Description/ Specification of Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon is a Powerful adsorbent. Activated carbon has the highest adsorbable porosity amongst all the known materials. It has large surface area with many micropores, mesopores and macropores, classified as per the size. Activated carbon can be prepared from various carbonaceous materials with high volatile content like coconut husk, paper mill wastes, wood charcoal, coal, coke etc. The activation techniques used, determine the pores characteristics. One of the defining characteristics of activated carbon is its porous structure. This structure is created through the activation process, which involves exposing carbonaceous materials, such as wood, coal, coconut shells, or agricultural waste, to high temperatures in the presence of an activating agent, typically steam or carbon dioxide. This process removes impurities and produces a network of pores, ranging from micropores (less than 2 nanometers in diameter) to mesopores (2-50 nanometers) and macropores (greater than 50 nanometers). Activated carbon pores absorb various types of impurities during their working life and becomes unusable. To extend their life, they must be regenerated. The regeneration process is the reverse of adsorption and is also called desorption. The regeneration techniques employed, may include Heating in a furnace or pressure reduction Activated carbon can be of two types- GAC(Granular Activated Carbon) & PAC (powdered Activated carbon).PAC is difficult to regenerate , whereas GAC can be easily regenerated, and hence it is preferred in many applications. However, GAC is more costly to prepare. Applications of Activated Carbon: The versatility of activated carbon enables its use in a diverse range of applications across various sectors: 1. Water Treatment: Activated carbon is extensively used in water treatment processes to remove organic contaminants, chlorine, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is employed in both municipal water treatment plants and household filtration systems, providing safe and clean drinking water. 2. Air Purification: Activated carbon filters are employed in air purification systems to capture pollutants, allergens, and odors from indoor environments, improving indoor air quality and enhancing respiratory health. They are utilized in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and respirators. 3. Medical and Pharmaceutical: Activated carbon finds applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals for the treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. It acts as a detoxifying agent by adsorbing toxins and drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. 4. Environmental Remediation: Activated carbon is used in environmental remediation efforts to mitigate soil and groundwater contamination caused by industrial activities, landfill leachate, and oil spills. It can adsorb pollutants such as heavy metals, organic solvents, and hydrocarbons, facilitating remediation processes. 5. Food and Beverage Processing: Activated carbon is employed in the food and beverage industry for decolorization, deodorization, and purification purposes. It removes impurities, off-flavors, and undesirable substances from food and beverage products, ensuring quality and compliance with regulatory standards. 6. Gas Purification: Activated carbon is utilized for the purification of gases in industrial processes, such as hydrogen purification, natural gas sweetening, and air separation. It effectively removes impurities, moisture, and trace contaminants, enhancing the purity of gases and ensuring the efficiency of downstream processes.
Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon is a Powerful adsorbent. Activated carbon has the highest adsorbable porosity amongst all the known materials. It has large surface area with many micropores, mesopores and macropores, classified as per the size. Activated carbon can be prepared from various carbonaceous materials with high volatile content like coconut husk, paper mill wastes, wood charcoal, coal, coke etc. The activation techniques used, determine the pores characteristics. One of the defining characteristics of activated carbon is its porous structure. This structure is created through the activation process, which involves exposing carbonaceous materials, such as wood, coal, coconut shells, or agricultural waste, to high temperatures in the presence of an activating agent, typically steam or carbon dioxide. This process removes impurities and produces a network of pores, ranging from micropores (less than 2 nanometers in diameter) to mesopores (2-50 nanometers) and macropores (greater than 50 nanometers). Activated carbon pores absorb various types of impurities during their working life and becomes unusable. To extend their life, they must be regenerated. The regeneration process is the reverse of adsorption and is also called desorption. The regeneration techniques employed, may include Heating in a furnace or pressure reduction Activated carbon can be of two types- GAC(Granular Activated Carbon) & PAC (powdered Activated carbon).PAC is difficult to regenerate , whereas GAC can be easily regenerated, and hence it is preferred in many applications. However, GAC is more costly to prepare. Applications of Activated Carbon: The versatility of activated carbon enables its use in a diverse range of applications across various sectors: 1. Water Treatment: Activated carbon is extensively used in water treatment processes to remove organic contaminants, chlorine, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is employed in both municipal water treatment plants and household filtration systems, providing safe and clean drinking water. 2. Air Purification: Activated carbon filters are employed in air purification systems to capture pollutants, allergens, and odors from indoor environments, improving indoor air quality and enhancing respiratory health. They are utilized in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and respirators. 3. Medical and Pharmaceutical: Activated carbon finds applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals for the treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. It acts as a detoxifying agent by adsorbing toxins and drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. 4. Environmental Remediation: Activated carbon is used in environmental remediation efforts to mitigate soil and groundwater contamination caused by industrial activities, landfill leachate, and oil spills. It can adsorb pollutants such as heavy metals, organic solvents, and hydrocarbons, facilitating remediation processes. 5. Food and Beverage Processing: Activated carbon is employed in the food and beverage industry for decolorization, deodorization, and purification purposes. It removes impurities, off-flavors, and undesirable substances from food and beverage products, ensuring quality and compliance with regulatory standards. 6. Gas Purification: Activated carbon is utilized for the purification of gases in industrial processes, such as hydrogen purification, natural gas sweetening, and air separation. It effectively removes impurities, moisture, and trace contaminants, enhancing the purity of gases and ensuring the efficiency of downstream processes.
