Activated carbon is a treated form of carbon, usually in powdered, granular, or pelletized form, that has a very large surface area. The carbon is typically derived from sources like coal, wood, and nut shells (e.g. coconut shells). The source material is carbonized by exposing to high temperatures in an inert gas, and then activated by oxidizing at temperatures ranging from 600-1200C. This activation step exposes the large surface area which is essential for adsorption, whereby molecules of contaminants in a vapor or liquid stream are attracted to the solid surface of the carbon. By adsorbing the contaminants, the level of contamination in a vapor or liquid stream is dramatically reduced.
Activated carbon is typically used for:
- air treatment
- groundwater treatment
- wastewater treatment
- drinking water purification
Other specialty media exist with applications ranging from de-ionization and softening of water, to treatment of groundwater, wastewater, and process-water contamination. Source materials for these specialty media include clay, anthracite, and alumina.
Activated carbon and specialty media are used in combination with adsorption vessels, which provide the vapor or liquid stream with full exposure to the filtration media. Adsorption vessels are available in a range of materials, shapes, and sizes.
The specific media chosen is dependent on various factors, the most important of which are: contaminant, contaminant concentration, and flow rate.
Please follow the links to view the various types of activated carbon and specialty media, and the available adsorption vessels.
