A carbon filter is placed in an exhaust or odour capture system.
Carbon filters contain activated charcoal pellets. The pellets remove contaminants and impurities from filtered air. This activated charcoal forms countless tiny volume pores that filter air and trap:
- pollutants
- allergens
- other odorous substances.
The substances stick to the surface of the carbon.
Carbon filters do not remove all fine particles – such as mould, dust or pollen – from the air.
Carbon filters vary in size and design. Small filters are used in your home kitchen. Large beds packed with activated carbon are used by industry. At larger sites, they can be used with other odour treatment systems, such as bioscrubbers.
Carbon filters are a broad-spectrum solution to many odour risks. They are versatile and can absorb many different types of odour.
Type of control
- Physical filtration
When to use carbon filters
Carbon filters are suitable for:
- all types of odours
- other generic gaseous pollutants.
Many industries use carbon filters in their:
- ventilation systems
- odour capture systems
- exhausts.
Considerations and requirements
You need to understand the amount of odour and the volume of air you're filtering. This will affect how often you need to replace the carbon filters. If you process large volumes of odorous air, consider the cost of replacing the filters often.
Carbon filters need to be maintained and changed often. Otherwise, they become clogged up with moisture and particles. The greater the surface area of the carbon, the more pollutants can be filtered before the filter needs changing. The manufacturer's directions tell you how often to replace them.
You can treat activated carbon with different compounds. This enables the carbon to adsorb more complex or volatile pollutants.
For more information on requirements for managing odour, visit Control odour from your business.
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