Activated Charcoal Questions and Answers

What Exactly Is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is a porous material that collects and retains organic molecules. The medium is formed by first burning a carbonaceous material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in carbon "char." The "char" is then chemically or physically processed to create a linked sequence of "holes" or pores inside the carbon. This interior pore network's huge surface area results in an incredibly large surface area that may attract and retain organic molecules.

What Is The Distinction Between Activated Carbon And Activated Charcoal?

Most individuals are unaware of the distinction between activated carbon and activated charcoal. Both names may and should be used interchangeably. In addition, active carbon is a synonym for activated carbon and activated charcoal. All of these terms are interchangeable and are regularly used in our area.

What Is the Purpose of Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon collects and retains organic compounds from vapor and liquid streams, purifying them. It has a limited capacity for these compounds, but it is extremely cost-efficient for treating huge quantities of air or water to eliminate dilute amounts of pollution. To put things into perspective, when people consume chemicals or have food poisoning, they are advised to drink a small quantity of activated carbon to soak up and eliminate the toxins.

What Can Activated Carbon Get Rid Of?

Organic compounds are most attracted to carbon. Carbon will eliminate very few inorganic compounds. The molecular weight, polarity, solubility in water, temperature of the fluid stream, and concentration in the stream are all elements that influence the carbon's capacity to remove the substance. Common target substances removed by carbon include benzene, toluene, xylene, lubricants, and several chlorinated compounds. Other important applications for activated carbon include the elimination of odors and color pollution.

What Is the Composition of Activated Carbon?

We sell activated carbon manufactured from bituminous coal, lignite coal, coconut shell, and wood at General Carbon.

What Is the Manufacturing Process for Activated Carbon?

There are two ways to generate activated carbon; however, in this post, we will show you the most efficient method that produces higher-quality and purer activated carbon. Activated carbon is created by heating a tank without oxygen to temperatures ranging from 600 to 900 degrees Celsius. Following that, the carbon is exposed to various chemicals, most often argon and nitrogen, before being put in a tank and superheated to 600–1200 degrees Celsius. The carbon is exposed to steam and oxygen for the second time when it is placed in the heat tank. This method creates a pore structure and considerably enhances the useful surface area of the carbon.

What Kind of Activated Carbon Should I Use?

The first step in employing carbon is deciding whether to treat a liquid or vapor stream. To lessen the pressure drop through the bed, big carbon particles are best used to treat air. Smaller particles are employed in liquid applications to shorten the distance that chemicals must travel to become absorbed inside the carbon. Carbon particles of various sizes are available, depending on whether your project is dealing with vapor or liquid. There are several substrates to consider, such as coal or coconut shell-based carbon. Speak with a General Carbon professional to choose the right product for your needs.

How Long Can Activated Carbon Be Used?

Many factors influence carbon's chemical capability. The longevity of a carbon bed is affected by the molecular weight of the chemical being removed, the concentration of the chemical in the treated stream, other chemicals in the treated stream, the operating temperature of the system, and the polarity of the chemical being removed. Based on the quantity and chemicals in your stream, your General Carbon representative will be able to offer you a projected operational life.