What is the minimum time water must stay in contact with charcoal in carbon tanks to effectively remove chlorine and chloramines?

The correct duration for water to remain in contact with charcoal in carbon tanks to effectively remove chlorine and chloramines is a critical aspect of water treatment in hemodialysis. A contact time of 10 minutes is generally considered sufficient for the activated carbon to adsorb these contaminants effectively. This time frame allows the chlorine and chloramines to interact with the surface of the activated carbon, facilitating their removal from the water.

Extended contact times may provide additional assurance of removal, but the established standard of 10 minutes is based on practical and operational efficiency within dialysis settings. This ensures that the water treatment process remains efficient without compromising the overall workflow in dialysis preparation, making it a widely accepted standard in the industry.

A longer duration, while potentially effective, is not necessary for meeting the removal requirements set by guidelines for preparing water for hemodialysis. Thus, adhering to the 10-minute standard balances effectiveness with operational efficiency in patient care.