The air around us is one of the life-sustaining forces we depend on, and the quality of the air we breathe can directly impact our overall health. We are in the age of urbanization, and even though there is a global initiative to reduce air pollution, most cities that see a steadfast increase in population also have a deterring effect on air quality. The rising levels of automobile air pollution are also affecting small towns.
All in all, we can say that each day we are risking our health by breathing, but we can’t stop breathing, and for obvious reasons, we can’t just transform our environment and living conditions in one day. So what can we do to improve the air quality of our homes and offices, where we are most likely to spend most of our time? Air filters, especially activated carbon air filters, are exceptionally effective in improving the air quality of office and residential spaces, and in this article, we are going to discuss the way they work and their perks.
Activated carbon filters
We have used charcoal or carbon to purify water and gas for thousands of years, knowingly and unknowingly. When carbon-rich materials such as wood are burned, the remaining material is called charcoal, which is mostly carbon, and based on the material burned, the carbon or charcoal created can be slightly different. The use of charcoal in the purification of water and gases has a long history, and it has been used for thousands of years. But the idea of the activated carbon production methods we use today emerged in the 18th century, and soon activated carbon became an essential industrial product used by various industries to purify water and air.
Today, activated carbon is one of the most dynamic purification agents in the world, used in countless applications in their different forms. Made from raw materials such as wood, coconut shells, lignite, and coal, carbonization and activation are the two main steps in the industrial manufacturing of activated carbon. These processes enhance the surface area, porosity, and adsorption capacity of the final products and the additional steps create activated carbon targeted for specific applications.
Activated carbon air filters, like the name suggests, are designed to filter and adsorb the harmful pollutants from them and provide us with cleaner and healthier air. Activated carbon air filters in homes and other spaces can remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and unpleasant odour-creating compounds, but how do they work?
As we just discussed, the defining qualities of activated carbon are its exceptionally high adsorption ability, high surface area, and porous surface. Adsorption, different from absorption, causes the pollutant particles to be trapped on the porous surface of the activated carbon. So when air passes through an activated carbon air filter filled with activated charcoal, pollutants such as VOCs, odour-causing elements, and other impurities get trapped on the surface and the filter releases cleaner air. This process can continue until the activated carbon air filter is saturated with pollutants.
How to use activated carbon air filters effectively?
There is no doubt that activated carbon air filters can considerably increase the quality of air in your home and other spaces you occupy, but how do you use them effectively? The first step is to find quality air filters with enough activated carbon to actually do the purification. There are many filters on the market that might not be up to par when it comes to their activated carbon content and effectiveness, so find the right activated carbon air filter with high amounts of activated carbon for longevity and effective filtration. Strategically placing them in spaces with the most airflow will give you the most out of them.
However, like we mentioned above, an activated carbon air filter is effective until it is saturated, so be sure to replace the filter once it is saturated. The most telling sign of a saturated activated carbon air filter is when it starts to have an odour. But following the product guidelines and setting an interval to replace your filters would be a reliable way to use them.
Perks of activated carbon air filters
The most obvious perk of an activated carbon air filter is that it can improve indoor air quality considerably by adsorbing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odour-causing elements, allergens, and other pollutants. Safe administration of air filters can save you from respiratory issues in the future, especially if you have kids and older people in your house. It can also remove other chemicals, cooking, and cigarette smoke from your home and office spaces, creating a more comfortable environment. Activated carbon air filters are also a long-lasting solution for air filtration dilemmas compared to other air filtration alternatives.
Conclusion
Activated carbon is a diverse product with applications in multiple industries as well as in domestic spaces. Air and water filtration are among the major applications of activated carbon, whether it is for domestic or industrial use. Southern Carbon, with our activated carbon plant in Kerala, is among the premium activated carbon manufacturers in India, exporting activated carbon products all over the world. We are one of the major producers of powdered activated carbon in India, among other products. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, customized products, sustainable production, and dedicated customer service have made us one of the most trusted activated carbon manufacturers in the country. Connect with us and request your free quote today!