Arqtech Laboratories Carbon Filters

Residual DNA Detection Water Analysis Water Treatment

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Carbon Filter Units

Carbon Filter units come in many different shapes and sizes, from work-top units that attach to the tap to large units servicing an entire system. They address many water-quality problems, some of which are detailed below. Activated carbon is a unique material known for its ability to adsorb (bind to its surface) soluble organic compounds and certain gases. This quality makes it specially suited for use in water treatment and allows it to act as a fine screen which traps solid particles, but allows the water to pass through.
Most taste and odour problems can be reduced with the use of an activated carbon filter. To combat the taste and odour problem of excess amounts of chlorine, for example, many consumers install a filter at the kitchen tap. The filter adsorbs the excess chlorine, and produces a tasty, clean water for cooking and drinking.

Bacterial Removal
While a conventional carbon filter will not remove bacteria from water we can provide a unit that is comprised of a ceramic filter impregnated with silver in conjunction with a carbon bed. The ceramic filter traps the bacteria while the silver prevents any bacterial growth. This unit can be installed under the sink with it's own tap. However to remove bacteria from an entire household system and to comply with EU Regulations other measures are required.

Before reaching your tap, water comes into contact with many different substances. It picks up traces of these substances, and unfortunately, some of them may cause taste, odour, colour, or turbidity problems for the consumer.

Turbidity: Cloudy Water

water that appears cloudy or foggy due to;

the presence of finely divided solid particles in water.
inorganic mineral matter which does not dissolve.
organic matter that has been picked up as the water flows over and through the ground.

can cause staining of sinks and fixtures
discoloration of laundered fabrics.
inorganic turbidity can have an abrasive effect on plumbing systems and may cause physical wear or erosion on pipes and fittings.

Taste and Odour

common characteristic of water from public systems is the chlorine taste and odour.
excess chlorine from the disinfection treatment step can make the water objectionable..
water with a high mineral concentration may have an unpleasant soda or salty taste.
metallic taste may be produced by the presence of iron or manganese in water.
hydrogen sulphide gas creates an objectionable odour.
organic matter may cause unusual tastes and odours such as musty, fishy, or earthy smells .

It is important to note that tastes and odours affect drinking water as well as the foods and beverages prepared with the water. The problem of hydrogen sulphide in water is more complex than many other odour problems. If the concentration of hydrogen sulphide is very low, then an activated carbon filter may be used. For greater concentrations, an iron removal filter should be effective in correcting the problem.

Colour

may make the water unappealing to drink.
may cause the staining of surfaces and materials touched by the water.
a yellowish coloration may be organic in nature, but presents no health hazard. It is caused by the presence of microscopic suspended particles. This coloration occurs in regions where the water passes through marshlands and has percolated down through peaty soils. It is more common in surface water supplies and shallow wells than in deep wells. Humic acids, often referred to as tannins, are the real cause of the colour condition. Often the colour is not highly visible in a glass of water, but can frequently be noticed when water is drawn for a bath. The white background of the tub can highlight even the slightest discoloration.

Iron in the water.

Water with dissolved iron may appear clear when it is first drawn, but may turn a brown-red colour when it stands exposed to air or when it is heated.
Water with precipitated iron may have a reddish colour or red particles when it is first drawn.
The disadvantages of water containing significant amounts of iron are obvious. It can leave brown-red stains on fixtures and dishes, as well as discolour laundry. It may also contravene the E.U. regulations for drinking water..

turbidity

taste, odour

colour

**PREGNANT WOMEN MAY STAND A 15% GREATER RISK OF MISCARRAIGE DUE TO DRINKING CHLORINATED WATER**.
The main reasons to install a carbon filter unit have been aesthetic. While levels of chlorine remain within the limits set out by regulatory bodies there is no evidence of any harmful effects. However, as reported on ABC NEWS 10/02/98, pregnant women may stand a 15% greater risk of miscarraige due to drinking chlorinated water. Californian Health Officials believe the culprit is high-levels of tri-halomethanes (THM). THM are formed by the chemical reaction between the chlorine and organic compounds found naturally in water. According to the study, women who drank at least 5 glasses of tap water a day in their first trimester had more miscarraiges although levels of THM were within federal standards (0.10mg/L).

If you are interested in improving the quality of your water contact us. We will call and test your water FREE OF CHARGE and you are under NO OBLIGATION to buy. All units and installation work are guaranteed for 7 years.

ARQTECH Laboratories Ltd.,
Unit 5, IDA Innovation Centre,
Newcastle Road,
Galway, Ireland.
E-mail info@arqtech.com
Tel 353 91 520623
Fax 353 91 520624