What is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Due to its high degree of microporosity, just one gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 3,000 m² — roughly the size of half a football field.
How is Activated Carbon Made?
Activated carbon is produced from carbonaceous source materials such as wood, coconut shells, and coal. The production process involves two main steps:
- Carbonization: The raw material is heated in an inert atmosphere at temperatures between 400–700°C to drive off most of the non-carbon elements.
- Activation: The carbonized material is then exposed to an oxidizing agent (steam or carbon dioxide) at high temperatures, which creates the internal pore structure.
Types of Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
GAC particles range from 0.2 to 5 mm in size. It is commonly used in continuous flow water treatment systems and can be reactivated and reused multiple times.
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
PAC consists of finely ground particles, typically smaller than 0.18 mm. It is added directly to water treatment processes and is particularly effective for seasonal taste and odor removal.
Extruded / Pelletized Activated Carbon
These are cylindrical pellets with diameters of 1–5 mm, primarily used in gas phase applications such as air purification and solvent recovery due to their low pressure drop and high mechanical strength.
Key Applications
Activated carbon is one of the most versatile adsorbents available, with applications spanning virtually every industry:
- Water Treatment: Removal of chlorine, organic compounds, taste, odor, and micropollutants from drinking water and wastewater.
- Air Purification: Control of VOCs, hydrogen sulfide, and other gaseous contaminants in industrial and commercial settings.
- Gold Recovery: Used in carbon-in-pulp and carbon-in-leach processes for extracting gold from ore.
- Food & Beverage: Decolorization and purification of sugar, edible oils, and alcoholic beverages.
- Pharmaceutical: Purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients and removal of contaminants from drug formulations.
Choosing the Right Activated Carbon
Selecting the appropriate activated carbon depends on several factors, including the specific contaminants to be removed, the operating conditions (pH, temperature, contact time), and the physical form required by the application. Working with an experienced supplier ensures you get a product optimized for your needs.
“The right activated carbon isn't just about specifications — it's about understanding your water, your process, and your goals.”
At Activated Carbon Agents, we provide technical guidance to help you select the optimal product from our global sourcing network. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.