With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, wastewater treatment has become an important issue for environmental protection. Water treatment plants around the world are faced with the challenge of removing various pollutants to ensure safe water quality and compliance with discharge standards.
Activated carbon is an efficient and economical solution for wastewater treatment. Its excellent adsorption properties and versatility make it an important part of the wastewater treatment process.
Wastewater, as an unavoidable by-product of life, is diverse and far-reaching, requiring us to understand and adopt diverse treatment methods to purify and protect the environment and achieve sustainable resource utilization.
Industrial wastewater chemical plants and petrochemical companies produce wastewater with complex composition, containing organic matter, heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.), inorganic salts (such as chloride, sulfate, etc.) and acidic and alkaline substances, and the toxicity of these pollutants is strong, difficult to degrade, and difficult to treat.
Domestic wastewater: Domestic wastewater comes from people's daily activities, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, and its main components include organic matter, suspended solids, nutrients, pathogenic micro-organisms, oils and fats, detergents and dissolved inorganic substances, which usually need to be collected and centralized treatment.
Wastewater contaminated by groundwater: Mainly from clarified wastewater, filtered wastewater, oxidized wastewater, disinfected wastewater and neutralized wastewater at different stages of water treatment, and the main pollutants include colloids, microorganisms, coloration, odorous substances, residual chlorine and disinfection by-products.
Hazardous
Wastewater contains a large number of organic pollutants, heavy metals, colorants, drug residues and toxic and hazardous substances, which can contaminate water resources, disrupt the ecological balance, jeopardize human health, affect agricultural and fishery production, and cause public health problems. Untreated wastewater discharge can also lead to soil degradation, reduction of biodiversity and long-term environmental damage.
Activated carbon adsorption is a highly efficient and common water treatment technology used to remove organics, pigments, heavy metals and odorants from water. Activated carbon is recovered and pollutants are treated through a counter-current elution and regeneration process. It not only can effectively improve water quality, but also can remove pollutants while reducing secondary pollution to the environment, which is a widely used method in water treatment engineering.
High specific surface area and pore structure
Low cost
Renewable
Easy to operate
Granular and Powdered Activated Carbon removes organic chemicals from wastewater and reduces toxicity to ensure safe discharge to surface water. It is very effective in removing bad odors, treating soluble organic chemicals, endocrine disruptors and other emerging pollutants of concern.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) has excellent adsorption properties and is one of the essential materials in wastewater treatment.
Commonly used activated carbons include 8-30 mesh and 12-40 mesh coal-based granular activated carbons, which are effective in removing a wide range of pollutants, thereby improving water quality and ensuring safe discharge.
Features and advantages of our granular activated carbon
High adsorption efficiency
Large capacity
Low floating rate
High mechanical strength and wear resistance
Long service life
Powdered PAC has a large specific surface area, which allows it to come into contact with pollutants in the wastewater more fully, thus improving the adsorption efficiency. Commonly used activated carbon is 200-325 mesh
Characteristics And Advantages Of Powdered Activated Carbon
High activity
Good settling performance
Adsorption of various organic substances
Highly abrasive
Activated carbon is widely recognized and applied in various wastewater treatment solutions for its excellent adsorption capacity, which effectively removes organics, heavy metals, pigments and odors from wastewater, thus increasing treatment efficiency, improving water quality and contributing to the protection of water resources and environmental health.
Huamei Activated Carbon is a manufacturer of activated carbon with more than 20 years of experience and is now a leading supplier of a wide range of high quality activated carbon in the market.
Activated carbon is an essential material with widespread applications in air purification, water treatment, industrial processes, and environmental protection. Its effectiveness stems from its remarkable microporosity and vast surface area, enabling it to adsorb contaminants efficiently. Among the most popular types of activated carbon are those derived from coal and coconut shells, each with unique properties and benefits.
Coal base activated carbon
Activated carbon is produced through the carbonization and activation of organic materials. These processes enhance its porosity and adsorption capabilities. While both coal-based and coconut shell-based activated carbon serve as powerful adsorbents, their characteristics make them better suited for specific applications.
Coal-Based Activated Carbon
Coal-based activated carbon is typically derived from bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, or lignite. Its notable features include:
- High carbon content: Ensures durability and hardness.
- Mesoporous structure: Ideal for adsorbing medium to large molecules.
- Versatile applications: Commonly used for gas phase adsorption, heavy metal removal, and industrial decolorization.
Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon
Coconut shell-based activated carbon originates from coconut shells, a byproduct of the coconut industry. Key attributes include:
- High microporosity: Perfect for adsorbing small molecules, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Renewable source: A sustainable option leveraging agricultural waste.
- Exceptional air purification properties: Effective at removing odors and small-sized contaminants.
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon
- Industrial Use: Coal-based carbon is ideal for large-scale applications requiring high durability and mesoporous adsorption, such as gas treatment or wastewater management.
- Residential Air Purification: Coconut shell-based carbon excels in eliminating fine contaminants and odors, making it the superior choice for air purification systems.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability is a critical factor when evaluating activated carbon. Here's how the two compare:
Coal-Based Activated Carbon
Source: Fossil fuels (non-renewable).
Environmental Cost: Significant carbon emissions and ecological disturbances from mining.
Production Impact: Higher energy consumption and waste byproducts.
Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon
Source: Coconut shells (renewable byproduct).
Environmental Benefits: Minimal ecological disturbance and low carbon footprint.
Circular Economy: Utilizes agricultural waste, reducing environmental burden.
While both types of activated carbon are invaluable, each comes with specific strengths and limitations:
Coal-Based Activated Carbon
Advantages:
High adsorption capacity for larger molecules.
Durable and cost-effective for industrial-scale applications.
Disadvantages:
Non-renewable and environmentally taxing.
Less effective for small-molecule adsorption.
Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon
Advantages:
Superior microporosity for small-molecule adsorption.
Environmentally friendly and renewable.
Disadvantages:
Higher production cost in some regions.
Limited capacity for adsorbing larger molecules.
The choice between coal-based and coconut shell-based activated carbon hinges on your specific needs:
For applications requiring adsorption of large molecules and cost efficiency, coal-based activated carbon is a robust option.
If sustainability, small molecule adsorption, or air purification is a priority, coconut shell-based activated carbon is the superior choice.
Activated carbon is indispensable in various sectors, but its type significantly influences performance and sustainability. By understanding the unique properties of coal-based and coconut shell-based activated carbon, you can select the most suitable option for your application while aligning with environmental priorities. Choose wisely to balance efficiency, cost, and sustainability for optimal results.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) plays an essential role in modern water purification technologies, known for its superior ability to adsorb impurities from water. This highly effective filtration media, derived from organic materials, is used in various applications to enhance water quality by removing organic contaminants, undesirable tastes, odors, and certain harmful chemicals, including Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is a form of activated carbon that has been treated to create a vast network of microscopic pores, giving it a highly porous structure. This structure allows GAC to adsorb (not absorb) contaminants, effectively removing harmful substances from water and air. It is primarily produced from organic carbon-rich materials such as wood, coal, peat, or coconut shells, which are subjected to high heat and chemical activation.
The adsorption process is central to GAC’s role in water purification. As water passes through a GAC filter, the contaminants within the water are attracted to and adhere to the surface of the activated carbon granules. The highly porous internal structure of GAC provides an extensive surface area for contaminants to be adsorbed, ensuring that even trace amounts of harmful substances are captured.
While GAC effectively removes a wide range of organic compounds, it is particularly noted for its ability to filter out chemicals that produce unpleasant odors and tastes in water, such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, GAC has become a critical technology in the removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a class of harmful chemicals that have become a growing environmental concern.
GAC is widely used in both residential and industrial water treatment systems due to its versatile and efficient filtration capabilities. The most common applications include:
GAC can be installed in two primary configurations: Point-of-Use (POU) and Point-of-Entry (POE).
Point-of-Use Filters (POU): These are installed at a specific point in a water supply, usually under the kitchen sink, providing purified water directly from the tap. POU systems are ideal for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and other contaminants that affect water quality.
Point-of-Entry Filters (POE): Installed at the main water supply line entering a home or building, POE filters treat all water that flows through the plumbing system. These systems are generally used for removing more persistent contaminants, such as chlorine, chemicals causing odors, and other VOCs.
Municipalities and industries often use GAC for large-scale water treatment, especially for removing contaminants that affect water safety and taste. In public water supplies, GAC filters can be used to target contaminants like PFAS, chlorine, and other persistent organic pollutants. The high capacity of GAC filters allows them to handle large volumes of water, making them crucial in meeting water safety standards.
GAC is also extensively used in advanced tertiary treatment systems for wastewater management. In these systems, GAC plays a crucial role in polishing treated water to remove residual contaminants, improving water quality before discharge into the environment or for reuse. The tertiary filtration process can remove residual dissolved organic matter, certain pathogens, and harmful chemicals that are not eliminated during primary and secondary treatment stages.
The use of activated carbon in water treatment dates back to the early 20th century, with notable advancements that have shaped its modern applications:
The first applications of activated carbon for water purification emerged in the early 1900s. In 1906, activated charcoal was first used for dechlorination in the U.S., and by 1910, granular activated carbon was introduced in Reading, England, as part of an effort to dechlorinate drinking water. The technique was revolutionary at the time, providing a cost-effective solution for improving water taste and quality.
The development of gas masks during World War I highlighted the importance of activated carbon for filtering toxic gases. This application spurred the industrial-scale production of GAC and its subsequent use in civilian water treatment. By 1929, the first GAC filters were installed in Germany, followed by installations in the United States by 1930.
1961: The first major GAC filter was installed in a public water supply at Hopewell, Virginia, marking a significant milestone in the use of GAC in large-scale water treatment.
1965: The incorporation of GAC into a full-scale advanced tertiary wastewater treatment system in South Lake Tahoe, California, further demonstrated the versatility of GAC in handling complex contaminants.
GAC filter systems are broadly classified into two categories: whole-house filters (Point-of-Entry) and Point-of-Use filters.
Whole-house filters are installed at the main water line entering a home or building. They treat all water used within the household, providing a comprehensive solution for removing chemicals that affect water quality throughout the entire plumbing system. Whole-house filters are typically used to treat volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine.
Point-of-use filters are installed at specific locations, such as under the kitchen sink, to treat water at the point where it is consumed. These filters are ideal for addressing localized issues, such as the removal of chlorine, odors, and certain organic chemicals that may affect the taste of drinking water.
When used correctly in water filtration systems, GAC is not hazardous and poses no risk to water quality. However, caution must be exercised during its handling and storage, as improper use—such as inhalation of GAC dust or exposure to wet activated carbon in enclosed spaces—can lead to safety hazards. Activated carbon filters should be properly maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal performance.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) has become an indispensable tool in the field of water purification, offering efficient and reliable filtration for both residential and industrial applications. Its ability to adsorb a wide range of contaminants, from organic compounds to harmful chemicals like PFAS, makes it a vital technology for ensuring safe, clean drinking water. Whether used in point-of-use or whole-house systems, GAC continues to evolve, driven by its critical role in safeguarding public health and improving water quality across the globe.
Huamei Carbon Company is the leading activated carbon manufacturer in China, we supply various sizes of granular activated carbon made from bituminous coal and coconut shell.
Activated carbon plays a significant role in the deep purification of municipal drinking water, and is effective in removing a large number of water-soluble organic pollutants (DOC), odour and ammonia nitrogen. Activated carbon adsorption method to remove pollutants in water. Generally, choose coal granular activated carbon. We can judge the quality of activated carbon according to iodine value, methylene blue value, but coal activated carbon according to the production process is not necessary, can be divided into agglomerated and directly crushed granular activated carbon.
The following is the difference between the two:
Compared with columnar activated carbon, tar is not used as binder in the production process, and it is directly pressed by coal blending and milling, and then crushed and divided into different particle sizes according to the needs after carbonisation and activation. Since no tar is used in the production process of briquetted granular activated carbon, it is less polluting. Raw coal crushed granular activated carbon is made by directly charring and activating raw coal and then crushing it into different sizes according to the demand.
The surface of coal-based activated carbon made by re-agglomerated method is rougher than the rounded surface of raw coal directly crushed carbon, and microorganisms are easier to attach and produce on its surface. As shown in the following picture, the scanning electron microscope shows the surface morphology of briquette crushed granular activated carbon and raw coal direct crushed carbon into biofilm under the condition of applying ozone-bioactivated carbon process, respectively. The surface of the briquette crushed granular carbon is very rough under magnified conditions and there are colonies formed, like a porous sponge, while the raw coal directly crushed carbon can be seen that the surface is relatively smooth, unlike the briquette crushed granular carbon where there are a large number of colonies formed on the surface.
Activated carbon pore volume and pore structure distribution uniformity determines the regulation to the microbial food supply capacity, through the coal method for the briquette crushing activated carbon pore volume and pore size distribution regulation than the original coal crushing granular activated carbon is stronger.
The floatation rate of coal-based activated carbon produced by the briquetting method is much lower than that of directly crushed activated carbon from raw coal. In liquid phase adsorption applications (e.g., water treatment), activated carbon with a high floatation rate tends to collect on the liquid surface rather than being evenly distributed in the water column. This reduces the contact area of the activated carbon with the pollutant and affects the adsorption effect.
The stack density of briquette crushed granular activated carbon is higher than that of raw coal directly crushed activated carbon, and the stack density of activated carbon will affect the backwash efficiency, thermal regeneration efficiency and the amount of product put into the filter at one time. Because the input of activated carbon into the filter is measured by volume, while sales and purchases are calculated by mass, i.e. a higher density means a more activated carbon product per unit volume. Higher density activated carbon can withstand faster backwash water flow rates and has better performance recovery during regeneration.
Briquetted granular activated carbon is stronger than raw coal direct crushed activated carbon, and activated carbon with high hardness and abrasion strength has lower losses during transport, conveying, backwashing and regeneration. If a high temperature thermal regeneration process is used, the strength is very important for the reproduction rate, which saves costs.
To sum up, the performance of briquette crushed granular activated carbon in municipal drinking water application is much higher than that of raw coal direct crushing activated carbon, although the price is higher than that of raw coal direct crushing activated carbon, but in terms of the service life and purification effect, its cost-effectiveness is still higher than that of raw coal direct crushing activated carbon.
Huamei Activated Carbon is one of the top 10 activated carbon manufacturers in China, with rich experience in activated carbon production and extensive product application knowledge, we provide professional purchasing advice and services for activated carbon buyers all over the world, if you have any questions about activated carbon, please contact us.
Coal-based columnar activated carbon is a material with excellent adsorption properties and is widely used in many fields such as air purification, water treatment, gas separation, chemical catalysis, etc. The manufacturing process of coal-based columnar activated carbon is a complex industrial process involving multiple steps from the selection of raw materials to the inspection of the final product. This article will introduce in detail the manufacturing process of coal-based columnar activated carbon to help you understand the production of this material and its excellent properties.
The main raw material of coal-based columnar activated carbon is coal, usually bituminous coal or anthracite coal. Bituminous coal contains higher fixed carbon and is suitable for producing high-strength columnar activated carbon; anthracite coal, due to its lower ash content and higher porosity, is suitable for producing activated carbon with low ash content and high adsorption performance. The choice of coal directly affects key indicators such as pore structure, specific surface area, and adsorption capacity of the final product.
In the process of selecting coal, activated carbon manufacturers will carefully select suitable coal sources based on market demand and the requirements of different applications. Generally speaking, the source of raw coal, coal quality characteristics, ash content, moisture content, etc. will affect the final quality of coal-based columnar activated carbon. As we all know, the best raw material for columnar carbon is produced in Ningxia. Our Ningxia Huamei activated carbon factory is only 60 kilometers away from the anthracite coal mine, which greatly reduces transportation costs.
Before making coal-based columnar activated carbon, coal needs to be ground into powder, mixed with a certain proportion of coal tar and water to form a paste, and then extruded. Finally dry.
In the process of selecting tar, different manufacturers will choose according to market demand. Some manufacturers even use other binders to replace tar in order to reduce costs, but the activated carbon produced will have some quality problems. Our Ningxia Huamei activated carbon factory insists on using high-quality coal tar and strictly follows the best production technology to provide customers with high-quality products.
Carbonization is one of the key steps in the production process of coal-based columnar activated carbon. At this stage, the dried coal is heated to a certain temperature (usually 600-900°C), and the heating reaction is carried out in an oxygen-free or oxygen-deficient environment. This process converts organic matter in coal into carbon black and releases moisture and volatile matter.
The purpose of carbonization is to remove volatile matter from coal through high temperature so that the remaining solid carbon becomes a porous structure with a large specific surface area. The control of this step is crucial, as temperature that is too high or too low may affect the quality of the final product. And it will affect the length of the carbon.
Activation is the most important process step in the manufacture of coal-based columnar activated carbon, which directly determines the pore structure and adsorption performance of the carbon. During the activation process, the carbonized coal comes into contact with water vapor at high temperatures, which further opens the pores in the coal through physical reactions to form activated carbon with a high specific surface area and porous structure.
The activated columnar activated carbon needs to be cooled. The columnar activated carbon will gradually cool down to room temperature through cooling equipment to ensure its stability.
After cooling, the activated carbon particles undergo dust removal screening to separate particles of different sizes. The purpose of screening is to ensure the consistency of the final product and ensure that activated carbon particles of different particle sizes can meet the needs of different customers. Normally, the Ningxia Huamei activated carbon factory will carry out dust removal three times to ensure the cleanliness of the activated carbon.
Depending on different uses and requirements, coal-based columnar activated carbon may be classified according to particle size. For example, some applications require smaller particle sizes, while other applications require larger particles to enhance flow rates and adsorption efficiency.
In the final stage of coal-based columnar activated carbon manufacturing, strict quality testing is required. These tests include CTC, iodine value, ash content, mechanical strength, particle size distribution, etc. Ensure that each batch of coal-based columnar activated carbon meets industry standards and customer needs.
After passing quality inspection, qualified activated carbon products will be packaged. When packaging, activated carbon needs to be stored sealed to avoid moisture absorption or contamination to ensure its stability and adsorption performance.
Coal-based columnar activated carbon is widely used in the following fields due to its excellent adsorption performance and structural stability:
·Gas adsorption: such as air purification, waste gas treatment, biogas desulfurization, etc.
·Water treatment: such as drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, etc.
·Solvent recovery: such as the recovery and reuse of chemical solvents.
·Gas separation: such as oxygen, nitrogen separation, etc.
The manufacturing process of coal-based columnar activated carbon is a highly specialized technical process that requires strict control of raw material selection, carbonization, activation, molding and other links. Through these fine processes, the final product can meet the needs of different application fields and has extremely high adsorption capacity, durability and structural stability. As the market's demand for environmental protection and energy conservation increases, the application prospects of coal-based columnar activated carbon in multiple industries will become broader.
Activated carbon air purification belongs to the field of adsorption. Adsorption is caused by the force between the molecules of the adsorbent and the adsorbate. According to the different forces, it can be divided into physical adsorption and chemical adsorption.
Physical adsorption mainly relies on van der Waals forces between molecules. Physical adsorption simply relies on the attraction between molecules to adsorb the adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent.
Physical adsorption is reversible. By lowering the partial pressure of the adsorbate in the gas phase and increasing the adsorption temperature, the adsorbate will desorb quickly without changing its chemical composition.
Chemical adsorption relies on the chemical bonding force between the solid surface and the adsorbed gas molecules.
It is the result of chemical action. Its force greatly exceeds the van der Waals force of physical adsorption. It is often an irreversible process. Chemical adsorption has high selectivity. It is a kind of adsorption. The agent only adsorbs specific substances.
After adsorption, the adsorbate has changed and its original characteristics have been changed. Adsorbing adsorbate on the surface of the adsorbent is a reversible process, which can only temporarily block pollution but cannot eliminate it. Moreover, the rate of chemical adsorption increases with increasing temperature. It is worth noting that the same substance may undergo physical adsorption at lower temperatures, while chemical adsorption may occur at higher temperatures, or both adsorption methods may occur at the same time.
The physical adsorption process can be divided into the following steps:
(1) The pollutant gas passes through the adsorption boundary layer. The molecules of the pollutant gas may be adsorbed or taken away from the surface of the activated carbon, depending on the concentration difference of the component in the carrier gas and the gas in the boundary layer.
This value determines The strength of adsorption. When polluted air passes through activated carbon, some harmful gases have a large concentration difference, so they are adsorbed. However, the inherent components in the air pass normally because the concentration difference is basically zero, while some particles (such as smoke) are too large. They are left directly in the macropores and mesopores. When the concentration difference of harmful gases reaches zero, the activated carbon fails and needs to be reactivated.
(2) The adsorbed molecules diffuse into the micropores.
(3) The molecule is firmly bound to the adsorbent surface.
The chemical adsorption of activated carbon mainly relies on the chemical components on the material to react with pollutants to generate solid components or harmless gases. Activated carbon can also be subjected to some chemical treatments, such as adding some catalysts, which can help decompose harmful gases such as formaldehyde, VOCs, etc.
During use, the adsorption capacity will continue to weaken. When it weakens to a certain extent, the filter will be scrapped. The pore diameter of activated carbon used to purify the air must be slightly larger than the diameter of toxic and harmful gas molecules to have the ability to adsorb toxic and harmful gases. The key factors that affect the service life of air purification activated carbon: the total amount of harmful substances in the environment and the frequency of desorption.
Since the quality of activated carbon adsorbing harmful gases can be close to or even reach its own quality, the quality of harmful gases in the air of ordinary household spaces is far less than the amount of activated carbon used.
Therefore, activated carbon can be used for a long time as long as it is regularly exposed to the sun. Of course, dust blocking the micropores of activated carbon will also reduce its adsorption capacity.
(1) Adsorption capacity: The maximum amount of pollutants that a unit of activated carbon can adsorb is called adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity of different materials will be different; the adsorption capacity of the same material for different gases will also be different; the adsorption capacity will also change when the temperature and background concentration change.
(2) Residence time: The time that air stays in the activated carbon layer is called residence time. The longer the residence time, the more complete the adsorption. In order to maintain sufficient retention time, the carbon layer must be thick enough and the filtration wind speed must be as low as possible.
(3) Service life: New activated carbon has high adsorption efficiency, but the efficiency continues to decrease during use. When harmful gases downstream of the filter approach the allowable concentration limit, the filter is scrapped. The usage time before scrapping is the service life, also known as the effective protection time.
(4) Selectivity: Generally speaking, the gases that are easily adsorbed in physical adsorption include: gases with large molecular weights, gases with high boiling points, and volatile organic gases. If activated carbon is chemically impregnated, it can also remove gases that are usually difficult to deal with, or enhance the adsorption capacity for certain types of gases.
Huamei Activated Carbon has launched several activated carbon products: activated carbon filter screen and الكربون المنشط قرص العسل, which are specially used for air purifier equipment. They have remarkable effects and favorable prices. Welcome to contact us for inquiries.
