When it comes to filtering water for home use, two of the most common methods are gravity carbon block filters and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Both use activated carbon to absorb contaminants, but there are some key differences between the two technologies.
In the Tampa Bay area, water quality can vary depending on your location and water source. Many homeowners use city water from the Floridan Aquifer, while others rely on private wells tapping into the aquifer. Issues like hardness, iron, manganese, sulfides, and bacterial contamination are common. An effective filtration system is crucial for improving water aesthetics, appliances, and your family's health.
How Do Carbon Block Filters Work?
Carbon block filters use a solid carbon block medium made from powdered activated carbon that is compressed under high pressure. This creates a durable, porous block that water passes through.
As water flows through the micropores of the carbon block, contaminants are trapped and adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon. This removes chemicals, sediment, metals, microorganisms, and improves tastes and odors.
Carbon blocks are incredibly dense and allow for superior contaminant removal compared to loose granular activated carbon. They also last longer before needing replacement.
AquaBlue Whole House Filter System uses multi-stage carbon block filtration to remove a wide range of contaminants from all the water in your home.
Benefits of Carbon Block Filters
Very dense for excellent contaminant reduction
Long filter life
Maintains flow rate longer than GAC
Smaller filter size required
Low pressure drop through the filter
Can customize block composition for specific contaminant removal
How Does Granular Activated Carbon Filtration Work?
GAC filters are filled with loose granular activated carbon particles that water flows through. The carbon particles provide a huge amount of surface area for adsorption of contaminants.
GAC is very porous, which allows for rapid adsorption kinetics. Water can flow through the gaps between carbon particles easily. Particles are sized according to the application - larger particle sizes allow for higher flow rates while smaller sizes increase dwell time and removal efficiency.
AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter uses a specialized high-activity catalytic carbon media optimized for iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide removal.
Benefits of Granular Activated Carbon
Excellent adsorption capacity
Rapid adsorption kinetics
Allows higher flow rates
Media can be easily replaced
Wide selection of carbon types
Economical compared to solid block
Comparing Contaminant Removal Capabilities
Both carbon block and GAC filters are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants through adsorption. However, there are some differences in their capabilities and limitations:
Chlorine Removal
Carbon block filters excel at reducing chlorine and chloramines due to their very high surface area and pore distribution. GAC is less effective.
VOC and Chemical Removal
Carbon blocks adsorb VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and other trace organics better than GAC filters. Their very dense structure provides increased removal.
Heavy Metal Removal
GAC has an advantage over carbon block for removing certain heavy metals like lead and mercury that adsorb easier to the loose particles. The HydroClear Ozone Generator enhances metal oxidation for more complete removal.
Sediment Filtration
Carbon blocks are better for filtering out suspended solids and sediments larger than 1-5 microns in size. GAC is ineffective for sediment.
Microorganism Removal
Small bacteria and viruses can become lodged in the micropores of carbon block filters. AquaGuard UV SYSTEM provides superior bacteria inactivation.
Taste and Odor Reduction
Both GAC and block filters adsorb contaminants that cause unpleasant tastes and odors very well. Carbon block may have an edge due to the density and pore structure.
Typical Applications and Uses
Gravity carbon block and GAC filters lend themselves to certain applications and scenarios based on their characteristics:
Carbon Block Filters
Whole house filtration - AquaBlue
Point-of-use drinking water - AquaRevive RO
Countertop water pitchers
Refrigerator filters
Shower filters
RV and marine systems
Granular Activated Carbon
Municipal water treatment
Well water iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide removal - AquaCarbonGuard
Gravity flow through tanks
Post-RO polishing
WellFusion whole house systems often combine carbon block and GAC filters for comprehensive water treatment.
Key Differences Summary
Gravity Carbon Block | Granular Activated Carbon |
Solid porous carbon block | Loose granular carbon particles |
Very high density | Porous allowing water flow |
Excellent removal of chlorine and organics | Rapid adsorption kinetics |
Higher contaminant reduction | Requires frequent backwashing |
Longer filter life | Media can be easily replaced |
Used primarily for residential filtration | Used more for industrial and municipal systems |
Choosing the Right Filtration System
Gravity carbon block and granular carbon both utilize the adsorptive power of activated carbon to remove contaminants from water. Which method works best depends on the specific water quality issues that need addressing.
Most residential water filter systems in Tampa Bay use a combination of filtration technologies like carbon block, UV disinfection, and reverse osmosis for comprehensive water treatment. Systems are tailored to handle contaminants in your local water supply.
Professional water analysis is the best way to determine if your water contains any aesthetic, health-related, or appliance-damaging contaminants. This allows selection of the right treatment methods for your needs.
Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers complete testing, analysis, and installation of advanced water filtration systems for homes and businesses throughout the area. Take advantage of our expertise and schedule a free water test from our certified technicians.
Call to Action: Discounts, Promotions, and Financing Options
For a limited time, Aqua-Wise is offering exclusive discounts on whole house and point-of-use water filtration systems. We also provide flexible financing options to help make clean, healthy water affordable for Tampa Bay area homeowners. Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: 727-236-7161.
Sources
EPA - Drinking Water Treatability Database: Granular Activated Carbon
CDC - Guide to Water Filters
Water Quality Association - Activated Carbon Treatment 101
Water Research Foundation - Comparison of GAC and Carbon Block Filters for Pesticide Removal
Comments