Environmental Equipment + Supply’s Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter

When reliable, low-flow filtration is essential, Environmental Equipment + Supply’s Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter provides a practical and effective solution. Designed specifically for sampling and purging applications, this compact carbon filtration system combines high-quality activated carbon with a simple, field-ready design that environmental professionals can depend on.

Compact, portable, and easy to deploy, the five-gallon carbon bucket is well suited for projects where controlled flow rates and dependable contaminant removal are required without the complexity of larger treatment systems.

Built for Low-Flow Performance

The Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter is engineered to perform at low flow rates between one and three gallons per minute (GPM) at 5 psi. This makes it ideal for sampling and purging operations where maintaining a steady, controlled flow is critical to protecting sample integrity and downstream equipment.

An internal piping system distributes water evenly throughout the carbon media, maximizing contact time between the water and the activated carbon. This design helps ensure efficient filtration while maintaining consistent performance in the field.

High-Quality Activated Carbon Media

Each unit contains 25 pounds of granular activated carbon (GAC), delivering substantial adsorption capacity in a compact footprint. Environmental Equipment + Supply sources granular coal activated. 

These carbon sources are selected to provide reliable filtration performance across a wide range of environmental applications.

Activated carbon is particularly effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water and air samples. Common contaminants addressed by carbon filtration include:

  • Benzene

  • Toluene

  • Xylene

  • Oils

  • Certain chlorinated compounds

By adsorbing these organic chemicals, the carbon bucket helps improve sample quality while protecting downstream equipment from contamination.

PFAS Removal Capabilities

It is also important to note that filters containing activated carbon have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water supplies. Activated carbon is a widely used treatment technology for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, particularly for longer-chain compounds such as PFOA and PFOS.

When properly designed and maintained, activated carbon systems can achieve PFAS removal rates exceeding 90%, making carbon filtration a valuable tool for addressing these emerging contaminants in environmental and drinking water applications.

Pre-Filtration for Added Protection

To extend the life and effectiveness of the carbon media, the system includes a replaceable cloth pre-filter (filter sock). This pre-filter captures heavy silt and larger particulate matter before it reaches the carbon bed.

By reducing sediment loading and fouling, the pre-filter helps maintain consistent flow and adsorption performance, allowing the activated carbon to focus on removing dissolved organic contaminants rather than being clogged by solids.

Important Filtration Considerations

While activated carbon is highly effective at removing organic contaminants, it is important to understand its limitations. Activated carbon does not remove minerals, salts, or dissolved inorganic substances.

Recognizing this distinction ensures the Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter is applied in appropriate scenarios and delivers optimal results when used for its intended purpose.

What’s Included

Each Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter system includes:

  • 25 lbs. of granular coal activated carbon

  • One cloth 50 micron pre-filter (filter sock)

  • Two push-to-connect fittings for 0.5” OD tubing

This complete setup allows for quick deployment and straightforward integration into existing sampling or purging workflows.

A Practical, Field-Ready Filtration Solution

Environmental Equipment + Supply’s Five-Gallon Carbon Bucket with Filter offers a straightforward, dependable approach to carbon filtration for low-flow sampling and purging applications. With effective VOC removal, PFAS reduction capabilities, and thoughtful design features, it is a valuable tool for environmental professionals who need reliable performance in a compact, portable system.

To learn more about this product or determine if it’s right for your application, contact one of Environmental Equipment + Supply’s helpful sales representatives at 717-901-8891.