Description
The CTO Carbon Block Cartridge is a 10-inch filter made from finely powdered activated carbon compressed into a solid block. CTO stands for chlorine, taste and odour, which are exactly what it is designed to remove. Because water must pass through the dense carbon wall, contact time is high and channelling is impossible, so it gives more consistent results than loose granular carbon.
It is stage 3 in most 5, 6 and 7-stage RO systems and a popular single-stage drinking water filter.
What the CTO Carbon Block Cartridge does
- Removes free chlorine that would damage RO membranes
- Reduces bad taste and odour from tanks and pipes
- Reduces many organic chemicals and VOCs
- Traps fine particles down to around 5–10 microns
It does not remove dissolved salts or hardness. In an RO system, it prepares water for the membrane, which handles those.
CTO block vs GAC cartridge
A GAC cartridge holds loose carbon granules. Water can find easier paths between granules, and contact time varies. A CTO Carbon Block Cartridge forces water through a uniform compressed block, so every drop gets similar contact time. That is why many RO designs use GAC first for bulk removal, then a CTO block as a final chlorine barrier before the membrane.
Key features
- Compressed coconut-shell activated carbon block
- Outer protective net wrap and inner support core
- Standard 10″ x 2.5″ size with flat gaskets
- Nominal 10 micron particle rating
- Food-grade materials
Specifications
| Length | 10 inch (approx. 250 mm) |
| Outer diameter | Approx. 2.5 inch (63 mm) |
| Media | Compressed activated carbon block |
| Particle rating | Approx. 10 micron nominal |
| Max temperature | Approx. 45 °C |
Applications
- Stage 3 of home RO systems
- Single under-sink drinking water filters
- Coffee, tea and beverage machines
- Pre-filter for water dispensers and ice makers
See all our carbon and sediment options in the filter cartridges range.
Replacement interval
Most households change the CTO Carbon Block Cartridge every 6 months, together with the sediment and GAC filters. If you taste chlorine in your RO water, or flow drops, change it sooner. Learn more about activated carbon on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use only a CTO block, without GAC? Yes, on clean water. On high-chlorine or dirty water, using both gives longer life.
How do I know it fits? It fits standard 10-inch slim housings. Send us a photo of your system if unsure.
Order the CTO Carbon Block Cartridge in Oman
Farz Water stocks CTO cartridges and full RO filter sets in Muscat. Contact us or call / WhatsApp +968 9455 4533.
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