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Gary Huang
- 1:47 pm
- May 4, 2023
Carbon Block vs. Granular Activated Carbon: Which Is Better?
Carbon filters are the most widely used water purification method across the globe. They are effective in removing impurities, chlorine, bad taste, and odor from drinking water. However, choosing the right carbon filter can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing between carbon block and granular activated carbon filters. In this article, we will discuss the differences between carbon block and granular activated carbon filters and help you decide which one is better for you.
What is Carbon Block?
Carbon block filters are made of compressed carbon particles that are tightly packed together to form a solid block. They have a high surface area, which allows for efficient adsorption of impurities from water. Carbon block filters are available in different sizes and shapes, and they can be customized to suit specific filtration needs.
Carbon block filters are commonly used in point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems. They are often used in combination with sediment and activated carbon filters to provide comprehensive water purification. Carbon block filters are popular because of their high flow rate, long lifespan, and ability to remove a wide range of impurities.
What is Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)?
Granular activated carbon filters are made of loose carbon particles that are contained in a cartridge or a canister. They have a large surface area that allows for efficient adsorption of impurities from water. Granular activated carbon filters can also be customized into different sizes and shapes to meet the different filtration demands of the clients.
Granular activated carbon filters are commonly used in point-of-use (POU) systems. They are often used in combination with sediment filters to provide comprehensive water purification. Granular activated carbon filters are widely used thanks to their ability to effectively adsorb impurities, low cost, and capability to eliminate chlorine as well as bad tastes and odors.
Carbon Block vs. Granular Activated Carbon: Differences
Now that we have an understanding of what carbon block and granular activated carbon filters are, let’s take a look at their differences.
1.Filtration Efficiency
When it comes to removing impurities from water, carbon block filters are more efficient than granular activated carbon filters. This is due to their higher surface area, which enables them to have more contact with water and a greater adsorption capacity. This higher efficiency makes carbon block filters more effective in removing impurities like lead, cysts, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water.
On the other hand, GAC filters are more efficient in eliminating chlorine, bad taste, and odor from water. These filters possess a larger surface area, allowing them to come into contact with more water, and they are better at eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to unpleasant tastes and odors in water.
2. Flow Rate
In terms of flow rate, carbon block filters are superior to granular activated carbon filters. Carbon block filters are engineered to facilitate the rapid passage of water while still effectively removing impurities from the water. As a result, carbon block filters are a suitable choice for point-of-entry (POE) systems that require a high flow rate.
In contrast, granular activated carbon filters have a slower flow rate due to the loose carbon particles. Consequently, these filters are well-suited for point-of-use (POU) systems that require a lower flow rate.
3. Lifespan
Carbon block filters are known for their longer lifespan compared to granular activated carbon filters. Typically, they can last up to six months or longer, depending on the quality of the water being filtered. This is due to the tightly packed carbon block structure that allows for more contact time between water and the carbon particles, resulting in a slower breakdown of the carbon.
On the other hand, granular activated carbon filters have a shorter lifespan than carbon block filters. They typically last up to three months or less, depending on the quality of the water being filtered. This is because the loose carbon particles in granular activated carbon filters can break down more quickly, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.
4. Maintenance
Activated carbon filters, in general, require some level of maintenance to ensure they continue to function effectively. However, carbon block filters offer a low-maintenance option as they only need to be replaced when their lifespan ends.
On the other hand, granular activated carbon filters require more frequent maintenance, including backwashing to prevent clogging and remove trapped impurities. This additional maintenance can be inconvenient for homeowners, requiring more time and equipment.
5. Cost
Carbon block filters and granular activated carbon filters have different costs associated with them. Carbon block filters are typically more expensive than granular activated carbon filters due to their higher manufacturing costs and longer lifespan. However, the cost of carbon block filters can be offset by their longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.
On the other hand, granular activated carbon filters are generally less expensive than carbon block filters due to their lower manufacturing costs and shorter lifespan. Although they may seem like a more cost-effective option at first, the cost of granular activated carbon filters can add up over time due to their shorter lifespan and higher maintenance requirements.
Which is Better: Carbon Block or Granular Activated Carbon?
When it comes to water purification, choosing the right type of filter can make a significant difference. If your primary concern is eliminating impurities like lead, cysts, and VOCs, then carbon block filters are a great choice as they have a higher adsorption capacity and a longer lifespan than granular activated carbon filters. However, if you’re mostly worried about eliminating bad taste, odor, and chlorine, granular activated carbon filters are a better fit due to their larger surface area and capability to efficiently remove VOCs. Depending on your flow rate requirements, you can opt for carbon block filters which allow water to pass through quickly, or granular activated carbon filters that have a slower flow rate, depending on whether you need a point-of-entry or point-of-use system.
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