Activated carbon has an incredible ability to adsorb impurities (i.e., they adhere very readily to the surface) and this makes it indispensable for engineering and manufacturing operations, suggests CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons, in an article exploring the application of such materials, and the possibilities they present
What is activated carbon?
It is a highly purified form of carbon, in which the material has an exceptionally large surface area and presents an intricate network of microscopic pores. These properties make it a powerful material for purifying liquids and gases.
Produced from carbon-rich materials such as high-quality coal, coconut shells, or wood, it undergoes a two-stage process to develop the unique characteristics that give activated carbon its unmatched ability to trap impurities from liquids and gases.
The quantity, size and ratio of pores depend on the choice of raw material and the activation process. So different types of material can be tailored to suit specific applications and treatment requirements, including water purification, air filtration and manufacturing processes.
By selecting the appropriate material and pore combination, industrial end users can achieve optimal environmental performance in removing contaminants, ensuring cleaner processes and better outcomes. Whether it’s eliminating odours, toxins, or harmful chemicals, activated carbon is the go-to solution for industrial and environmental challenges.
One key advantage of activated carbon for purification is that, once spent, it can be safely and efficiently recycled via a process called thermal reactivation, which removes the impurities from the carbon pores, allowing the media to be used again and again in customer’s processes. The recycling of spent carbon in this way, rather than using and then disposing of virgin materials, brings enormous environmental benefits – typically in the range of a 80-90% carbon footprint saving, depending on the type of reactivation technology being used.
Why activated carbon is critical for your business
The stainless steel industry uses activated carbon for cleaning, in addition to things like purification and environmental control.
Steel and metal manufacturing can emit compounds into the air and process water, so treatment is needed to get rid of odours and harmful substances. Regulation is increasingly tightening on legal, safe limits, with compliance becoming indispensable for those who want to avoid serious fines and operational disruption.
Stainless steel is also a key ingredient in activated carbon installations. Pipework and equipment made from stainless steels can be deployed in aggressive environments inadmissible to other materials. This is itself an interesting and developing market for stainless steels.
1. Water treatment
Consider the water running through your operations. Is it truly free from harmful contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, or PFAS chemicals? Activated carbon is a proven solution for purifying water and removing pollutants, and it can be tailored to specific water challenges.
And it plays a vital role in other water treatments, including:
• Recycling and reusing process water in industrial operations.
• Runoff water treatment to prevent environmental contamination.
• Groundwater remediation to restore water quality in polluted areas.
• Drinking water purification to ensure clean, wholesome water for homes and businesses.
Activated carbon’s adaptability means it can provide clean, safe water in a range of settings, whether industrial, municipal or environmental. And whether the focus is on taste, purity, or contaminant removal, it delivers measurable results.
Mobile carbon filters, produced in the UK and supplied on a rental basis, offer a convenient CAPEX-free ‘plug & play’ option for many purification applications. They are delivered to customers’ sites, pre-filled with the optimum activated carbon for each application, ready for connection to the process stream. Their high quality steel construction offers unmatched durability and performance for both air and liquid phase purification applications. Once the carbon is spent and requires replacement, the mobile filter is simply swapped-out for a fresh unit, and the spent filter is sent back to a service centre where the carbon is removed ready for recycling via thermal reactivation.
2. Air and gas purification
Dirty air doesn’t just harm the environment, it harms your bottom line in multiple ways, because poor air quality can lead to:
• Regulatory fines and penalties: Failure to meet environmental standards for air emissions can result in costly fines, legal issues and damage to your company’s reputation.
• Decreased productivity: Unpleasant odours, toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can create an unhealthy work environment, leading to higher absenteeism, lower employee morale, and reduced productivity.
• Increased operating costs: Contaminated air can impact equipment efficiency and lifespan, increasing maintenance requirements and energy consumption.
• Lost business opportunities: Non-compliance or visible environmental impacts can deter customers, partners, or investors who prioritise sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Activated carbon can capture VOCs, odours and toxins to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, improve workplace conditions, and protect business operations. Investing in clean air safeguards the environment and delivers bottom-line benefits.
For the toughest industrial environments, mobile filters are a game-changer. They are built to withstand harsh conditions, while maintaining peak performance, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
Seeking high-performance solutions? A possible partner
CPL/Puragen Activated Carbons can provide comprehensive guidance and tailored solutions for industries looking to enhance efficiency with activated carbon systems. This is underpinned by years of experience, and the support of our Centre of Excellence and state-of-the-art R&D facilities, which are equipped to conduct advanced testing and analysis.
Whether it’s for air, water, or industrial purification, rigorous testing and optimisation can be essential to addressing specific needs. So there are unmistakeable benefits to selecting a partner that combines innovative technology, advanced analysis, and practical industry knowledge.
For more information visit www.activated-carbon.com.
