01 / What it is
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a porous adsorbent available in granular, powdered, pelletized, extruded and impregnated forms. Its suitability depends on the full application; no single carbon is best for every liquid- or gas-phase duty.
02 / Where it is used
Application areas
- Water treatment and polishing
- VOC and odour control
- H₂S and mercury service with application-specific media
- Solvent recovery and hydrocarbon purification
- Gas treatment and process polishing
03 / Application context
The operating system matters.
Capacity data from one test condition cannot be transferred blindly to another stream. Humidity, temperature, pressure, concentration, contact time, co-adsorbates and disposal constraints all influence real service.
04 / Selection considerations
Inputs that shape evaluation
| Parameter | Why it matters | Typical evaluation input |
|---|---|---|
| Target contaminant | Molecule and concentration guide pore and surface chemistry. | Inlet/outlet analyses and variability |
| Stream conditions | Temperature, pressure and humidity affect adsorption. | Normal and limiting operating conditions |
| Particle form | GAC, PAC and pellets support different equipment and hydraulics. | Vessel, filter or injection configuration |
| Competing species | Other compounds may consume capacity or inhibit uptake. | Full stream composition |
| Change-out and safety | Spent media handling and heat risk require planning. | Bed monitoring, disposal route and site procedures |
05 / Technical inquiry
Useful information to include
- Target contaminant and outlet limit
- Full stream analysis
- Temperature, pressure and humidity
- Equipment and bed dimensions
- Current media life and change-out practice
Related / Industries
Related / Technologies