Carbon filters are expensive in price. They surely need to replace with time. For this purpose, it is also a convenient way to reuse the filter after clean that carbon filter.
Reuse wet carbon filter for water filtration
The carbon filter can reuse only when that filter properly cleans. First of all the simple and easy solution for cleaning is to prepare. The cleaning solution must prepare by using distilled water. Particularly, the water is warm but the heated water should have a normal temperature that you can comfortably touch.
Stages to clean to reuse carbon filter
The cleaning of used carbon filter comprises of many stages that should follow step by step. Before cleaning, take a bucket of water that is clean. The tap water can also use. Afterward, mix some drops of dishwashing liquid in the distilled water. Then, mix very well. The solution should in a large size of container so the filter cartridge can easily clean.
At that point, now remove the carbon filter for cleaning and make the filter clean for again reuse. You can reuse your carbon filter in water filtration after the proper cleaning and washing of the carbon filter. The stages of cleaning of wet carbon filter are the following:
Stage 1
The first stage of cleaning of reuse carbon filter includes depressurize the filter housing. Initially, close off the way of water moving to the filter. Then, push the button on the upper side of the water housing. The purpose of this stage is to dribble out all water from the filter.
Stage 2
Then, pull out the carbon filter from the water filtration system. For pulling out the filter, you need a wrench. The wrench can easily remove the filter.
Stage 3
The third stage involves the submerging of the carbon filter in the cleaning solution. The carbon filter remains in the cleaning solution for a short time. The minimum time is about 15-30 minutes. It depends on how much the filter is dirty.
Stage 4
Afterward, shake the filter. When you shake the filter, you will see the dirt that comes out of the filter. So, shaking is a must in the best cleaning of the carbon filter.
Stage 5
Now the next step is to wash the filter with only clean water. Shake the filter in clean water and after that again shake the filter in new clean water. The clean water change and change until the filter properly cleans.
Stage 6
The last step is to clean the filter housing from inside by using chlorine cleaner. At last, you can insert your clean carbon filter into the filter housing. There is not a requirement to drain the carbon filter.
Conclusion
The carbon filter can use for a maximum of two to three times only after the complete cleaning and washing of the carbon filter. Furthermore, you have to change the carbon filter after the use of the reused carbon filter for three times.
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Features of using activated carbon for water purification: advantages and disadvantages
Activated carbon is a sorbent – an effective agent for chemical, radiological and biological protection of the body.
The substance is actively used in medicine, defense industry and water treatment. Read about all the advantages and disadvantages of activated carbon further in the article.
Unique properties
The material has a finely porous structure. Its surface is characterized by high adsorption – the ability to retain and accumulate:
- liquid,
- solutes,
- gaseous molecules.
The absorption efficiency of impurities depends on the pore size of the material. They must be larger than the molecules to be adsorbed from the carrier.
It is interesting. Activated carbon has 1000-1500 m2 of pores per gram of weight.
The substance’s ability to absorb impurities is so high that a piece with an area of ​​1 m3 with pores of 0.3 m3 is capable of absorbing up to 30 m3 of gas.
What does carbon cleanse from and how effective is it?
The substance reduces the concentration of the following impurities in the liquid:
- Volatile compounds (radioactive gases, vapors of oils, mercury, hydrocarbons).
- Organic impurities that spoil the taste and smell of drinks, including chlorine and ozone.
- Poisonous substances (pesticides, herbicides).
- Petroleum products.
- Heavy metal salts.
- Bacteria (Salmonella, Shigella, etc.).
Note. The sorbent poorly binds to carbon monoxide, alcohol, acids, alkalis, most inorganic substances – lithium, iron, sodium, lead, arsenic, fluorine, boric acid.
Due to its inefficiency with respect to a number of impurities, it is not used as the only means for water purification.
Which Carbon is used in filters?
In purification systems, activated carbon is most often found in 3 types.
Two types of coal are used in flow-through water treatment systems:
Granulated
In such cartridges, water passes through the entire loading layer.
And coal acts as a sorbent, selectively absorbing vapors, gases and solutes from the medium.
Pressed
In such a block, the sorption function of coal is lower, since the coal layer is smaller.
But the pressed structure allows the cartridge to be used for mechanical cleaning from suspended solids – particles of silt, sand, inorganic impurities, plankton, microorganisms.
Advantages and disadvantages
The tool effectively removes impurities that spoil the color, taste and smell of the drink, chlorine, and other undesirable compounds. The disadvantages of the substance include the rapid clogging of the carbon filter.
Note! The resource of the porous material is limited. If the cartridge is not replaced in time, the device will stop performing the water purification function.
Another disadvantage of coal is its inability to destroy microorganisms. Even if its pores hold “unwanted guests”, they do not die, but remain in it, starting to multiply.
To prevent the spread of bacteria , bactericidal additives are added to the carbon filters. After the end of the service life of such devices, they are immediately changed.
What can replace the filler?
There are 3 alternatives to activated carbon.
Sorbent AS
Removes from water:
iron;
phenol;
petroleum products;
strontium;
aluminum;
fluorine.
Unlike coal, it is not an attractive breeding ground for bioorganisms, it removes iron, purifies water at a high flow rate.
Shungite
Has a sorption capacity for a wide range of organics , alcohols, pesticides, surface-active chemical compounds. Disinfects water, destroying unwanted inhabitants from:
disputes;
bacteria;
seaweed;
the simplest microorganisms.
Activated carbon is 30 times more effective in removing chlorine and dioxins.
Sorbent ODM-2F
It is used for integrated water treatment according to the requirements of SanPin 2.1.4.1074-01. With a fraction of 0.5-2 mm, it is used as the main filtering agent . Layer height: 1.8-2 m. Chemical compounds, the content of which the sorbent reduces in water:
iron, iron oxides;
radionuclides;
chlorides;
heavy non-ferrous metals;
petroleum products;
phosphates;
nitrogen.
ODM-2F improves the organoleptic qualities of water. Unlike activated carbon, the sorbent reduces the acidity of the alkaline liquid and is cost effective.
Conclusion
Coal allows you to purify water from many harmful impurities and microorganisms. When using a substance, it is necessary to take into account the spectrum of its action and features of operation.
An additional filter may be required for high-quality water treatment. It depends on the composition of the liquid. Effective operation of the carbon filter is impossible without timely cleaning of the material from delayed inclusions, bacteria or replacement.
