10" granular activated carbon cartridge GAC Aquapro, ref. PR-UPF-10

10" granular activated carbon cartridge

Standard 10" format cartridge filled with granular activated carbon. Water passes through the carbon bed, which removes by adsorption free chlorine and organic molecules responsible for taste and odour.

Aquapro reference PR-UPF-10.

Granular carbon and carbon block

Granular activated carbon (GAC) consists of loose grains. Water circulates between the grains, resulting in low pressure drop and high flow rate. Typical applications: reverse osmosis pre-treatment, drinking water line, second stage behind a sediment pre-filter.

Carbon block (CTO) is a compacted media that adds fine mechanical filtration, often 5 microns or less, with higher pressure drop.

GAC prioritises flow rate, block adds mechanical finishing.

Media action

Activated carbon reduces:

• free chlorine and its taste
• chlorination by-products
• organic compounds responsible for taste and odour

It does not act on water hardness or dissolved mineral salts, which pass through the media.

Upstream pre-filtration

Granular carbon is an adsorption media, not a particle filter. Water laden with sand or rust particles clogs the bed surface and causes flow channelling, reducing effectiveness before actual media saturation.

Upstream sediment pre-filter is necessary: 5 microns on mains water, wider threshold on heavily laden water.

Initial rinsing

On first commissioning, allow water to run to drain for several minutes. New carbon releases black fines and produces greyish water on first pass.

Replacement

Carbon is replaced at media saturation, not at flow loss:

• Indicative frequency: 6 months, to be adjusted according to consumption volume and chlorine content of the mains
• Return of chlorine taste: media is saturated

A carbon cartridge must not be left in place beyond its recommended frequency, particularly after a period without use.

Format and installation

Standard 10" format, compatible with 10" and 9"3/4 filter housings. Observe the flow direction indicated, check the housing seal, purge air and rinse before returning to service.

In a multi-stage chain, the order runs from coarsest to finest: sediment, then carbon, then polishing.