Activated carbon filter is a core purification component that efficiently removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, toxic gases (such as formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide) and some particulate pollutants in gases, steam and liquids through physical adsorption and chemical bonding mechanisms. Its core material is activated carbon (granular, powdered or fibrous) with a high specific surface area, which is widely used in air purification, industrial waste gas treatment, water treatment and medical fields. It is a key technology to solve chemical pollution and improve environmental quality.
Core functions and advantages
High-efficiency adsorption performance
Porous structure: Activated carbon forms a three-dimensional network structure of micropores (<2nm), mesopores (2-50nm) and macropores (>50nm) through high-temperature activation, with a specific surface area of 500-3000㎡/g, providing a large number of adsorption sites.
Broad-spectrum adsorption capacity: It can capture VOCs such as benzene, aldehydes, sulfides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, as well as ozone, smoke, kitchen odor, etc., and also has a certain interception effect on 0.3-1μm particles (such as smoke).
Chemical stability and safety
Acid and alkali resistant, high temperature resistant (some models can reach 400℃), suitable for corrosive or high-temperature exhaust gas treatment.
After impregnation treatment (such as iodine, potassium or metal oxides), the chemical adsorption capacity of specific gases (such as mercury and hydrogen sulfide) can be enhanced.
Composite design flexibility
It can be used alone or combined with HEPA, electrostatic precipitator, etc. to form a multi-stage purification system (such as the “HEPA+activated carbon” composite filter in air purifiers).
Support honeycomb, plate or packed bed structure, suitable for different air volume and space requirements.
Environmental protection and renewability
Saturated activated carbon can restore part of its adsorption capacity through thermal desorption (high temperature regeneration) or steam regeneration to reduce waste emissions.
Bio-based activated carbon (such as coconut shells and bamboo charcoal) has the advantage of renewable raw materials and is in line with the trend of sustainable development.
Typical application areas
Air purification: household/commercial air purifiers, fresh air systems, removal of formaldehyde, PM2.5 and odor.
Industrial waste gas treatment: VOCs recovery and emission control in the chemical, printing and coating industries.
Water treatment: adsorption of residual chlorine, pesticide residues and heavy metal ions in drinking water purification and sewage treatment.
Automobile and aviation: in-car air conditioning filter, aircraft cabin air circulation system, improve air quality.
Medical and laboratory: adsorption and protection of sterilizing gases (such as ozone) in operating rooms and PCR laboratories.
Selection and maintenance recommendations
Key selection parameters:
Pollutant type: select the appropriate pore size and surface chemical modification for the target gas (such as formaldehyde adsorption requires high microporous activated carbon).
Contact time and efficiency: Increasing the thickness of the filter layer or reducing the wind speed can extend the gas-activated carbon contact time and improve the adsorption efficiency.
Environmental conditions: Hydrophobic modified activated carbon should be selected in high humidity environments to prevent water molecules from occupying adsorption sites.
Maintenance optimization:
Replacement cycle: Usually 3-12 months (depending on the pollution load), the saturation state can be determined by weight method or downstream concentration monitoring.
Recycling: Thermal regeneration equipment (300-600℃) can be used in industrial scenarios to restore activity, but the adsorption capacity gradually decreases after multiple regenerations.
Pretreatment requirements: The pre-primary filter intercepts particulate matter to prevent the pores of activated carbon from clogging and extend the service life.
Activated carbon filters have become the core solution for cross-industry pollution control with their strong adsorption capacity and flexible application forms, helping to achieve clean air, safe water and industrial emission compliance, and promoting the dual goals of green economy and healthy life.
