What process do carbon filters use to remove chlorine and chloramine?

Carbon filters primarily operate through the process of adsorption to remove chlorine and chloramine from water. In adsorption, molecules of the contaminants adhere to the surface of the carbon particles. This is due to the porous nature of activated carbon, which provides a large surface area for interactions with chemicals like chlorine and chloramine. When water flows through the carbon filter, these chemicals attach to the carbon rather than remaining in the water, effectively reducing their concentration.

The efficiency of adsorption in carbon filters is largely attributed to the chemical properties of the carbon material, which allows it to attract and hold onto various contaminants through van der Waals forces and other types of molecular interactions. This mechanism makes carbon filters particularly effective for the removal of chlorine and chloramine, which are commonly found in municipal water supplies as disinfectants.

Understanding adsorptive processes is crucial for effectively utilizing carbon filters, especially in water treatment systems where the goal is to ensure safe and clean water by eliminating harmful chemicals.