Ecosoft coconut shell activated carbon block cartridge 10", ref. ECO-CHVCB2510ECO

Ecosoft coconut shell activated carbon block cartridge, 2.5" x 10"

Compact activated carbon cartridge in 2.5" x 10" format. The media is an extruded block of activated carbon from coconut shell, with water passing through its entire thickness.

Ecosoft reference ECO-CHVCB2510ECO.

Coconut shell activated carbon

Activated carbon is obtained from several raw materials. The two common ones in water treatment are coal and coconut shell.

Coconut carbon has a more developed microporous structure, with a high specific surface area concentrated on small pores. This structure is particularly suited to the adsorption of small organic molecules, including those responsible for chlorine and tastes.

Coal-based carbon has a more distributed porosity, better suited to certain larger molecules.

On a drinking water line, coconut is the standard choice. It is also a renewable raw material, derived from an agricultural by-product.

Two actions in a single stage

Adsorption. Carbon removes free chlorine, chlorination by-products and organic compounds responsible for tastes and odours.

Mechanical filtration. The compacted structure of the block forms a porous media with a 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.

Block and granular

• Carbon block : adsorption and fine mechanical filtration, higher pressure drop, no flow channelling
• Granular carbon (GAC) : adsorption only, low pressure drop, high flow rate

The block is chosen when taste and mechanical finishing are required in the same stage.

Position in the treatment chain

The carbon block is installed as a finishing stage, after sediment pre-filtration :

• sediment pre-filter first, 5 microns on mains water
• coconut carbon block next, for taste and polishing
• reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration downstream, if the installation includes it

The block provides mechanical filtration but is not sized to handle the particle load of unfiltered water. Without a pre-filter, the inlet face will clog and flow loss will occur before carbon saturation.

Media action

Reduces free chlorine, chlorination by-products and organic compounds responsible for tastes and odours. Retains fine particles according to the block's threshold.

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

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

Two criteria, in this order :

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

Indicative replacement interval of 6 to 12 months, to be adjusted according to the volume treated and the chlorine content of the mains water.

Installation

Standard 2.5" x 10" format, for single-body 10" filter housing. Observe the direction of flow, check the presence and condition of the housing O-ring seal, tighten with a wrench without forcing and bleed air before returning to service.

An isolation valve upstream avoids shutting off the main supply at each replacement.