Activated Carbon
Carbon Porosity
Activated Carbon is available in many forms and is commonly manufactured from Coal, Coconut-shell, Wood and Peat precursors.
The base materials are carbonised and activated to develop the natural internal pore structure which results in the opening of Macropores, Mesopores and Macropores - the percentage of which varies depending on the base material.
The result of the opening of the natural porosity increases the internal surface area to typically between 800 - 2000m3/g. Activation can be done in a number of ways; Chemical Activation using acids such as Zinc Chloride or Phosphoric Acid or Steam Activation within a Vertical Retort or Rotary Kiln.
A typical Rotary Kiln
The porosity developed in the activation process then allows the product to physically absorb suitable organics or organic compounds with the assistance of Van der Waals forces. These forces hold the contaminant on the surface of the carbon until energy - similar to the activation process is utilised to reverse this - commonly known as regeneration or reactivation.
The pores and massive internal surface area can also be used for catalysis or as a carrier or substrate to hold specific impregnations which assist in making the product useable for other applications.
The removal of certain inorganic contamination from air and the prevention of bacteria growth can also be achieved utilising impregnation. Certain impregnated grades can assist in the neutralisation, catalysis and chemisorption of inorganic chemicals in a variety of applications.
Applications which utilise Activated Carbon include:-
Automotive, ECD, ELCD, fuel systems, evaporative emissions, carbon canister, automotive emissions, cabin air, Catalyst, precious metals, petro chemicals, agro chemicals, batteries, DLC, double layer capacitors, chemical purification, gold mining, gold recovery, CIP, CIL, CIC, E153, animal feed, proteins, pigments, water, waste water, sewage water, potable water, drinking water, POU, POE, groundwater remediation, surface water, well water, pond water, aquarium water, beer, beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, drought remediation, environmental protection, polluted water, contaminated water, water companies water treatment, gas treatment, air treatment, liquid filtration, vapour treatment, food purification, solvent removal, solvent recovery, catalyst carrier, decolourisation, environmental, ground remediation, purification systems, carbon filters, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment plant.
This list is not exhaustive as we are finding new applications for our products all the time.
Many carbons are also suitable for regeneration or reactivation.
To discuss this further please contact us with your specific requirements or allow our experienced staff to recommend a solution to your effluent or process needs.
