So anthracite can be used for mechanical filtration but nowhere in this
propaganda does it claim that anthracite performs any chemical filtration.
Basically anthracite is fancy filter sand! Therefore it is not equivalent
to or interchangeable with GAC. GAC is not intended to perform any
mechanical or biological filtration, although over time it will begin to do
both. GAC is intended to perform chemical filtration only.

So, anthracite is not GAC.
wrote in message
...
and here is the perfect example of what I was saying "The main reason I
dont respond
to any of the flaming is that when I correct the mis-information it does
absolutely
no good."

http://www.apswater.com/page127.html
"Although its potential for water treatment has been recognized since
ancient times,
anthracite coal was not used for that purpose until the beginning of this
century.
Crushed anthracite makes an excellent medium density filtration media.
Anthracite has
been manufactured from the finest Pennsylvania coal since 1932. It is
specifically
selected for water treatment, and during its production goes through
several sizing
inspections. Random samples are chosen for a complete laboratory quality
control
analysis for effective size, uniformity coefficient, specific gravity,
acid
solubility, and hardness.
Because of its fractured shape, some sediment penetrates deeper into the
bed. When
compared to equivalent filter sands., this means longer filter runs and
less head
loss. Backwash rates are also reduced.
Anthracite, because of its unique density can be used in multi-media
filters. At 56
lbs./ft. 3 it will hydraulically classify and remain above heavier medial
such as
Filter Sand or Manganese Greensand providing a prefiltration layer.
Advantages:
Higher service flows and longer filter runs than equivalent sand
filters.
Close attention to gradation, hardness and purity assures consistent
and
reliable performance.
Unique density allows Anthracite to be combined with other filtration
media in
multi-media filters.
Conditions For Operation:
Bed Depth - 24 - 36 in.
Backwash Rate - #1 (12-19 gpm/ft.2), #1 -1/2 (18-25 gpm/ft.2), #2
(use air
scour)
Backwash Bed Expansion - 30-50% of bed depth
Service Flow Rate - 5 gpm/sq. ft. or higher depending upon local
conditions."

we discussed the difference as far back as 1997: found using google

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...97c39e587ff31a
" Hard coal or anthracite is a dense, shiny coal that has a high
carbon content and little volatile matter and burns with a clean flame.
This density is what is working for Jo Ann. Being dense it has a higher
molecular attraction, which is what attracts the materials from the
water. It is the same attraction that activated charcoal uses through
its increased surface area, but the attraction is less than that in the
anthracite because of the molecular distance because of the popcorn
effect in the activated carbon. It is looser bond together than that of
the anthracite. The fact that the anthracite is so dense increases the
molecular attraction and because it is not porous the offending material
can be "washed" off with a high pressure water. I have never used any of
Jo Ann's anthracite, but I can only conjecture that you would use pretty
small pieces to get as much surface area with the anthracite because of
its density since it is not porous.

The high pressure water cleaning is why many water plants around
the country use anthracite vice activated charcoal for it cuts down on
cost and does a similar job. Now in industrial and scientific situation
anthracite can not do the job of activated carbon or charcoal, but for
our requirements it is fine.

Hope this helps every one to maybe understand this process a little
better.

God Bless and Keep You and Yours,

Have a Great 1997, Regards from Pawnee America
Tom La Bron"

Ingrid


"~ Windsong ~" wrote:
$$ You cannot correct the fact that you and Joann were pushing some magic
charcoal that you both claimed was recharged with plain "hose water" for
example.
$$ Uh,.. let's get honest Ingrid. Neither of you claimed it was "no
where
near as efficient in removing chemicals as activated carbon, but it is
reusable."
$$ Making untrue claims to push sales, and attacking anyone who
questioned
the product.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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http://puregold.aquaria.net/
www.drsolo.com
Solve the problem, dont waste energy finding who's to blame
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unfortunately, I receive no money, gifts, discounts or other
compensation for all the damn work I do, nor for any of the
endorsements or recommendations I make.