Activated Carbon FAQ

What is Activated Carbon？

Activated carbon is specially processed carbon material. Through high-temperature reaction with activators such as steam and carbon dioxide, it forms developed micropore, mesopore and macropore structures visible under microscope, owning huge specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity to remove impurities, odors and harmful substances in gas and liquid.

Common Raw Materials for Activated Carbon

• Plant-based: Coconut shell, wood chip, fruit shell, bamboo, crop straw, etc.
• Mineral-based: Anthracite coal, bituminous coal, lignite, petroleum coke
• Others: Animal bone, resin and other recycled raw materials

Activated Carbon Production Process

• CarbonizationHeat raw materials at 400-600℃ under oxygen-deficient condition for smoldering, volatilize volatile substances and form primary carbon structure.
• ActivationAdopt physical activation at 800-1000℃ with steam or carbon dioxide, or chemical activation at 400-700℃ with chemical reagents to form complete pore structure. It is the core procedure that strictly controls temperature and humidity, directly deciding carbon quality and adsorption effect.
• Post-treatmentComplete washing, drying, sieving and packaging. Surface modification is available, including pickling for high-purity carbon, KOH and NaOH impregnation. Only experienced professional manufacturers can produce special customized activated carbon.

Activated Carbon VS Common Charcoal

Columnar Activated Carbon VS Granular Activated Carbon

Purification Principles of Activated Carbon

• Physical Adsorption: Adsorb pollutants by van der Waals force, reversible, mainly remove organic matter and peculiar smell.
• Chemical Adsorption: Combine pollutants via chemical bonds, irreversible, for chlorine removal, mercury removal etc.
• Catalytic Effect: Act as catalyst carrier to decompose VOCs and ozone.
• Consult professional experts for targeted purification solutions.

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Main Application Fields

• Water treatment: Drinking water purification, sewage treatment, ultra-pure water production
• Air treatment: Formaldehyde removal, industrial waste gas disposal, gas mask
• Food industry: Oil and sugar decolorization, wine purification
• Medicine & chemical industry: Pharmaceutical refining, catalyst carrier
• Metallurgy & mining: Gold extraction and precious metal recovery
• Other fields: Electronic industry water preparation, nuclear radiation adsorption

How to Choose Suitable Activated Carbon

• Confirm pollutant type, concentration, working temperature, pH value and flow rate
• Gas treatment: Coal columnar carbon / coconut shell granular carbon
• Water treatment: Special water purification activated carbon
• Decolorization: Wood-based powdered carbon
• Select products according to iodine value, particle size, hardness and food-grade standard

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Storage Period

Unopened original package: 1-2 years in dry cool placeVacuum sealed package: More than 3 yearsStorage requirement: Moisture-proof, sealed, shading and ventilated, avoid damp agglomeration.

Service Life

• Household air purification: 6-12 months
• Drinking water treatment: 6-24 months
• Industrial wastewater treatment: Several days to monthsReplace or regenerate carbon when purification effect declines.

Purchase Selection Guide

• Confirm actual usage demands and working conditions
• Check pore structure and core adsorption indexes
• Select suppliers with stable quality and technical support
• Conduct lab test and field trial before bulk order
• Evaluate total cost including purchase, operation and regeneration cost

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