Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a material mostly derived from charcoal. The structure of activated carbon has a very large surface area -1 lb of granular activated carbon has the surface area of 125 acres. The activated carbon surface is non-polar which results in an affinity for non-polar adsorbates such as organics. Activated carbon is very effective in air and water purification applications, as well as precious metal recovery or removal.
Adsorption Parameters of Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon is utilized to adsorb primarilyorganic molecules along with some inorganic substances with higher molecular weights, such as iodine and mercury.
Pore Size
Correct pore size distribution is necessary to facilitate the adsorption process by providing adsorption sites and the appropriate channels to transport the adsorbate. Activated Carbon Pores can be divided into three general sizes.
- Micro-pores (diameter in the range of less than 2nm)
- Meso-pores (diameter in the range of 2 - 25 nm)
- Macro-pores (diameter in the range of above 25 nm)
Iodine Number
The Iodine number is the most fundamental parameter used to characterize activated carbon performance, measure activity level (higher number indicates higher degree of activation) and measure the micropore (0-20 Å) content. This number is equivalent to the surface area of activated carbon in sq m/g between 900 - 1100. The iodine number is also the standard measure for liquid phase applications
Hardness / Abrasion Number
Measure of activated carbon's resistance to attrition. This is an important indicator of activated carbon to maintain its physical integrity and withstand frictional forces imposed by backwashing etc.
Ash Content
Reduces overall activity of activated carbon. Reduces efficiency of reactivation. Metals can leach out of activated carbon resulting in discoloration. Acid/water soluble ash content is more significant than total ash content.
Apparent Density
Higher density provides greater volume activity and normally indicates better quality activated carbon.
Activated Carbon Properties at a Glance
| Property | Coconut | Coal | Lignite | Wood (Powder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-pores (diameter range less than 2nm) | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Macro-pores (diameter range above 25 nm) | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Hardness | High | High | Low | n/a |
| Ash | 5% | 10% | 20% | 5% |
| Water Soluble Ash | High | Low | High | Medium |
| Dust Reactivation | Good | Good | Poor | None |
| Apparent Density | 0.48 g/cc | 0.48 g/cc | 0.4 g/cc | 0.35 g/cc |
| Iodine No. | 1100 | 1000 | 600 | 1000 |
Liquid Phase Activated Carbon
| Model | Activated Carbon Type | Common Usage Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| LGAC8x16 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 8x16 Mesh | Liquid phase applications requiring quick adsorption times |
| LGAC8x30 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 8x30 Mesh | Liquid phase applications requiring quick adsorption times |
| LGAC8x16AW | Acid Washed Coal Base GAC 8x16 Mesh | Liquid phase applications requiring quick adsorption times |
| LGAC8x30AW | Acid Washed Coal Base GAC 8x30 Mesh | Liquid phase applications requiring quick adsorption times |
| LGAC12x30 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 12x30 Mesh | Wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, chemical purification, food grade applications, pharmaceutical, and potable water treatment |
| LGAC12x40 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 12x40 Mesh | Wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, chemical purification, food grade applications, pharmaceutical, and potable water treatment |
| LGAC12x30AW | Acid Washed Coal Base GAC 12x30 Mesh | Applications where superior kinetic properties are required including removal of low concentrations of normally poorly adsorbed organics from groundwater and wastewaters |
| LGAC12x40AW | Acid Washed Coal Base GAC 12x40 Mesh | Applications where superior kinetic properties are required including removal of low concentrations of normally poorly adsorbed organics from groundwater and wastewaters |
| LCGAC8x16 | Virgin Coconut Shell GAC 8x16 Mesh | Applications where superior kinetic properties are required including removal of low concentrations of normally poorly adsorbed organics from groundwater and wastewaters |
| LCGAC8x30 | Virgin Coconut Shell GAC 8x30 Mesh | Applications where superior kinetic properties are required including removal of low concentrations of normally poorly adsorbed organics from groundwater and wastewaters |
| LCGAC8x16AW | Acid Washed Coconut Shell GAC 8x16 Mesh | Ideal for many liquid phase applications including the removal of organics from water streams, cleaner then most other carbons |
| LCGAC8x30AW | Acid Washed Coconut Shell GAC 8x30 Mesh | Ideal for many liquid phase applications including the removal of organics from water streams, cleaner then most other carbons |
| LCGAC12x30 | Virgin Coconut Shell GAC 12x30 Mesh | Wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, chemical purification, food grade applications, pharmaceutical, and potable water treatment |
| LCGAC12x40 | Virgin Coconut Shell GAC 12x40 Mesh | Wastewater treatment, groundwater remediation, chemical purification, food grade applications, pharmaceutical, and potable water treatment |
| LCGAC12x30AW | Acid Washed Coconut Shell GAC 12x30 Mesh | Ideal for many liquid phase applications including the removal of organics from water streams, cleaner then most other carbons |
| LCGAC12x40AW | Acid Washed Coconut Shell GAC 12x40 Mesh | Ideal for many liquid phase applications including the removal of organics from water streams, cleaner then most other carbons |
Vapor Phase Activated Carbon
| Model | Activated Carbon Type | Common Usage Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| VGAC4x8 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 4 x 8 Mesh | Solvent recovery, odor control, tank vent absorbers, HVAC, VOC control, Soil Vapor
Extraction, Air Stripper |
| VGAC4x8AW | Acid Washed Granular Coal Base Activated Carbon 4x8 Mesh | Solvent recovery, odor control, tank vent absorbers, HVAC, VOC control, Soil Vapor
Extraction, Air Stripper |
| VGAC6x12 | Virgin Coal Base GAC 6 x 12 Mesh | High activity and surface area make it ideal for most vapor phase applications including general odor removal and the adsorption of organic contaminants from vapor streams |
| VPAC3 | Virgin Coal Base PAC 3.0mm Mesh | Perfect for solvent recovery or other vapor phase projects wherein pressure drop may be a concern |
| VPAC4 | Virgin Coal Base PAC 4.0mm Mesh | Perfect for solvent recovery or other vapor phase projects wherein pressure drop may be a concern |
| VKOH | Potassium Hydroxide Impregnated 4mm Pelletized Coal Base Activated Carbon | Specially impregnated for the desulphurization of gases and the removal of all acidic contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, and mercaptans |
| V-Sulphur | Sulfur Impregnated 4mm Pelletized Coal Base Activated Carbon | Designed to remove mercury vapor steams |
| VCGAC | Virgin Coconut Shell GAC 4 x 8 Mesh | Ideal for HVAC and Odor Control applications |
| VCGAC4x8AW | 4x8 Acid Washed Coconut Shell Activated Carbon | Ideal for HVAC and Odor Control applications |