For certain industries, having an effective filter in place is a must, and for many an activated carbon filter is the right choice. But what is activated carbon? Here, we look at what activated carbon is and why it’s a good choice for filters.

What is activated carbon?

Activated carbon is carbon that has been processed in a way that gives it small, low volume pores. Also sometimes known as activated charcoal or active carbon, activated carbon’s specific pore type means that it can has an increased surface area for adsorption or chemical reactions, which is why it’s well suited to being used for filters.

What does activated carbon do?

Thanks to the way it’s processed, activated carbon can be used to remove chemicals and fumes from the air which creates a safer working environment. It does this through adsorption, a process in which molecules stick to its surface and create a layer of adsorbate on its surface. This is why we use activated carbon in our filters, as it removes particles from the air leaving you with cleaner surroundings.

When are activated carbon filters used?

There are a range of situations in which an activated carbon filter might be used, including in laboratories requiring air filtration, places that process metal, and organic waste plants, as well as many other industrial applications. Essentially, if a building is being used for work that produces harmful or odorous molecules or particles, it could potentially benefit from an activated carbon filter. For example, you might have a carbon filter in a laboratory fume cupboard, for purifying gases in the pharmaceutical industry, or in a workplace where employees are welding or grinding metal.

Now that you know what activated carbon is, you can find out how an activated carbon filter could benefit your workplace. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.