, the activated carbon should be replaced, and the sponge layer should be periodically renewed as well.
3. Activated carbon filters utilize the pores of activated carbon to adsorb and remove macromolecular organic compounds, residual chlorine, ferric oxide, and other colloidal substances from water. This adsorption is irreversible, meaning that activated carbon has a finite adsorption capacity. Once this capacity is saturated, the activated carbon loses its adsorptive performance and cannot be restored by backwashing. Furthermore, the adsorption of organic matter by activated carbon provides an abundant nutrient source for bacteria, leading to a significant bacterial population within the filter and an increase in the microbial count in the filtered water.
How to maintain an activated carbon filter?
Before the activated carbon adsorption bed becomes saturated, regular backwashing should be performed to remove the large amounts of bacteria and suspended solids accumulated on the carbon surface. Once the activated carbon is saturated, it must be replaced immediately; otherwise, irreparable damage may be inflicted on the reverse osmosis membrane.
What impact does the particle size of activated carbon have?
The particle size of activated carbon also affects its adsorption capacity: generally, the smaller the particles, the larger the surface area available for filtration. Consequently, powdered activated carbon has a much greater total surface area and delivers superior adsorption performance. However, powdered activated carbon tends to be easily carried into the aquarium by the water flow, making it difficult to control, so it is seldom used. In contrast, granular activated carbon, due to its solid particle form, does not flow readily; organic matter and other impurities in the water are less likely to clog the carbon filter bed, resulting in strong adsorption capacity and easier handling and replacement.
Keywords:
Activated carbon filter
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