How to choose a filter in water treatment: activated carbon filter VS quartz sand filter

Generally speaking, filters are essential equipment in water treatment. Activated carbon filters and quartz sand filters are the two most common water treatment filter equipment, and they have different functions and applications in water quality improvement and purification. Let’s analyze the main differences and characteristics of these two filters in detail:

1. Activated carbon filter:

▪Working principle:

Activated carbon is a porous adsorption material that can absorb organic substances, odors, residual chlorine and certain chemical substances in water. Activated carbon filters use the adsorption properties of activated carbon to remove impurities and odors from the water by passing water through an activated carbon bed.

▪Application:

Suitable for removing odor, color, organic compounds, chlorine and other substances from water. Commonly used in drinking water purification, pond water treatment, swimming pool water treatment, etc.

▪Advantages:

It can effectively remove organic matter and odors from water, the operation is relatively simple, no chemicals are needed, and it can be recycled.

▪Disadvantages:

Activated carbon needs to be replaced or regenerated after it is saturated, which is costly.

2. Quartz sand filter:

▪Working principle:

Quartz sand filter uses the filtration effect of the sand layer to filter out solid particles, sediment, suspended matter, etc. in the water, thereby purifying the water quality.

▪Application:

Mainly used to remove solid particles, sediment, suspended solids, etc. in water. It is often used in the pretreatment stage to purify water quality to protect subsequent equipment such as reverse osmosis membranes.

▪Advantages:

Suitable for treating large amounts of water, relatively simple to operate, and does not require frequent replacement of sand layers.

▪Disadvantages:

It is mainly used to remove solid particles and has poor effect on organic matter and odors dissolved in water.

Selection suggestions:

If the main problem is organic matter in the water, odors or you need to purify your drinking water: Choose an activated carbon filter because activated carbon has excellent adsorption properties and can effectively remove organic matter and odors.

If the main problem is solid particles, sediment, suspended matter, etc. in the water: Choose a quartz sand filter because it can efficiently remove these solid particles and protect the normal operation of subsequent equipment.

Often, a variety of filters are used in practical applications, with different types of filters used in combination to more comprehensively address water quality issues. When selecting, the characteristics and applicability of different filters should be considered based on specific water quality issues and needs.

Here are my detailed examples of the combined use of filters in water treatment:

1. Coarse filtration + fine filtration:

Coarse filter: such as quartz sand filter, used to remove large particles of sediment, suspended solids, etc.

Fine filter: For example, a microporous filter is used to remove impurities from smaller particles to ensure purer water quality.

2. Activated carbon filtration + fine filtration:

Activated carbon filter: used to remove organic matter, odor, residual chlorine, etc. from water.

Micropore filter: Used to further remove tiny particles that may be released by activated carbon, ensuring the ultimate purity of the water quality.

3. Precipitation + filtration:

Sedimentation tank: Used to allow solid particles to settle in still water to reduce the content of suspended solids in the water.

Filter: such as quartz sand filter, used to further remove residual suspended solids and make the water clearer.

4. Activated carbon filtration + reverse osmosis:

Activated carbon filter: Removes organic matter, odor, residual chlorine, etc. from the water.

Reverse osmosis system: Remove ions, microorganisms, and residual organic matter in the water through a semipermeable membrane to obtain high-purity water.

5. Precipitation + activated carbon filtration + UV disinfection:

Sedimentation tank: Reduce suspended solids concentration.

Activated carbon filter: Removes organic matter, odor, residual chlorine, etc.

UV sterilizer: Kills microorganisms in water through ultraviolet rays.

6. Magnetization + activated carbon filtration:

Magnetizing device: Treats water through a magnetic field to improve the physical properties of the water, such as reducing scale formation.

Activated carbon filter: Removes organic matter, odor, residual chlorine, etc. from the water.

These combinations can be designed based on specific water quality analysis and treatment needs. Each filter has its specific advantages and application scenarios, and a reasonable combination can more effectively improve water quality and ensure water safety and purity. When selecting and designing a water treatment system, it is often necessary to consult a professional water treatment engineer to ensure that the system operates efficiently and water quality meets standards.