Activated Carbon Filter for Clean Water and How They Work

In industrial clean water treatment systems, selecting the right filtration media is crucial to operational stability and production efficiency. Of the many options available, the most commonly used media is activated carbon.

Activated carbon is known for its effective adsorption capabilities in reducing various contaminants found in water. Explore this article to learn more about its functions, types, and role in industrial water filtration systems.

What Is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is a porous material used to help filter out various impurities from water and air. It is typically made from coconut shells, coal, or wood that has been processed at high temperatures to create excellent adsorption capabilities.

According to the Indonesian Journal of Chemical Science and Technology, in water treatment processes, activated carbon can help reduce color, odors, and various pollutants that may affect water quality.

Functions of Activated Carbon Filters for Water

Activated carbon filters for water play a crucial role in supporting water treatment systems across various sectors, including industrial and commercial sectors. In general, activated carbon filters serve several important functions in both industrial and commercial sectors, including:

Absorbing unpleasant odors and tastes from the water system.
Reducing chlorine content in water.
Filtering volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms and bacteria in water.
Improving the performance of filtration systems in large-scale business operations.
Optimizing the water treatment process before use in industrial activities.

Types of Activated Carbon Filter for Water

In industrial water treatment systems, activated carbon can be classified based on the raw materials used in its production. These differences in raw materials affect pore structure, adsorption capacity, and suitability for various operational needs.

Selecting the right type of activated carbon can help optimize the filtration process, maintain water quality, and support the company’s operational efficiency. Based on their raw materials, activated carbons are divided into several types, namely:

1. Coconut Shell Activated Carbon

Coconut shell activated carbon is one of the most widely used types in industrial water treatment systems. This material is derived from abundant biomass waste in tropical regions, making it not only technically efficient but also environmentally friendly.

This type has a well-defined microporous structure, making it effective at absorbing organic compounds, chlorine, and various small-particle contaminants.

In industrial applications, coconut shell activated carbon is often used in filtration systems that require high water purity, such as drinking water filtration and production processes in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

2. Coal-Based Activated Carbon

Coal-based activated carbon is a type of filtration media widely used on a large industrial scale due to its abundant availability and relatively low production costs.

Bituminous and anthracite coal have a dense carbon structure, so when activated, they produce activated carbon with high durability and varying porosity.

These characteristics make it highly effective for large-scale water and gas purification applications, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors.

3. Wood-Based Activated Carbon

Wood-based activated carbon is one of the most widely used types due to its ease of production and flexibility across various industrial applications.

This type of activated carbon generally has a higher proportion of macro- and mesopores than other types, making it more effective at adsorbing larger molecules.

Wood-based activated carbon is widely used for wastewater treatment, chemical liquid purification, and industrial gas processing. This type of activated carbon is also suitable for large-volume industrial applications for use in large volumes, particularly in the heavy industry sector.

As industrial demand for high-quality water continues to increase, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI), as #YourGrowthPartner through PT Krakatau Tirta Industri (KTI), provides clean water and wastewater treatment solutions to support industrial operational needs.

One such implementation can be seen at the Krakatau Steel Building in Jakarta. This facility utilizes a Water Recycle Plant (WRP) as a modern water treatment system that manages water generated by building activities, particularly from restroom areas, with a treatment capacity of approximately 2 m³ per hour.

After treatment, the water can be reused to support the building’s cooling system, making water use more efficient.

The WRP system was developed and is operated by KTI, an associated company of CDI, under a Build, Operate, Own (BOO) scheme.

In the process, technologies such as Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) and Ion Exchange (decolorization) are used to help reduce various substances that can affect water quality, ensuring the final output is cleaner and can be reused as needed.

4. Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel Shells

Activated carbon from palm kernel shells is becoming an increasingly popular filtration media alternative in the industry because its raw material comes from abundant agricultural waste, particularly in palm oil-producing countries like Indonesia.

In terms of characteristics, activated carbon derived from palm shells has a pore structure similar to that of coconut shell-based activated carbon, enabling it to provide effective adsorption of various contaminants, organic compounds, and odors from water.

5. Activated Carbon from Peat

Activated carbon from peat is a rather unique variant because it originates from natural organic material formed through geological processes over an extremely long period.

Although not as popular as coconut shell or coal, this activated carbon still holds value in specific, more specialized applications.

Its lightweight nature and relative ease of processing make activated carbon from peat more suitable for specific needs, such as research, laboratory testing, or temporary and experimental use.

The Role of Activated Carbon in Water Treatment

Activated carbon possesses high adsorption capacity, making it widely used to help maintain water quality, reduce contaminants, and enhance filtration efficiency in large-scale operations. Here are some roles of activated carbon in water treatment:

1. Helps Remove Dyes from Water

Dyes heavily contaminate water sources due to their use in various industrial sectors, such as textiles, paints, paper, and plastics.

The presence of dyes in rivers, lakes, and other water sources can reduce the sunlight penetration into the water, thereby disrupting the photosynthesis of plants.

In addition to its environmental impact, exposure to water contaminated with certain dyes also poses potential health risks to humans.

In this context, activated carbon plays a role in absorbing dyes and organic compounds, thereby maintaining water quality before it is reused or discharged into the environment.

2. Helping to Reduce Heavy Metal Content

Heavy metals and certain ions in water are among the primary challenges in water treatment processes. These substances can be toxic for both the environment and human health if accumulated over the long term.

Therefore, controlling heavy metal levels is a critical aspect of industrial water treatment systems.

In the filtration process, activated carbon is used to help reduce heavy metal levels and certain contaminants, thereby maintaining water quality.

That is the information regarding activated carbon for water filters, including its functions and role in supporting industrial water treatment systems.

If your company needs industrial water treatment solutions and integrated water management systems, trust Chandra Daya Investasi and Krakatau Tirta Industri!