We offer a choice of different filter media solutions to solve a range of water quality issues. Depending on the model, cartridges in the 3M™ Water Filtration Products AP3 Series line are effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor and sediment. The cartridges that use the nylon membrane wrapped carbon block filtration media reduce sediment down to 0.2 micron and, also depending on model, reduce parasitic protozoan cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) along with water-borne bacteria¹. Two different cartridge sizes, each with a different rated capacity, offer the best cartridge option to help meet the cartridge life expectancy for better equipment protection and effective contaminant reduction. Our innovative Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) encapsulated design, which was an industry first for this application, allows for fast and easy cartridge change-outs without having to contact the filter media or the need for a filter wrench.About Carbon FiltrationIn many filtration applications, carbon is often the preferred media of choice to absorb impurities. Carbon is highly effective due to the vast surface area contained within a small footprint. As effective as carbon is, activated carbon is even more effective. Activated carbon is made of small clusters of carbon atoms, and is produced by heating the carbon source (coal, lignite, wood, nutshells or peat) in the absence of air. Adsorption is the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface. This process differs from absorption, where the fluid permeates or is dissolved and held within the filter media. When adsorption is in play, the water, or other fluid to be filtered, passes through the carbon capturing contaminants** and effectively reducing them. Filters that employ activated carbon are rated by the size of the particles they can reduce, as measured in micron. This nominal micron rating can range from 50 micron down to as small as 0.5, more than adequate to filter sediment, chlorine taste and odor. *Based on the use of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts** Such as Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs), Mercury, Cadmium, Natural Organic Matter, Synthetic Organic Chemicals (specifically: benzo(a)pryene, di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, hexachlorobenzene, dioxin) and radionuclides¹As tested with E.coli ATCC (11229). Tested and verified by manufacturer’s laboratory²Surfaces that are in contact with water are FDA CFR-21 Compliant