Activated carbon, including granulated activated carbon (GAC) carbon block and catalytic activated carbon
Activated carbon can be made from coal, wood, or coconut shell. Coconut shell is the most expensive and effective form. Carbon is “activated” by adding a positive charge, which enhances the adsorption and reduction of contaminants which have a negative charge. The three forms of activated carbon used in water filtration systems are granulated activated carbon (GAC), activated carbon block, and catalytic carbon.
Activated carbon removes impurities, chemicals and contaminants from water through adsorption and a process called catalytic reduction. Contaminants removed include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), herbicides, pesticides, chlorine (which is why water tastes better when filtered with activated carbon), chloramine, radon, and most man-made chemicals.
Activated carbon is not effective at removing heavy metals, nitrites, nitrates, dissolved inorganic contaminants or sediment. This is why sediment filters should precede carbon filters, and why KDF media is combined with activated carbon in many quality filtration systems.
Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) is more effective when combined with KDF Media as there is a synergy of the two filtration medias that results in superior filtration to either media when used alone. A pound of activated carbon has a surface area of over 125 acres and can adsorb thousands of chemicals.
Carbon block filters can be manufactured to a smaller micron rating than GAC, providing enhanced contaminant and sediment removal without the risk of carbon fines clogging subsequent filters or ending up in your water. Flushing GAC filters is required prior to consuming drinking water that has been filtered with GAC filtration.
Catalytic carbon, a new advanced activated carbon product, is designed to adsorb chloramines, an alternative to chlorine designed to inhibit the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs) caused by the interaction of chlorine with organic plant materials.
Multi-level Carbon Block Water Filtration Products (Multi-Pure, etc)
Some granulated activated carbon and carbon block filtration systems are sold through multi level marketing, including Multi-Pure, and similar products. Those that understand the financial structure of multi level companies (i.e. Usana, Shaklee, Quixtar, Nikken, Multi-Pure, etc.), know that all multi-level products are grossly overpriced.
Multi-Pure is an overpriced carbon block filtration system hidden in an attractive stainless steel housing. The stainless steel housing must be worth over $300.00, because the carbon block filter installed is worth less than $50.00. There are thousands of “independent” distributors and many online companies marketing Multi-Pure, who are brainwashed by the company to believe that these products are worth the incredibly inflated prices charged. Independent Multi-Pure distributors will promote the NSF Certification, which any company can have if they want to spend the money for the certification. A single stage carbon block filtration system cannot compare to a multi stage design, and no carbon only design removes fluoride. Plus, water stored in a stainless steel container absorbs nickel, a heavy metal that is more difficult for the body to eliminate than aluminum. For those interested in this type of design, OPUS can provide a product with similar or superior specifications for less than $150.00. For those looking for a proprietary design, Aquasana is a reasonably priced system that is superior to Multi-Pure for those that want a system that does not remove fluoride, at a fraction of the price, and Aquasana features superior lead removal.
Comparison: Using Opus Healthy Water Systems vs. Multi-Pure Carbon Block and MLM Systems
- Removal of heavy metals and fluoride. Multi-Pure and other systems that use only carbon block cannot remove heavy metals or fluoride. Multi-Pure is only certified to remove chlorine and chloramines, particles, taste and odor.
- Multi-Pure and similar carbon block designs contain NO KDF MEDIA. When KDF media is combined with carbon it significantly extends the life of granulated activated carbon (GAC), controls and inhibits the growth of microorganisms, and outperforms silver-impregnated carbon filters, granulated carbon (without KDF) and carbon block filters.
- Carbon block filters are used in all OPUS Healthy Water Systems as a final taste, odor, lead, cyst, polishing filter. OPUS does not recommend carbon block filters used alone, unless water is free of fluoride and the user replaces the filter often.
- Multi-Pure and other companies that market their products through “independent distributors,” or similar multi-level or network marketing methods can be very convincing by stressing NSF certification or other features, however all systems marketed using this method are an average of 4 to 8 times more expensive than similar designs marketed through normal retail channels.
Are OPUS system NSF certified? No. NSF is an organization that will certify most water treatment products if you choose to send your product to them and pay their fee. As all filter components used in OPUS filtration systems are already individually NSF certified, there is little benefit to pursuing this certification. Obtaining full NSF certification would result only in higher prices for OPUS Healthy Water Systems.