Activated Carbon Adsorption Technology
Porous Carbon Designed to Improve Water Taste and Odor
Activated carbon contains a network of microscopic pores that creates a large internal surface area. As water moves through the media, certain compounds are attracted to and held on the carbon surface through a process known as adsorption.
Standard Activated Carbon Filtration Media Where activated carbon is listed in the product specification, it is included as part of the standard Purewell filter construction rather than offered only as an optional upgrade.
Purewell Standard
Adsorption Inside the Carbon Media
Incoming Water
Water Flows Out
Cl
Water carries chlorine, taste, odor, and certain organic compounds
Certain compounds are held within the porous carbon surface
Water continues through the filtration system
How Activated Carbon Works
Activated carbon primarily works through adsorption. Compounds are attracted to the carbon surface instead of simply being screened out by pore size.
1
Water Enters the Carbon Media Source water flows around and between the activated carbon particles inside the filter.
2
Water Contacts the Porous Surface Microscopic pores provide a large internal surface area for water and dissolved compounds to contact.
3
Certain Compounds Are Adsorbed Chlorine, taste-and-odor compounds, and certain organic substances may be attracted to and held on the carbon surface.
4
Water Continues Through the Filter After contacting the carbon media, water moves to the next filtration stage or exits the system, depending on the filter design.
Improves Taste and Odor Helps reduce compounds that can create unwanted tastes or odors in drinking water.
Helps Reduce Chlorine Activated carbon is commonly used to help reduce chlorine taste and odor in treated municipal water.
High Internal Surface Area A network of microscopic pores creates extensive contact area within a compact amount of filter media.
No Treatment Chemicals Added Activated carbon performs through surface adsorption and does not require chemicals to be added to the water.
✓ Designed to Help Reduce
- Chlorine taste and odor
- Unpleasant tastes and smells
- Certain volatile organic compounds
- Certain adsorption-sensitive organic substances
i Understand the Filtration Limit
- Does not normally reduce dissolved salts or TDS
- Does not soften hard water by itself
- Is not a complete microbiological barrier on its own
- Does not reduce every contaminant without additional media
Important Use and Care Notes
Correct preparation and timely replacement help maintain adsorption performance and water quality.
01
Flush Before First Use Flush the filter according to the product instructions before drinking. This helps remove loose carbon fines and trapped air.
02
Temporary Carbon Fines May Appear A small amount of dark carbon dust may appear during initial rinsing. Continue flushing until the water runs clear.
03
Use Within the Recommended Temperature Range Do not use hot water unless the specific product instructions state that the filter is designed for hot-water use.
04
Use with an Appropriate Water Source Activated carbon alone does not make microbiologically unsafe, industrially polluted, or saltwater sources suitable for drinking.
05
Replace the Filter on Schedule Adsorption sites gradually become occupied. Replace the filter when its rated life is reached or when taste and odor reduction noticeably declines.
06
Follow Storage Instructions Clean and store the filter as directed when the system will not be used for an extended period. Do not leave stagnant water in the system longer than recommended.
Filtration performance depends on the activated carbon type, carbon quantity, contact time, water quality, flow rate, product design, and maintenance. Specific contaminant-reduction claims should be based on the applicable Purewell product specifications and test results.