What Should You Know Before Buying a Carbon Air Filter?
There is nothing better than being in an area where the air is comfortable and irritation-free in addition to being conductive. One of the crucial elements required for the home’s heating and cooling system is air filters. As pollutants flow through carbon air filters, they respond chemically.
It is a household air filter made to take pollutants, gases, and odors out of the air. They are created for the carbon filtration process, which involves passing gases through an activated carbon bed.
Since World War I, when gas masks were used to obliterate some lethal chemicals used against the army, carbon has been utilized to filter air. But only some poisons were resistant to it.
It finally resulted in the creation of contemporary water and carbon air filters. Today, our attention will be on the modern use of carbon for filtering air indoors.
A carbon air filter’s primary function is to remove gases from the air. Air filters were created as a result of the rise in air pollution and the pressing necessity to shield sensitive human organs from dangerous compounds contaminating the air we breathe. The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are generated by common household goods, is the ultimate purpose of a carbon air filter.
What makes them so effective in eliminating scents, then? It is as a result of how they respond to particles. Adsorption is a method that the carbon employs to make gas molecules stick to it. By doing this, the gas molecules are prevented from moving about and are kept in the filter.
What is the difference between a charcoal air filter and a carbon air filter?
Between a carbon air filter and a charcoal air filter, there is no distinction. Both names refer to the same kind of filter. What distinguishes a carbon air filter from a conventional air filter is the actual query that needs to be addressed.
A conventional air filter functions similarly to a carbon air filter in that it traps particles as air passes through the medium. Since it employs media made of fiberglass, it differs in how it cleans the air. As the air circulates throughout the rest of the room, the particles become trapped in that web of fibers.
The activated carbon is what distinguishes the Carbon air filter from a typical filter.
How do Activated carbon filters work?
To break open the carbon’s fractures, activated carbon is heated to an extreme temperature. This increases the carbon’s surface area enormously, enabling it to catch and store more foreign compounds in the indoor air supply. After that, the carbon material is added to the filter media as a fine powder.
Will this cause the carbon, which is now a fine powder, to enter your air ducts, you might be asking? Well, no, as the carbon is bonded to the filter fiber by a molecular connection.
By using valence electrons, the activated carbon filter media blocks smells and vapors at the molecular level. Carbon air filters link at the molecular level to aromas, vapors, and gases to stop them from passing through your air ducts, in contrast to normal filter media, which merely holds onto foreign material entering the airstream. When toxic vapors enter the air and manage to avoid the body’s natural defenses, the activated carbon medium functions as a sponge. Vapors can often reach the lungs and bloodstream more quickly than other particles and are more difficult to catch.
The short answer to this is yes because of usage over time. In fact, when the pre-filter is blocked, carbon air filters decrease indoor airflow. They ultimately accumulate enough particulate matter in the carbon and become clogged with use.
The pre-filter may need to be cleaned three to five times at first before wearing out. You can check to see if the impeller blades are also clean. These are often clean if you pull them through the filter, but if you push them through the filter, they can get quite dirty and reduce the draw of the fan.
Types of Activated Carbon
- Granular Activated Carbon: Compared to other forms of activated carbon, this one is made up of more significant bits but has a smaller exterior surface area.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): This substance consists of crushed or powdered carbon that looks like powder.
- Extruded Activated Carbon (EAC): This material is combined with PAC using a binder to create a spherical or cylindrical piece of carbon.
- Bead Activated Carbon (BAC): BAC is produced from petroleum pitches like EAC.
- Impregnated Carbon: This sort of carbon is finely distributed internally and contains a variety of inorganic impregnated compounds, such as silver and iodine.
- Woven Carbon: To make textile, activated carbon is woven into fibers.
- Activated Polymer Carbon: This is biocompatible activated carbon that has been coated. As a result, the finished carbon has a slick, breathable shell that doesn’t obstruct its pores.
Pros and Cons of a Carbon air filter
Pros
- It can eliminate toxic gases and VOCs.
- It quickly removes chemicals and smoke from the air.
- There are no harmful pollutants released.
- It has a three- to six-month lifespan
- This product is highly recommended for those with several chemical sensitivities.
- It gets rid of household odors from waste, pets, cleaning products, and smoke.
Cons
- The filter is not the best at eliminating airborne allergens.
- It doesn’t capture potentially hazardous germs like viruses and bacteria.
- Its efficiency depends on its size and thickness and it does not capture small particle materials.
- They cost more than conventional air filters.
The limits of carbon air filters go along with their advantages. As a result, it is usually advised to use an air purifier with both an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter. As the HEPA helps with the limitations of the carbon air filter, the activated carbon air filter will eliminate the impurities that the HEPA cannot collect.
Popular sizes
Carbon Air Filters vs. Traditional Air Filters: Which is Better?
If you’ve ever tried to research the best type of air filter for your home, you may have realized that there is a seemingly endless amount of home air filter options.
While traditional air filters have been the most common type of air filter on the market for a long time, carbon air filters are becoming a popular option for people who have additional concerns about air quality and purification.
As homeowners and consumers have become aware of the pollutants in their homes – including some pollutants that can be dangerous for a person’s health – they are discovering the benefits of carbon filtration and its ability to pull certain contaminants out of the air.
Of course, there are a number of things that have to be considered to confidently select the best air filter. The wrong air filter could do little to improve air quality and it could even result in damage your HVAC system.
Below, we’ve broken down carbon air filters and traditional air filters in a thorough Q&A, so you know the key differences between the two and which type of air filter is best for your home.
Carbon Air Filters
A carbon air filter is a specialty home air filter that is designed to remove odors, gases and chemicals from the air. As air particles pass through the filter, the particles that come in contact with the filter’s porous carbon are trapped.
Below are some of the most common facts about carbon air filters.
What is the Type of Media Used for Carbon Air Filters?
The air filter media is what makes carbon air filters unique. The filter is made of a layer of carbon that has been treated so that the tiny carbon particles are ground up and very porous.
What is it About the Carbon That Makes It Good at Killing Odors?
Carbon is especially good at killing odors because of how it reacts with particles. The carbon uses a process called adsorption that causes gas molecules to adhere to the carbon. Once adhered, the gas molecules remain trapped in the filter and can’t circulate back into the air.
What is an Activated Carbon Air Filter?
An activated carbon air filter is the same exact thing as a normal carbon air filter, and the names are often used interchangeably. However, some manufacturers do distinguish between the two simply in how the carbon is used within the filter.
Activated carbon air filters are made by grinding up the charcoal into extremely small particles. Some filters that are simply labeled “carbon” are made with powder blocks of carbon that are compressed and heated to create the filter.
Is a Carbon Filter Different from a Charcoal Air Filter?
No, charcoal air filter is just another name for a carbon air filter.
What Are the Primary Uses for a Carbon Air Filter?
Homeowners typically select a carbon air filter to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, smoke and/or gases from the air.
Can Carbon Air Filters be Used as a Whole House Air Filter?
Yes, there are whole house air filters that are made with carbon media. Just be mindful of the MERV rating if you need allergens, dust and dander cleaned out of the air along with odors, VOCs and gases. Our odor eliminator pleated air filter has a MERV 8 rating and can last up to three months.
Is There a Carbon Air Filter Purifier?
Carbon air filters are commonly used in air purifiers. However, it must be used in conjunction with another air filter, such as a HEPA air filter, in order for the purifier to remove microorganisms and related contaminants. It’s not uncommon for air-purifiers to have what’s called a 3-stage purification system with a traditional air filter, carbon air filter and HEPA filter.
How Long Do Carbon Air Filters Last?
One of the drawbacks is that carbon air filters get fully saturated fairly quickly. Ideally, a carbon air filter needs to be replaced or cleaned at least once a month.
How Much Do Carbon Air Filters Cost?
Carbon air filters tend to cost a bit more than traditional air filters. The cost is usually somewhere between $30-40 per carbon air filter.
Are Carbon Air Filters Readily Available?
Because these are specialty air filters, you probably won’t find a huge selection at the home goods store. You’ll probably be able to find carbon air filters, but the sizes will likely be limited.
The good news is carbon air filters are readily available online through manufacturers like Filterbuy.
Carbon Air Filter Pros and Cons Recap
The lists below provide a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of carbon air filters.
Pros of Carbon Air Filters:
- Eliminates odors
- Ability to neutralize harmful gases and VOCs
- Clears smoke and chemicals out of the air
- No harsh contaminants are released
Cons of Carbon Air Filters:
- Not the best filter for removing allergens from the air
- Doesn’t trap microorganisms
- Only last around a month before needing to be replaced
- More expensive than traditional air filters
Traditional Air Filters
Traditional air filters shouldn’t be a mystery to most of our readers. Like carbon air filters, a traditional air filter works by trapping particles as air flows through the media, however in this case, traditional air filters use a fiberglass-based filter to clean the air. The particles get stuck within that web of fibers as air moves on to the rest of the house.
Below are some of the most common facts about traditional air filters.
What is the Type of Media Used for Traditional Air Filters?
Traditional air filter media is usually either spun fiberglass media or pleated film in a cardboard frame.
How Good Are Traditional Air Filters at Cleaning Your Air?
A traditional air filter can be very effective at cleaning the air inside so long as it has a MERV rating of 8 or more. The higher the MERV rating is the better the filter is at cleaning the air. They are able to clear the air of allergens, pollutants, dirt, debris and microorganisms.
What Are the Primary Uses for a Traditional Air Filter?
Traditional air filters are designed to keep contaminants out of the HVAC system first and foremost. However, they also remove contaminants from the air that’s circulating around the home too.
Homeowners use traditional air filters for a variety of reasons. The primary uses are reducing allergens, improving air quality, removing contaminants, and keeping debris out of the air.
Can Traditional Air Filters be Used as a Whole House Air Filter?
Yes, traditional air filters are meant to be used as a whole house air filter. You just have to make sure the air filter is properly suited and sized for your HVAC system.
Is There a Traditional Air Filter Purifier?
Many of the air purifiers sold today use a type of air filter known as HEPA (high efficiency particulate air). HEPA air filters are extremely effective at drawing contaminants and pollutants out of the air, and portable purifiers aren’t tied to the HVAC system so there’s no concern about damage to your home air circulation system when using them.
How Long Do Traditional Air Filters Last?
Most traditional air filters are designed to last 90 days or 3 months. If you have pets, a lot of tenants, or other circumstances that make your filter work harder, you may need to replace them before the 90-day limit.
How Much Do Traditional Air Filters Cost?
There’s a broad price range for traditional air filters. Size, MERV rating and the air filter media all affect the price that you pay. You can get traditional air filters for as low as $5 and ordering in bulk can make the filters even more affordable. For custom sized air filters, it depends on your sizing and quantity.
Are Traditional Air Filters Readily Available?
Traditional air filters are readily available in-store and online. That said, air filters that are an odd size may be difficult to find at a brick-and-mortar location. You’re better off using a direct manufacturer, like Filterbuy, that allows clients to order custom-size air filters online.
Traditional Air Filter Pros and Cons Recap
Below is a quick recap of what to consider when you’re comparing traditional air filters.
Traditional Air Filter Pros:
- Can trap and remove microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses
- Very effective at removing allergens, pollen, dust and dander
- No harsh contaminants are released
- Can last up to three months before replacement
Traditional Air Filter Cons:
- Not ideal for odor removal
- Not able to remove some chemicals and gases from the air
Shop the Most Popular Sized Air Filters
Below, you can select from our most popular sizes of home air filters.
Carbon filters for ventilation
Pocket filter with charcoal cloth
Pocket filter with charcoal cloth is designed to remove foreign odors and dust in the supply and exhaust system.
Consists of two layers of material.
The first layer is a bulk carbon material containing activated carbon. It is this layer that traps odor and
also traps dust particles.
Second layer – bulky polyester material traps loose particles of coal bed and protects equipment
ventilation system.
Panel filter with carbon cloth
Application: in supply and exhaust ventilation systems and installations for air purification from organic and inorganic
gaseous pollutants. Bakeries, canteens/restaurants or cafes, hookahs, small industries located in
in close proximity to the residential sector. Shopping malls and office buildings, located near the roadways,
road junctions, to filter the supply air from dust and odors.
Cylindrical carbon filter
The main purpose of the cylindrical carbon filter is to remove unpleasant odors from the air flow in the
supply and exhaust ventilation system. The carbon filter is always installed on the second or third stage of air purification, before it
it is always necessary to install a coarse filter. Otherwise coarse particles will clog the carbon filter.
Cylindrical carbon filters are used wherever it is necessary to get rid of foreign odors and gases. Most often on underground
parking lots and shopping malls. Named coal filters provide a comfortable environment indoors. Carbon sorbent at
molecular level absorbs odors and gases.
Our company was one of the first to develop and introduce the production technology of cylindrical carbon filters for ventilation.
We are able to produce a filter of any design and modification.
Carbon filters Compact – VGCarb/n
Filter characteristics
Filter designation
|
Filter depth mm |
7 flanges, mm |
||
3 292 |
25 |
180 |
15 |
|
VGcarb/n-Bcl-65-292 |
292 |
25 |
138 |
900 02 10 |
VGcarb/n-Bcl-63-292 |
292 |
25 |
100 |
6 |
The Compact carbon filter was developed by our company to solve two problems. First, the removal of foreign odors and gases from the supply and exhaust
ventilation system. The second task is to reduce the costs of our customers for the maintenance of the ventilation unit.
Carbon filter for ventilation of the Compact brand from Filter Factory Ves Mir LLC will cope with the task of any complexity.0007 filter material uses activated carbon, which absorbs foreign odors at the molecular level.
Our technicians have improved the design features of the Compact carbon filter. Due to the modifications carried out, the
Compact filter can be used in both multi-stage and single-stage ventilation systems. You no longer need to pre-filter.
We have added a coarse filter cloth to the design, it reliably protects the carbon sorbent from premature
clogging and wear.
Carbon panel filters VPCarb/n
Filter characteristics
Designation filter |
Material type
|
Thickness frame, mm |
Initial resistance Pa |
Sorbent weight in the filter, kg |
VPcarb/n-Bcl-66-35
|
Activated carbon |
35 |
79 |
4 |
VPcarb/n -Bkl-66-48/00/01 |
Activated carbon |
48 |
85 |
4. |
90 002 VPcarb/n-Bcl-66-70/01/R0 |
Activated carbon |
70 |
200 |
8 |
Compact carbon filters – VGCarb
Filter characteristics
Designation filters |
Filter depth mm |
Thickness seat flange , mm |
Initial 900 03 resistance Pa |
Quantity carbon material in filter m2 |
WGcarb-Bcl-66-292
|
292 9 0052 |
25 |
60 |
10 |
-65- 292 |
292 |
25 |
52 |
8 9 0052 |
VGcarb-Bkl-63-292 |
292 |
25 |
47 |
5 |
Purpose: trapping molecular contaminants in supply and exhaust ventilation systems.
The use of these filters makes it possible to purify the air to sanitary and environmental standards, as well as improve the quality of the supply air in
superior rooms.
The filter material consists of polyester fibers interspersed with small granules of activated carbon.
Polyester fibers in this structure provide a framework and prevent the removal of fine activated carbon granules from the filter layer.
As mentioned above, VGCarb filters are designed to remove gaseous and steam pollutants from the purified air,
which are sorbed by the developed finely porous structure of activated carbon.
For normal operation of VGCarb filters, filters of class F7 must be installed before them (for example, filters BM, VMK),
which protect the filter layer of VGCarb filters from contamination with fine aerosols that reduce the sorption capacity of activated carbon.
During the entire period of operation, if the above recommendations are followed, the aerodynamic resistance of VGCarb filters remains practically unchanged.
The filter media does not contain environmentally hazardous substances. The filter can be disposed of as construction waste or incinerated.
This filter is classified as 100% recycling.
Production of non-standard items |
||
Free technical advice for air filtration |
||
Free visit of a specialist to the object |
||
Delivery |
In-house production of filters and material
Professional approach to the manufacture of air filters for ventilation systems allows us to produce high-quality products
Body welding
Pocket soldering
Pocket stitching
Lamination
Corrugation for VGS filters
Corrugation for VG filters
9000 2
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Carbon air filters from Chisty Mir.
Pocket filters, panel filters, cassette filters, w-type, compact
Production time for air filters:
- Normal: 10-15 days
- Urgent: 1-3 days!
Carbon filters are used to clean the air stream from odors, gaseous impurities and aerosols, heavy metals, solvents, radioactive iodine, tobacco smoke, allergens and other substances harmful to humans and the natural environment. Also, filtering equipment retains mechanical particles – soot, insects, fluff, plant seeds, pollen, fluff.
Chisty Mir Company manufactures, installs and maintains carbon filters of various modifications. The best materials and modern technologies are used in the work, quality control is carried out at all stages of production, which allows you to get the best result.
Varieties of carbon filters
Pocket air filter
The product is a galvanized frame into which bags (sleeves closed on one side) of filtering material are sewn. The shape and increased filtration area provide high cleaning efficiency with minimal airflow resistance, stable operation even with high dust content and high loads.
Panel
Flat, thin and compact product. Metal frame with metal mesh on both sides. Granular activated carbon is filled in between the walls. The filter has a high absorption capacity.
Cassette
Consists of a frame assembled from a U-shaped profile, in which several filter cassettes are placed with crushed activated carbon enclosed between layers of polyester. The filter is characterized by excellent aerodynamic properties, increased filtration area and high dust holding capacity.
W-type
The design consists of a plastic or metal housing in which the filter cloth is arranged in W-shaped cells. A corrugated polyester fabric is used as a filtering material, between the fibers of which there are particles of activated carbon. The device has increased rigidity, a large filtration area and efficiency with a low initial resistance to air flow.
Compact
A plastic or metal frame contains a corrugated material made of polyester fibers, between which activated carbon granules are embedded. The folded material provides a large filtration area and durability of use. Small dimensions allow to mount the filter in the ventilation system of any dimensions. The device is sealed, which helps to reduce noise during ventilation without the need for a silencer.
You can also buy carbon-impregnated filter materials for installation in pocket, cassette and compact filters at an affordable price.
Scope of application
Filters are installed in ventilation, aspiration, air conditioning systems to clean supply, exhaust and recirculation air. They are used in residential, office and commercial premises, in food, pharmaceutical and chemical enterprises, in smoking rooms, in livestock and poultry farming, in medical institutions and laboratories. Charcoal filters provide clean and fresh air, which prevents allergies, reduces the risk of asthma and heart attacks, and improves the condition of people in the room.
Our advantages
- Products comply with international standards and are certified.