Carbon—the miracle element
Around the periodic table, it’s known as atomic number six. Its Latin root, carbo, is the basis of the English word charcoal. It’s the fourth most abundant element in the universe, and the second most abundant element in the human body. It appears in many different allotropes, or forms, ranging from soft graphite (drawing pencils) to rock-solid diamonds.
Meet the miracle element: carbon
Dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians, people have used carbon, or charcoal, to filter unpleasant odors. Fast forward centuries later, and in 1862, a scientist by the name of Frederick Lipscombe applied the first known, modern use of charcoal in water purification. Today activated carbon-based water filtering has evolved into a common, yet sophisticated, system used in people’s daily lives. However, despite the advancements in water purification, the premise today is the same as in Lipscombe’s time.
How charcoal works in water filtering
First, the charcoal becomes activated, meaning that it is infused with oxygen to make it more porous. As a result, the charcoal filter transforms into a sponge-like surface full of “countless bonding sites.” When water passes through the filter, certain chemicals attach to these bonding sites. Thus, the activated carbon acts as a net that captures impurities in the water.
Ad vs. ab
It’s interesting to note that carbon works through the process of adsorption, not absorption. The carbon doesn’t dissolve contaminants or impurities: that would be absorption. Instead, by the process of adsorption, activated carbon traps undesirable elements. As a result, during the filtering process, carbon allows only clear, purified water to flow through.
Once the carbon filter gets full, it’s time to replace it, so the process can begin again. With the Coway Aquamega 100, the filters should be replaced approximately every six months or at about every 300 gallons. (This recommendation is based on average daily use from 1.5 to 1.67 gallons.) It’s important to replace the filters in order to maintain the effectiveness of the Coway Aquamega 100 system. Coway’s engineering and design has made it fast and easy to replace the filters, so you and your family can enjoy clear and refreshing water every day.
For more information on how to replace your Coway Aquamega 100 filter, check out the Coway Aquamega 100 maintenance video.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
