Activated Carbon for

Home Water Filters

Water is essential for

l ife

Without water life ceases to exist, and more importantly, it is only with clean water that life can flourish. Our planet is mainly covered with water, but most of this requires purification to make it suitable for human consumption. Activated carbon playing a central role in ensuring the clean and potable nature of the water we drink.

Water is used in the home for a variety of duties, such as bathing, washing laundry, cleaning and even keeping the garden looking attractive. For each of these uses there is little consideration of the quality of the water we use. However, it is of primary importance that the aesthetic appearance of water we drink is of an acceptable standard, and even a pleasant experience. It is ironic then that the same water source for laundry is often the one also supplied to us for drinking. Not surprising therefore that an increasing number of homes use an additional treatment of the water before consuming it.

Activated carbon, in conjunction with ion exchange resins, can be used to greatly improve water taste and odour. From removal of hardness (ion exchange) to removal of disinfectants (e.g. chlorine) applied to the network (activated carbon), the unpleasant and objectionable components of safe municipal water supply to a more acceptable and palatable level.

HomeWater Filters

Home, or domestic water filters can be purchased in a variety of forms, from simple ‘fill and treat’ carafes to ‘on-demand’ devices on counter-tops or faucet-mounted units. Invariably there is activated carbon present, either as a loose granular media, or immobilised in blocks or fibres - indeed sometimes as combinations of both.

The high adsorption capacity, rapid dechlorination potential and food-grade suitability of coconut shell carbons are often preferred in this market place. Some of these may be impregnated with a special non-toxic treatment to limit microbe growth. In any eventuality, activated carbon is the best known, longest serving (Ancient Egyptians charred the interior of water pitchers to purify water) treatment media for the domestic production of acceptable, drinkable water.

The

Act i vated Carbons

Product Typical particle size (ASTM) CommentAquaSorbTM LAK 20x50, 80x325 mesh* Coal-based Prop 65 compliance AquaSorbTM CS 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut-based high THM capacity 60x200, 80x325 mesh*AquaSorbTM CX 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut based, high capacity 60x200, 80x325 mesh*AquaSorbTM WT 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut based, water washed, rapid pH 60x200, 80x325 mesh* stabilisationAquaSorbTM J-series 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut-based, high activity 60x200, 80x325 mesh* (>1200mg/g iodine)AquaSorbTM JHS-series 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut-based, high activity 60x200, 80x325 mesh* (>1200mg/g iodine) - acid washedAquaSorbTM LS/LX 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut-based, bacteristatic properties 60x200, 80x325 mesh* - Ag impregnationAquaSorbTM CX-MCA 12x30, 18x40, 20x50, Coconut-based, catalytic removal of 60x200, 80x325 mesh* monochloramine

The range of activated carbons offered by Jacobi Carbons covers every requirement in the home water filtration market. Grades are produced based on both bituminous and anthracite coals; coconut shell and wood raw materials offering an unparalleled selection of adsorbent media characteristics. Grades treated with a proprietary bacteriastat are also manufactured in close co-operation with our customers to find the optimum loading for the intended geographical market.

A selected range of Jacobi Carbons products from the AquaSorbTM range is listed in the table below:

*Standard particle sizes- customised sizes and specific d10, d50, d90 distributions available on request

Jacobi Carbons operates some of the most modern and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, based in the prime locations for optimal use of the raw materials close at hand. Facilities in Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines make Jacobi Carbons the largest global manufacturer of coconut shell based activated carbons.

This investment in production is typified in the quality of products produced and the control over specifications and characteristics of materials intended for use in home water filters.

Our advanced activation techniques; bespoke crushing, screening and blending units; and fines control means that products are consistent and able to address the concerns of the industry. Our understanding of importance of size distribution in flow control, block integrity and fines break-out is second to none. In-house facilities for the determination of metals leach ensure that our products are supplied to meet the most exacting standards.

The

Product ion P rocess

The

Technolog yLeaders

Particle size distribution is critical in both canister and block manufacture. It controls not only the flow through the adsorption filter, but also determines the capability to remove chlorine and other sterilising agents. Chlorine reduction in particular is extremely sensitive to particle size as it is performed at the surface of the carbon particle rather than by adsorption deep in the internal pore structure. It is important that the mean particle diameter is balanced with the upper and lower fractions (d10 and d90) to maintain optimal performance and attainment of claims.

Trace mineral content has a significant impact on the ability of the product ensure compliance of the treated water with the required standards. All Jacobi Carbons products meet the EN12915-1 and AWWA B604 norms for drinking water products. Furthermore, all Jacobi products for home water filters have NSF 61 and 42 approvals. All products are also able to achieve mineral leach within the requirements of CA Proposition 65 for Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb) and Aluminium (Al).

Jacobi Carbons has been recognised by the US Water Quality Association (WQA) for the sustainable approach to manufacturing under WQA S-801, and WQA/ASPE/ANSI S-802.

The Jacobi Carbons facilities in Sri Lanka and China have been assessed by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) for accreditation to the relevant 42 and 61 standards.

All Jacobi Carbons manufacturing facilities have been assessed for compliance with ISO quality standards by a variety of accreditation companies.

California Proposition 65 criteriaArsenic (As) max. 5μg/kgAntimony (Sb) max. 3μg/kgAluminium (Al) max. 200μg/kg

Critical Factorsin Carbon Performance

Understanding our customer requirements is vital to serving their needs fully. We develop an in-depth partnership to match the manufacturing processes our clients use.

The company manufactures not only activated carbons but also has complementary products on offer. These include an established range of Ion Exchange Resins, marketed under the ResinexTM brand.

These ion exchange products are used in combination with activated carbon in home water filters to perform either a softening, demineralisation or heavy metal removal functions.

The

Complete Package

Product Duty CommentResinexTM KW-8 Softening Washed productResinexTM KW-H Temporary hardness Washed productResinexTM KW-H/Na Temporary hardness Na+ formResinexTM MX-1* Demineralisation Mixed bedResinexTM MX-11† Demineralisation Mixed bed* regnerable type

† non-regenerable, one way

Typical grades of ResinexTM products for home water filters

Jacobi Carbons supply the ResinexTM

product range in both cation and anion types, based on gel-type and macroporous bases.

Products for the home water market are washed for added purity in our modern food grade facility in Premnitz, Germany.

Both heterogenous and homogenous (UB-grade) particle forms are available to meet all hydraulic and operational requirements.