Activated Carbon » Typical Applications » Powder Carbon

ACTIVATED CARBON
Activated carbon is a well-known powerful adsorbent for the removal of organic compounds from gases and liquids. Depending on the application, the most appropriate activated carbon is selected either on known characteristics of the chemicals to be removed in an adsorption process or by a series of controlled laboratory tests. As well as organic compounds some inorganic compounds can be adsorbed such as heavy metals. Activated carbon will also remove oxidising agents such as chlorine and ozone.

POWDER ACTIVATED CARBON
Powder activated carbons are used in liquid and gas applications.

In liquid phases powder activated carbon is used for: production applications (purification, desodourisation and decolourisation of food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals), waste water treatment (trace organics and COD removal, bio-floc improvement in an aerobic or anaerobic biological waste water treatment plant, as an additive for physical- chemical treatments, ...), potable water (also dechlorination), process waters and as a catalyst.

In the gas phase powder activated carbon is mainly used for the removal of dioxins, mercury and other toxic trace elements (heavy metals) from flue gases.

The DESOTEC activated carbon is a high quality product, produced and supplied at high standards and specifications.

OVERVIEW (1) of some powder types of activated carbon

DESOTEC reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice
(1) This list is not complete and gives only the most common carbons. Other types are available on request.
(2) US-sieve-sizes n° 30 = 0,6mm / 100 = 0,15mm / 200 = 0,075mm. (3) see also specific information document 'fluegastreatment'.

ADSORPTION
Activated carbon has an excellent adsorption capacity for a wide range of organic compounds as well as for some heavy metals. Activated carbon is also used for the removal of oxidizing agents such as chlorine and ozone. The performance of activated carbon depends on many factors:

• The type of compound to be removed. Compounds with high molecular weight and low solubility in water are better adsorbed
• The concentration of the compound to be removed. The higher the concentration, the higher the adsorption (load%)
• Presence of other organic compounds will compete with other compounds for the available adsorption sites
• The condition of the stream (temperature, pressure, humidity, pH, ...)

POWDER ACTIVATED DOSING IN BIOLOGICAL WATER PURIFICATION PLANTS
Addition of Desotec powder activated carbons in an aerobic or anaerobic biological waste water treatment plant offers a lot of advantages:

• a higher resistance against shock-loads, fluctuations in temperature and toxic contaminants,
• a higher reduction-efficiency on non-biodegradable molecules,
• a higher reduction on colour and micro-pollutants,
• an enhanced aeration-efficiency,
• a better nitrification,
• less foam,
• a better decantation, thickening and dehydration of the sludge,
• a smaller sludge volume index and less filamentatious sludge.

Conclusion : adding powder activated carbon stimulates and stabilises a biological water purification.
Quantities required and exact point of dosage in the system depend on the application.

microscopic view of aerobic slugde with powder activated carbon

SERVICE
In addition to supplying activated carbon, DESOTEC ACTIVATED CARBON N.V.-S.A. acts as a consultant / contractor for a full range of applications, equipment (e.g. dosing equipment), filters and adsorbers, also on a rental basis, and offers the service of exchange units and treatment of the used carbon.

PACKAGING
The activated carbon is packed as standard in 25kg sacks or 500 kg bigbags on pallets of 500 kg net. Alternative forms of packaging are available on request.

SAFETY MESSAGE
Wet activated carbon removes oxygen from air causing a severe hazard to workers inside carbon vessels and enclosed or confined spaces. Before entering such an area, sampling and work procedures for low oxygen levels should be taken to ensure ample oxygen availability, observing all local, state, and federal regulations.