What is a carbon filter?
A carbon filter, or activated carbon filter as it is sometimes called, is primarily used for its absorbent capacities and the removal of dissolved organics. Tastes and Odours: an activated carbon filter will also remove chlorine and other halogens and low-molecular-weight substances (below 100mm). Activated carbon filters are very prone to infection from bacteria and can become somewhat of a breeding ground. All activated carbon filters must be periodically sterilised to avoid bacterial growth and contamination. An activated carbon filter is backwashed frequently with a reverse flow wash but will eventually exhaust, unless fitted after a reverse osmosis plant or after ultra-filtration. Activated carbon can be re-activated once completely exhausted but this requires a heat treatment process which cannot always be undertaken on site and, owing to its relatively low cost, is usually just replaced.
