An active carbon filter consists of 100% natural parts. Often the filter consists of coal, wood or coconuts. It is not a new phenomenon that these natural "ingredients" are used. Coal produced from these materials has been used for many years but in recent years it has become more widespread, which is why, for example, it is today also used to purify water.

How is active carbon produced?

Active carbon is produced at high temperatures, often around 800 degrees, during which the coal is steamed with water and carbon dioxide. This causes the surface of the coal to expand and form a multitude of pores of different sizes. The durable surface of coal performs well against water, which often has a very abrasive effect on material. This means that the coal does not degrade over time due to the water - it retains its existence. The pores that form on the surface, and which create a lot of holes of varying size, are the weapon against the substances against which the activated carbon is used. The substances are captured and bound in these holes while the water runs through.

Because the substances are absorbed into the holes, it also means that over time these holes are filled up and thus do not absorb anymore. The activated carbon filter must therefore be replaced (after approx. 350 l).

The possibilities with an active carbon water filter

As active carbon actually originates from nature, the possibilities for applications are many, as active carbon does not contain anything artificial. It is also for this reason that coal is used for purifying water, which can then be drunk and thus poured into the body.

At Filter-Online we have 2 categories of active carbon. One consists of water filter jugs with an active carbon filter that purifies the water. The second category is the filters themselves, which you can see on this page. The filters have different areas of application and you certainly know best yourself what you need, but should you be in doubt, please contact us and tell us about the purpose of the filter.

As mentioned, active carbon water filters are used because activated carbon has the property that it can accumulate unwanted substances. But what exactly is being accumulated?

When water comes out of the tap, it has not been purified after being pumped up from the ground, which is why there are still a lot of substances in it that we do not really want. However, these substances are not dangerous enough for the water to be purified before it reaches the taps. But it is definitely a good idea to do something about it, when the substances add an unpleasant taste and smell to the water. If you have an active carbon filter mounted on the water supply to your home, you will thus experience the following:

• Removal of chlorine
• Removal of pesticides
• Removal of taste and smell

Removal of chlorine

When the water is being supplied, it runs in underground pipes. Chlorine is added in these pipes to keep them clean and kill bacteria (just like in a swimming pool). However, chlorine gives off both an odour and a taste, which is again known from the swimming pool. These two things can be removed by an activated carbon filter, so when you drink the water, you will find that it does not have a sharp taste, but it is now just round and full-bodied.

Removal of pesticides

There are many different kinds of pesticides in our drinking water, primarily due to pollution in agriculture. If you do not have access to the water supply in your home, a water filter jug will be the solution for you to get rid of these pesticides. Just like with the removal of chlorine, you will find that the taste becomes significantly purer and rounder. And then it is a pleasant thought that the water is free for unhealthy things.

Removal of taste and smell

This is the most obvious difference you will experience as pesticides cannot be seen with the naked eye. Especially if you live in the big cities, you will experience a noticeable difference in taste and smell. Many people recognise the “metallic taste” in water - the filter removes it.