What is an Activated Carbon Filter? How does it work?

 

Apart from the dirt, dust and other airborne particles smoke, smell and odour are also very important to eliminate from the surroundings. The activated carbon filter is a filtration method that helps in the removal of smoke, odour and smell. Many air purifiers come with an installed activated carbon filter and it is widely used in many air purifiers as it is the only method by which we can remove and absorb the gas pollutants to get healthy fresh and clean air.

Commonly, you will never find an air filter with only an activated carbon filter installed in it. It always comes with a combination of other filters such as a true HEPA filter. The combination of other air filters and activated carbon filters can remove the tiniest microscopic airborne particles from the environment and can help you in breathing clean and healthy air. Generally, every air purifier comes with a three-stage air cleaning system that contains- one pre-filter, 1 activated carbon filter and one true HEPA filter.

Many people contract breathing problems or asthma because of poor air quality in our surroundings, we are here to cater to all of your needs and problems related to breathing fresh air and enhancing the quality of indoor air. The best air purifier comes with an opportunity that can eliminate the tiniest particles from the air and can improve your quality of life. Many people have problems such as asthma and allergies due to dust, dirt and poor air quality and the struggle to get the best air purifier in the market. Here in this article, we will tell you about the topmost air purifiers that can solve your problems and put an end to your health issues. You will learn everything about an activated carbon filter that enhances the quality of air and removes every gas pollutant.

 

Activated Carbon Filter

An activated carbon filter is also known as a charcoal filter and it is typically a bed or a sheet of activated carbon generally present in granular or powdered block form and it has millions of tiny absorbent porous. This air filter is very efficient and popular because it fights against chemicals, gases and volatile organic compounds because it is extremely porous. However, this carbon activated filtration system cannot remove or eliminate the dust or virus particles from the year, unlike a true HEPA filter.

The original activated carbon filter is also known as a high-efficiency gas absorption filter or HEGA. This filtration system was first used by the British army for chemical warfare. Under this filtration system, gas molecules are removed through a process of adsorption. During this process of adsorption, the pollutants are struck to the outside of the activated carbon filter.

In many air purifiers, the activated carbon filter is usually used in alignment with the HEPA filter so that together they can remove tiny particles such as dust, mould, spores, pet dander, pollen and lent along with the gas molecules. Many high standards activated carbon filter process potassium iodide or potassium permanganate that remove the chemicals, smoke and formaldehyde even better.

What is the Life of Carbon?

In most air purifiers the activated carbon filter has been recognised as the very important and widely used air filter but it only works for a short period. Generally, a charcoal filter or an activated carbon filter is efficient for two to four weeks and needs to be vacuumed or cleaned before using it again. A person should always keep track of the duration of the activated carbon filter because the carbon in the air filtration system needs to be changed every few months to work efficiently. It is due to the reason that the adsorption process quickly captures the air pollutants and fills up the carbon bed. Thus, when the bed is saturated or filled, it is no longer in a position to work efficiently and perform its task.

You must be wondering whether you can use activated carbon again. The answer is yes, it just needs timely management to make it work efficiently. Moreover, the porous nature of the activated carbon makes this air filter recyclable as it pours out the order thus making its reuse. However, you can only use an activated carbon filter a maximum of three times after cleaning the filter and then you should go for a new activated carbon filter that can properly work against the gas pollutants such as chemicals, smell or odours.

More importantly, if your activated carbon filter labels mention that the filter is non-washable then you should prefer not to watch it as it will damage it entirely.

Pros and cons of activated carbon filter

Pros

• The activated carbon air filter can remove gaseous pollutants such as smoke, cooking, odour, chemicals, gases, paints and cleaning supplies.
• It can be reused at least two to three times.

Cons

• To make activated carbon filters work efficiently it needs to be combined with other air filters such as true HEPA filters.
• Also, it needs to be changed frequently after using it a maximum of 3-4 times.