Activated carbon filtration principle

Release time:

2024-05-22

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Abstract

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon has a certain relationship with the water temperature and water quality. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the adsorption capacity of activated carbon; if the water temperature reaches above 30°C, the adsorption capacity reaches the limit and may gradually decrease. When the water quality is acidic, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for anionic substances is relatively weakened; when the water quality is alkaline, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for cationic substances is weakened. Therefore, the unstable PH of water quality will also affect the adsorption capacity of activated carbon.

The adsorption capacity of activated carbon has a certain relationship with the water temperature and water quality. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the adsorption capacity of activated carbon; if the water temperature reaches above 30°C, the adsorption capacity reaches the limit and may gradually decrease. When the water quality is acidic, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for anionic substances is relatively weakened; when the water quality is alkaline, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for cationic substances is weakened. Therefore, the unstable PH of water quality will also affect the adsorption capacity of activated carbon.


The adsorption principle of activated carbon is to form a layer of balanced surface concentration on the surface of its particles, and then adsorb organic impurities into the activated carbon particles. The adsorption effect is very high in the early stage of use. However, over time, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon will weaken to varying degrees, and the adsorption effect will also decrease. If the water in the aquarium is turbid and contains high levels of organic matter, the activated carbon will quickly lose its filtration function. Therefore, activated carbon should be cleaned or replaced regularly.


The size of activated carbon particles also affects adsorption capacity. Generally speaking, the smaller the activated carbon particles, the larger the filtration area. Therefore, powdered activated carbon has the largest total area and the best adsorption effect. However, powdered activated carbon can easily flow into the aquarium with water, making it difficult to control and rarely used. Granular activated carbon is not easy to flow due to the shape of the particles, and impurities such as organic matter in the water are not easy to block in the activated carbon filter layer. It has strong adsorption capacity and is easy to carry and replace.

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