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Purification with Activated Carbon Filters

Activated Carbon Filters operate according to the adsorption process. Adsorption is a process where a solid component is used for the

Activated Carbon Filters operate according to the adsorption process. Adsorption is a process where a solid component is used for the removal and retention of a substance dissolved in water. In this process, activated carbon is the solid. The structure of this element is designed to have a very large internal surface area (500 – 1500 m2/g). These construction characteristics make activated carbon ideal for the adsorption of multiple types of pollutants dissolved in Wastewater. Activated carbon exists in two variants: Powdered Activated Carbon particularly suitable for applications with low wastewater production or specifically for very small particles such as those contained in fumes and/or in the air, and Granular Activated Carbon very suitable for use in applications where a large quantity of water needs to be treated.

The Granular Activated Carbon version primarily used in water treatment can adsorb the following soluble substances:

  • Mineral oils
  • Surfactants
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Odors
  • Flavors
  • Yeasts
  • Substances insoluble in water

Examples of Activated Carbon Use in Various Processes

  • Dechlorination of water
  • Purification of Car Wash Wastewater
  • Purification of Swimming Pool Water
  • Purification of Groundwater
  • Polishing of previously treated wastewater from other treatment systems, such as Biological and Chemical types

Process Description

The column containing Activated Carbon, made of metal and/or plastic material, is usually installed above ground, and water is pumped inside it, which passes through the adsorbent material and exits through a drainage system. The activity of an active carbon column depends on the temperature and the nature of the substances. As water continuously passes through the column, it accumulates substances in the activated carbon, and for this reason, the filter must be periodically replaced. A used filter can be regenerated in various ways; granular carbon can be easily regenerated by oxidizing organic matter. The efficiency of activated carbon may decrease by 5 – 10% after regeneration. Additionally, a small portion of the activated carbon is destroyed during the regeneration process and must be replaced. It is advisable to use protective systems for activated carbon columns, such as Quartzite Filters or other activated carbon columns in series, to avoid completely deteriorating the adsorbent material contained within the Filtration Systems.

What is the Difference Between Adsorption and Absorption

When a substance is fixed to a surface, it is called adsorption; this is the case when the substance is fixed to the internal surface of activated carbon. When a substance is absorbed into a different medium, it is called absorption: for example, when a gas dissolves in a solution, it is called absorption.

Some Factors That Can Influence the Performance of Activated Carbon in Water

  • Type of compound to be removed
  • Concentration of the compound to be removed. The higher the concentration, the greater the consumption of carbon
  • Presence of other organic compounds

Maintenance

To optimize the operation of this plant element, periodic maintenance is necessary for the removal and regeneration of exhausted ACTIVATED CARBON. If the exhausted ACTIVATED CARBON is not replaced, we may experience odors and even malfunction of the filtration system, from which untreated wastewater could be discharged according to the parameters of D.Lgs 152 06.

Periodic maintenance operations must be carried out by specialized companies that will then dispose of the waste either to a landfill or to the Activated Carbon regeneration company.