Activated carbon filtration is a popular and effective way to purify water, but there are two main factors that can influence its efficiency. The amount of carbon in the unit and the amount of time the contaminant spends in contact with it are both important considerations when it comes to activated carbon filtration. Reactivated filters can be used in wastewater treatment applications, but they should eventually be replaced as their ability to dechlorinate water decreases over time. Some organic compounds require extended exposure to the filter in order to be removed, so higher housings can be used on the sides of the filter vessels to provide deeper carbon beds and extend reaction times. Lead and other heavy metals can only be removed with a very specific type of activated carbon water treatment, which is normally used only in residential point-of-use filters. Industrial filtration systems may require more advanced active carbon filters.
These are similar to those used in multimedia filtration, except that they do not have the air cleaning step in the backwashing process.
