Activated carbon, the common factor in hundreds of different applications. Just a grab from the numerous applications: decolourisation of sugar and sweeteners, drinking water treatment, gold recovery, production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, catalytic processes, off gas treatment of waste incinerators, automotive vapour filters, colour/odour correction in wines and fruit juices, additive in liquorice, etc. etc.

In its numerous applications, activated carbon represents a number of different functionalities:

• Adsorption: the most well-known mechanism, through physical adsorption (Van der Waals forces) or chemisorption
• Reduction: e.g. removal of chlorine from water is based on chemical reduction reactions
• Catalysis: activated carbon can catalyse a number of chemical conversions, or can be a carrier of catalytic agents (e.g. precious metals)
• Carrier of biomass: support material in biological filters
• Carrier of chemicals: e.g. slow release applications colourant: activated carbon's function in liquorice is its colour

Apart from the activated carbon product to be selected, a key issue to address is the type of technology to apply.
Typically, powdered activated carbon is dosed into the process stream (gas or liquid) and, after a certain contact time, separated by filtration or settling. Some of the issues involved: required contact time, dosing system, single or multi-stage dosing, carbon separation, safety measures.
Granular activated carbon is mostly used in fixed filter beds, or alternatively in (pseudo-) moving filter beds. Some of the issues involved: required contact time (alternatively: hydraulic space velocity), permanent or mobile filter vessels, filling and emptying facilities, safety measures. Further, a crucial consideration regarding granular activated carbon refers to possible regeneration, in situ or off site.



Imagine the number of different considerations which apply in any (potential) application of activated carbon:

• Different options of activated carbon technology, including regeneration
• A broad range of different activated carbon grades
• General application requirements, including operational flexibility, process reliability, economics, affordable investments

Then, you can imagine that selection of the best option is not an easy task. Norit's specialists will be happy to advise you, based on a wealth of expertise in activated carbon and its applications. Norit can support you in addressing all major issues, including selection of technology, selection of activated carbon grade and lab or pilot testing.

For any further information, please fill in the questionnaire or contact the nearest Norit sales office or agent.