Description
GAC Carbon Water Filter for Chlorine, Taste, and Odor Reduction
Overview
The Franklin FWGC Series is a granular activated carbon filter cartridge that improves water quality by reducing chlorine, unwanted tastes and odors, and a range of chemical contaminants (see full list below). The cartridge uses an axial flow design that forces water to travel through the full length of the carbon bed for maximum contact time. An internal expansion pad keeps the carbon compressed to prevent channeling and bypass.
Available in 10" (FWGC10) and 20" (FWGC20) standard 2.5" OD sizes. NSF 42 certified. Use the variant selector above to choose length and quantity. Sold individually or in cases (25 for 10", 12 for 20"). Franklin Water also manufactures this cartridge in 4.5" Big Blue format (FWGC10B, FWGC20B) for higher-flow applications.
Key Features
- Granular activated carbon media adsorbs dissolved chemicals that sediment filters cannot catch. See contaminant list below.
- Full-length axial flow design forces water through the entire carbon bed from end to end, not around it.
- Internal expansion pad minimizes channeling and bypass throughout the cartridge's service life.
- NSF 42 certified. Polyethylene outer shell, polypropylene endcaps and core, Buna-N gaskets.
- Fits most standard 2.5" OD slimline filter housings (see compatible models below).
Contaminants Reduced
- Chlorine and chlorine by-products (trihalomethanes/THMs)
- Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
- Bad tastes and odors
- Turbidity (cloudy water)
- Herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides
- Tannins and organic color
Compatible Housing Models
Fits any standard housing that accepts a 2.5" OD cartridge in 10" or 20" length. Common compatible systems include:
- Pentek standard slimline housings
- Culligan, Aqua-Pure, GE, and Whirlpool under-sink and whole-house systems
- DuPont and OmniFilter standard housings
- Most residential and commercial point-of-use (POU) filter systems
- RO system pre-filter and post-filter stages using 2.5" OD cartridges
Applications
- Drinking water chlorine and taste/odor reduction
- Point-of-use (POU) residential water treatment
- Reverse osmosis pre-filtration (protects membrane from chlorine damage)
- Reverse osmosis post-filtration (polishes taste before the tap)
- Commercial water filtration systems
- Food and beverage processing
- Process water treatment
Specifications
| Specification | 10" (FWGC10) | 20" (FWGC20) |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter | 2.5" (75 mm) | 2.5" (75 mm) |
| Length | 10" (250 mm) | 20" (508 mm) |
| Inner Diameter | 1.1" (28 mm) | 1.1" (28 mm) |
| Filter Media | Granular Activated Carbon | Granular Activated Carbon |
| Outer Shell | Polyethylene | Polyethylene |
| Endcaps | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
| Core | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
| Gaskets | Buna-N | Buna-N |
| Operating Temperature | 4-50°C (40-120°F) | 4-50°C (40-120°F) |
| Max Operating Pressure | 150 PSI (10 Bar) | 150 PSI (10 Bar) |
| Initial ΔP | 7.0 psi @ 1 GPM | 16.0 psi @ 2 GPM |
| Nominal Replacement ΔP | 29.5 PSI (2.0 Bar) | 29.5 PSI (2.0 Bar) |
| Recommended Flow Rate | 1 GPM (3.8 lpm) | 2 GPM (7.6 lpm) |
| Chlorine Reduction Capacity | 5,000 gal (18,900 L) | 10,000 gal (37,800 L) |
| Certification | NSF 42 | NSF 42 |
| Case Quantity | 25 | 12 |
Chlorine reduction estimated using 2 ppm free available chlorine (FAC) at continuous flow with greater than 75% reduction.
How Granular Activated Carbon Filtration Works
Sediment filters like spun polypropylene cartridges catch particles by physically blocking them. Carbon filters work differently. Activated carbon has millions of microscopic pores that attract and hold dissolved chemicals through a process called adsorption. Chlorine molecules, VOCs, and organic compounds bind to the carbon surface as water passes through. The longer the water stays in contact with the carbon, the more contaminants it removes.
GAC filters do NOT remove sediment, bacteria, or viruses. For complete treatment, pair a sediment pre-filter upstream to protect the carbon from clogging, and use additional disinfection if biological contamination is a concern.
Buy GAC Carbon Filters from Cleanflow
Cleanflow stocks the Franklin FWGC granular activated carbon filter cartridge in both lengths as part of the Franklin Water catalog. Available individually or by the case (25 for 10", 12 for 20"). For higher-flow systems, ask about the 4.5" Big Blue GAC cartridges (FWGC10B, FWGC20B). Pair with a Franklin FWPS spun poly sediment filter upstream to protect the carbon bed and extend its service life.
Free shipping on orders over $199. 30-day return policy. Ships across Canada and the United States. Email info@cleanflow.ca for volume orders, returns, or help building a complete filtration setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a granular activated carbon filter remove?
FWGC cartridges reduce chlorine, tastes, odors, and a range of chemical contaminants including VOCs, THMs, herbicides, and pesticides (see full list above). They do NOT remove bacteria, viruses, or dissolved minerals. For biological contamination, additional disinfection is required.
What is the difference between the 10" and 20" GAC cartridges?
The 20" (FWGC20) provides double the chlorine reduction capacity (10,000 gallons vs 5,000 gallons) and runs at 2 GPM compared to 1 GPM for the 10" (FWGC10). Choose 20" for higher-demand systems or when you want longer intervals between replacements.
Can GAC filters be used with reverse osmosis systems?
Yes. GAC is commonly installed both before and after an RO membrane. As a pre-filter, it removes chlorine that would damage the membrane. As a post-filter, it polishes taste before the water reaches the tap. Many RO systems use both positions.
Will this carbon filter improve drinking water taste?
Yes. Granular activated carbon is one of the most effective methods for reducing the chlorine taste and chemical odors that municipal water treatment leaves in tap water. NSF 42 certification specifically verifies taste and odor reduction performance.
Why flush the cartridge after installation?
Carbon cartridges contain a small amount of carbon fines (very fine black powder) from manufacturing. Flushing for at least 20 seconds removes these harmless particles before drinking or cooking with the water. This is normal for all GAC filters.
What is the difference between GAC and carbon block filters?
GAC filters use loose granular carbon that water flows through. Carbon block filters use compressed carbon powder fused into a solid block. GAC typically has lower pressure drop and higher flow rates. Carbon block provides finer filtration and higher contaminant reduction efficiency but at lower flow rates and higher cost. Choose GAC for general chlorine and taste reduction at standard residential flow rates.
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