subject: The many uses and benefits of activated carbon filtration [print this page] The many uses and benefits of activated carbon filtration
Activated carbon and adsorption
Activated carbon filtration is a process that purifies air, liquids or solids with the help of carbon. Activated carbon is utilized in the form of powdered or granulated particles or pellets. Carbon in the powdered form is highly porous and has a surface area as much as 2000 m2 /gm.
The large surface area is ideal to be used for filtration purpose by way of adsorption. Adsorption involves the removal of impurities by attraction and binding to the activated carbon particles. For best results active carbon is utilized in the form of mesh screens.
The finer the better
The size of the carbon particles and the exposure time determines the quality of filtration. Selecting a mesh with finer screening would therefore ensure better quality. Mesh screen sizes range from 8x30 (large), 12x40 (intermediate) and 20x50 (fine). The lesser the flow rate the more the contact and better the quality. Also the process works better at lower temperatures and lesser ph value.
Activated carbon is usually derived from processing charcoal or coconut shells. The obtained carbon is then treated with oxygen to increase its porosity.
Utility and benefits
Activated carbon improves water taste and smell. It is highly efficient in removing organic and residual impurities and also chemicals like chlorine.
Active carbon can be used as a standalone filter as well as part of a full scale purification process. An activated carbon mesh screen is used in combination with sediment filters and reverse osmosis membranes or ion exchange resins. The apparatus is often used in community water supply treatment plants.
Active carbon filtration is cost effective as compared to other methods of purification. It is perfectly safe to use over a period of time. For large scale uses like soil decontamination and chemical purification bulk activated carbon is used.
Bulk activated charcoal mesh screens are also used in swimming pools, aquariums and garden ponds to keep the water clean and eco-friendly. It is also used in air conditioners and purifiers to remove toxic vapors, odors and particle pollutants.
Activated carbon filtration applications
Drinking water filtration
Groundwater or storm water remediation
Sewage treatment
Medicines
Metal extraction and purification
Soil detoxification
Gas purifiers and air conditioners
Gas masks
Maintenance and care
Active carbon filters need to be maintained at regular intervals for best results. A regular cleaning drive will ensure a high degree of purification. An advantage of this method is that the carbon is recyclable. It can be cleaned and reactivated to be used as effectively as before. The process however can be repeated for a finite number of times after which the spent carbon needs to be replaced with fresh activated carbon.
