At a glance
- The three main pipe filter types are activated charcoal, balsa wood, and meerschaum — each uses a different material and a different mechanism.
- Activated charcoal filters adsorb gaseous compounds onto the porous surface of carbon granules.
- Balsa wood filters absorb moisture and condensate through the wood’s natural cellular structure.
- Meerschaum filters use a porous mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate) to absorb moisture.
- Most pipe filters are either 9 mm or 6 mm in diameter, corresponding to the bore of the pipe’s tenon.