Filtering Fact From Fiction |
|
 |
| The level of unsubstantiated claims made by manufacturers and retailers of certain carbon filters is leading to widespread confusion and misunderstanding amongst growers. What should you want from a filter then? Read our article and find out! |
|
|
Filtering Fact From Fiction
Time to put the record straight on carbon filters…
A worrying trend seems to be emerging concerning some Carbon Filter manufacturers and retailers and we think it’s about time that you knew the truth! Virtually every new filter on the market claims to be “lighter” than all of the others and “better” at removing odours because of the use of smaller carbon particles, but watch out - this is not true!
Let us explain…
Carbon is used in a wide range of different industries as an effective medium for filtering impurities from both gases and liquids. The amount and type of carbon required to do the job effectively is determined by what needs filtering. In the case of liquids, smaller particles of carbon are used to provide an increased surface area and greater filtration properties. Depending upon the level of filtration required, there is a range of different grades of activated carbon each designed specifically for the job. Activated carbon for water filtration is very lightweight and packs together very tightly. It is capable of being used for air filtration but will cause a large pressure drop and put undue strain on your extractor fan.
The type of carbon used in air filtration again comes in differing grades dependent upon the level of filtration required. For the complete removal of odours, the depth of carbon used must ensure that there is a contact time of between 0.1 – 0.2 seconds between the air and the carbon. Also, there are specific forms of carbon designed for air filtration. Air filtration carbon is typically formed into small pellets of compressed carbon. This makes it slightly heavier than water filtration carbon, but crucially does not cause large pressure drops when used in conjunction with an extractor fan. The pellets are formed specifically to allow easy airflow between the carbon pellets whilst still providing the required contact time for complete odour removal. Even when fully compacted, air filtration carbon maintains sufficient space between the pellets to allow relatively rapid airflow.
Why should I care?
This information is crucial to every indoor gardener because whilst some manufacturers are claiming that smaller carbon is better at filtration, they are in fact charging a premium for a product that is cheaper for them to make (water filtration carbon is cheaper to buy than air filtration carbon) and is completely inadequate for the job due to the massive pressure loss that these filters cause. They are effectively making the cheapest products possible and then charging the most money they can by claiming false benefits.
What should I be looking for from a good Carbon Filter?
A good carbon filter will be quite easy to spot. It won’t claim to be super lightweight, it won’t have above average carbon dust all over the sleeve and inner chamber and there will be no rattling of loose carbon from inside. It will use high-grade granulated air filtration carbon and not cheaper water filtration carbon that is inappropriate for the job. Both our Premium Quality Carbon Filters and Budget Carbon Filters – which are sold separately and in GroWell Complete Extraction/Filtration Kits and Budget Extraction/Filtration Kits respectively as well as numerous other complete kits – have been purposely designed to meet this criteria and certainly won't let you down.
With more and more below-par filters entering the scene as self-proclaimed industry leaders, we feel the facts will help you make a more informed purchase. For any further advice regarding this issue - or any other for that matter - please don’t hesitate to call our technical team on 0845 345 5176.
|
|
|
|
