Unraveling the Technical Principles of Water Purifier
In an era where water quality concerns are on the rise, water purifiers have become indispensable for ensuring the supply of clean and safe drinking water. These devices employ a variety of technical principles to remove contaminants and impurities from water sources. Understanding these principles is crucial for consumers to make informed choices about the most suitable water purifier for their needs.
I. Filtration – The First Line of Defense
A. Sediment Filtration
Sediment filtration is a fundamental process in water purification. It serves as the initial barrier against large – sized particles present in water. The filter media, often made of materials like polypropylene (PP) or ceramic, contains pores of specific sizes. These pores act as a sieve, allowing water molecules to pass through while trapping particles such as sand, dirt, rust, and debris. For example, a PP sediment filter with a pore size of 5 – 20 microns can effectively remove visible particles that give water a cloudy or murky appearance. This process not only improves the aesthetic quality of water but also protects downstream components of the water purifier from potential damage caused by abrasive particles.
B. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filtration
Granular activated carbon filtration is another key aspect of water purification. Activated carbon is produced by heating carbon – rich materials such as coconut shells, coal, or wood in the absence of oxygen. This process creates a highly porous structure with an extremely large surface area. The pores in GAC range from micropores (less than 2 nanometers) to mesopores (2 – 50 nanometers).
The purification mechanism of GAC is based on adsorption. When water passes through the GAC filter, contaminants such as chlorine, organic chemicals, and some heavy metals are attracted to the surface of the carbon particles. Chlorine, which is added to municipal water supplies for disinfection, has a strong affinity for the activated carbon surface. The carbon’s large surface area provides numerous sites for the chlorine molecules to adhere to, effectively removing it from the water. This not only improves the taste and odor of water but also reduces the formation of harmful disinfection – by – products.
