Activated Carbon Adsorber

ACTIVATED CARBON ADSORBER

Activated Carbon Observer

Activated carbon is a highly porous inert material with a very large internal surface area (700-1500 m²/g). The high surface area makes it ideal for adsorption. Activated carbon is produced from materials containing amorphous carbon, such as wood, coal, peat, and coconut shells. It is created through a thermal process where volatile components are removed from the carbonaceous material (feedstock) in an oxygen-rich environment. Special treatments are applied to create a unique pore structure that determines the adsorption capacity and characteristics of the activated carbon.

In an activated carbon adsorber, the gas stream is passed through the activated carbon, where the components to be removed are adsorbed onto the carbon until saturation is reached. Once the activated carbon reaches its saturation point, it is replaced or regenerated.

Typically, when the saturation point is reached, the spent activated carbon is sent to a disposal facility and can be reused after regeneration.

The saturation level is usually expressed as g/kg of activated carbon. The saturation level is determined by the concentration of the components present in the air. In experimental setups, adsorption isotherms can be created to show the relationship between the partial pressure of the components in the air and the amount of component that can be collected per gram of activated carbon.

The isotherm of activated carbon is linear, and the capacity increases proportionally with higher partial pressures. This means that at a specific temperature, activated carbon has a higher adsorption capacity at higher inlet concentrations compared to lower inlet concentrations. However, at higher temperatures, the adsorption capacity will decrease.

As a reference, an adsorption capacity of 20-25 g solvent (expressed as carbon) per 100 g of activated carbon can be achieved during effective adsorption. If the component is a weak adsorbate, the capacity will decrease with increasing temperature or humidity.

MDSJ Carbon Adsorber Unit

The contaminated air enters the base of the adsorbent vessel and flows upward through the carbon bed. As the contaminated vapor stream passes through the carbon, the pollutants come into contact with the carbon and get adsorbed onto the active surface. Highly porous activated carbon provides a large and effective surface area. Activated carbon can be in the form of granules or can be pelletized.

Dry Filters

Overview of Carbon Adsorber Types

Filled Bed Adsorber: Single-bed adsorbers are designed in horizontal or vertical configurations. Multiple adsorbers consist of one or several stages in panel form within the vessel. The system includes two or more separate adsorbent vessels, allowing regeneration by vapor reactivation when the air flow reaches the saturation point due to the adsorption of pollutants.

Carbon Filter Adsorber: When the airflow reaches saturation, it can be easily replaced with fresh ones.

Adsorption Application

Adsorption through activated carbon can occur using filled cartridges, as carbon in a packed bed, or through powdered carbon injection combined with a fabric filter.

In low-flow applications, activated carbon is sometimes provided in pre-filled filter cartridges that are periodically replaced in the filter installation. In systems requiring larger amounts of activated carbon, a bed with added activated carbon granules is used. This can be implemented as a container system. In high-flow and low-concentration applications, powdered activated carbon is sometimes added and then filtered. The latter is typically used for the removal of dioxins. If dry lime absorption is already present, a combination of lime and activated carbon is also injected to capture acidic components as well as dioxins and VOCs.

Applications for this Product Include

After the carbon bed becomes saturated with pollutants, it is possible to regenerate the carbon through heating or chemical washing in order to restore the majority of its activity. However, certain pollutants such as VOCs, dioxins, or furans are not typically recommended for carbon adsorption due to the complexities of disposal or regeneration processes. The applications engineers at MDSJ AIR Equipment can provide specific recommendations.

Carbon Adsorber Design Features

A wide range of adsorbents: A wide range of adsorbents are used as filling materials, such as carbon, zeolite, and synthetic polymers. Capacities of 150,000-200,000 m3/h can be installed for a single unit. Up to 99% efficiency can be achieved.

The body structures can be made of various materials, including carbon, steel, stainless steel, PVC, HRP, FRP, CTP, PP, and other materials.

The systems are delivered with complete instrumentation and electrical controls.

Carbon Structures

Activated carbon is produced from materials such as bituminous coal, wood, coconut shell, and lignite. During the manufacturing process, the material becomes porous. Activated carbon can be impregnated with certain chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, to enhance its performance during adsorption of various compounds.

Corrosion Resistant Structures

MDSJ Carbon Adsorbers are made from corrosion-resistant materials, especially PP, FRP, and stainless steel.

MDSJ Carbon Adsorber features a standard or staged carbon bed. The carbon depth and specific type of carbon can be selected specifically to maximize performance for the desired service conditions and minimize operating costs.

Complete systems can be supplied, including fans, ventilation ducts, control panels, and instruments.

Impregnated Activated Carbon

For special applications and to enhance cleaning efficiency, activated carbon undergoes chemical treatment or impregnation. Impregnated activated carbon absorbs and retains enough chemical substance (adsorbent) to react with the pollutant. Impregnated activated carbon is specifically designed to capture chemical compounds that are difficult to adsorb with standard activated carbon. Adsorption relies on the pollutant gas molecules adhering to the porous solid carbon surfaces as the dirty air stream passes through the activated carbon, while chemical adsorption allows for the formation of chemical bonds. MDSJ AIR ENGINEERING Activated Carbon Dry Scrubber is highly efficient in removing adsorber vapors, H2S, and other odors, VOCs, and gaseous hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Regenerative or non-regenerative filled or cartridge activated carbons are used.
Activated Carbon Odor Remover offers complete manufacturing and engineering services for adsorbers using packed fixed-bed designs and several different non-regenerative adsorbent materials.

It enables the removal of H2S and other odors from sources in municipal wastewater treatment plants, including power plants, digesters, and sludge dewatering processes. Mdsj Carbon adsorption removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many sulfur-containing compounds such as mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide from gases. The type of carbon, nature of the pollutant, gas flow rate, temperature, and other factors also influence the performance of adsorption systems. Fixed-bed carbon adsorption equipment does not require a pump to recirculate the wash solution, liquid distribution systems, or scrubbers. The adsorbent removes many VOCs that pass through conventional wet scrubbers.