Pentek CBC-10 block carbon cartridge 0.5 micron 9"3/4, ref. PENTEK-155162-43

Pentek CBC-10 cartridge, block carbon 0.5 micron

Compact activated carbon cartridge in 9"3/4 format, filtration threshold 0.5 micron. Pentair manufacture, CBC series.

Reference PENTEK-155162-43.

The compacted carbon block

The media is an extruded block traversed by water across its entire thickness. Two simultaneous actions:

Adsorption. Activated carbon retains free chlorine, chlorination by-products and organic compounds responsible for tastes and odours.

Mechanical filtration at 0.5 micron. The compacted structure forms a porous media with defined threshold, which retains fine particles in addition to adsorbed molecules.

Unlike a granular carbon bed, the block does not allow water to bypass the media through a preferential path. Contact time remains consistent throughout the cartridge's service life.

The 0.5 micron threshold

0.5 micron is a fine filtration threshold, higher than that of a standard sediment pre-filter. It positions this cartridge as a polishing stage rather than pre-filtration.

Direct consequence: pressure drop is higher than with granular carbon or a block with a more open threshold. Available outlet flow must be verified against the point-of-use requirement.

Standard 9"3/4 format

9"3/4 is the standard format for single-body filter housings. Standard diameter approximately 2.5", height 9.75".

The format mounts in a single filter housing, or as a polishing stage in a 2 or 3-stage assembly, after sediment pre-filtration.

Upstream pre-filtration

The block provides mechanical filtration but is not sized to handle the particle load of unfiltered water. Water laden with sand or rust will clog the inlet face and cause premature flow loss, before carbon saturation.

Upstream sediment pre-filter is necessary: 5 micron on mains water, more open threshold on heavily laden water.

Initial rinse

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

Replacement

Two criteria, in this order:

• Flow loss: the inlet face of the block is clogged
• Return of chlorine taste: the carbon is saturated

Indicative periodicity of 6 to 12 months, to be adjusted according to treated volume and network chlorine content. At 0.5 micron with correct pre-filtration, carbon saturation generally occurs first.

Installation

Respect the direction of flow, check the presence and condition of the housing O-ring, tighten with wrench without forcing and purge air before returning to service.

An upstream isolation valve avoids a general shutdown at each replacement.