What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Activated Carbon Filters?

The following key points should be noted when using activated carbon filters:
 I. Inlet Water Condition Control

Influent turbidity ≤5 NTU (Preferred value ≤ 3 NTU) If the value exceeds the limit, pretreatment (such as quartz sand filtration) is required.

pH value controlled at 6-8 This helps prevent activated carbon from becoming ineffective in strong acid/alkali environments.

Oily wastewater and high-concentration oxidants are strictly prohibited. (Such as ClO₂, ozone) can enter, otherwise it will clog the pores of activated carbon.
 II. Operation Parameter Management

Filtration flow rate 5-10m/h If the flow rate is too fast, it will easily penetrate the filter layer; if it is too slow, the efficiency will be low.
The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet should be ≤0.08MPa. If it exceeds the limit, backwashing is required.
 Keep the equipment fully submerged in water to prevent air from forming in the filter layer.
 III. Backwashing Maintenance

Backwashing cycle: normally 7-15 days/time, shortened to 3-5 days/time when water quality is poor.
 Backwash parameters:

Combined air-water flushing: air flushing pressure 0.03-0.05MPa, water flushing pressure 0.05-0.1MPa, total duration 7-12 minutes.

Water flush only: pressure 0.06-0.09MPa, intensity 5-7L/(m²・s), duration 6-10 minutes.

Backwashing effect verification: Drainage turbidity ≤3 NTU, effluent turbidity after forward washing ≤1 NTU.
 IV. Filter Media Condition Monitoring

Regularly check the filter bed height; if it drops by more than 10%, add activated carbon.
Activated carbon replacement conditions:

The water quality still did not meet the standards after backwashing (residual chlorine > 0.1 mg/L, COD removal rate < 30%).
 The filter media turned grayish-brown and felt sticky to the touch.

The differential pressure frequently exceeds the standard (ΔP > 0.08 MPa within 1-2 days after backwashing).
 V. Safety and Compliance Operations
 Valves should be operated slowly to avoid water hammer.

During maintenance, the pressure must be released (the pressure inside the tank drops to 0 MPa) to prevent pressure injury.

Backwash wastewater must be treated to meet standards before being discharged, and spent activated carbon must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
VI. Handling Common Problems

Initially, the water may appear black: This is normal. Continue running the system until the water becomes clear.

If activated carbon particles are present in the water outlet: Check if the filter screen is damaged and replace it if necessary.

Turbid backwash water: If it remains turbid, check whether the filter bed has collapsed or the activated carbon powder has been lost.

The above measures can effectively ensure the adsorption efficiency and service life of activated carbon filters. It is recommended to develop a maintenance plan based on the equipment manual and water quality conditions.