Activated carbon is prepared from raw materials like wood, nutshells, coal, and peat. Natural carbon is full of organic matters like pores, which leave behind pure carbon.
You can contact the activated carbon manufacturer in Washington to get the most hygienic material. Activated carbon also filters out harmful chemicals from contaminated air and water. The material is highly effective in removing air impurities from your home or office.
How Is Activated Carbon Prepared?
The process of starting carbon involves following two distinct methods, steam activation, and chemical activation.
Steam activation, known as physical activation, converted the raw materials into hot gases and burned by air. The steam activation process uses either carbonization or activation/oxidation and requires a 600 degree Celsius temperature.
During the chemical activation process, the raw material is permeated with a chemical acid base or salt. The material heats at a lower temperature, around 450 degrees Celsius. Chemical activation is considered more efficient for activating carbon.
Are The Two Processes Different?
Although the results are the same, the two above-mentioned differ slightly due to their chemical properties. It also results in a substantial alteration in filtration performances. Steam activated carbon goes through the acid wash that purifies the substance, while the latter doesn’t require acid washing. Top activated carbon manufacturer in Washington mostly uses chemical activation to extract purified carbon.
Granulated Activated Carbon
One of the most standard terms you will encounter when researching activated carbon is GAC or granulated activated carbon. It is one of the two primary forms that accompany the material. GAC is, in fact, grounded carbon that looks like loose powder. Solid pieces of carbon are crushed into powder forms to get GAC. It is then sifted through sieves to achieve uniform sizes. The activated carbon manufacturer in Washington uses this method to separate GAC into large, medium, small, and dust like pieces.
Application Of Activated Carbon In Water Treatment
Activated carbon finds its most extensive usage in the water treatment sector. Earlier, chlorine removal was the primary objective of activated carbon, but it has dramatically changed in recent years. It provides you with guaranteed clean drinking water and finds application in wastewater management and landfill seepage.
Drinking water purification systems use activated carbon in confluence with other treatment parameters like flocculation, oxidation, and filtration.
Differentiating Between Adsorption and Absorption
It is vital for activated carbon manufacturers in Washington to understand the difference between adsorption and absorption.
In the absorption process, two different materials come in close contact and form an entirely different substance. The adsorption technique is different where a material attaches itself to another sense but doesn’t create any new material.
Essential Characteristics Of Activated Carbon
There are different properties of activated carbon which you need to understand.
Iodine Number
Iodine number is vital to judging the effectiveness of activated carbon. Activated carbon is added to the liquid that holds the specific amount of liquid. The solution is poured into another container removing the charcoal particles allowing the fluid to pass through.
Surface Area
Surface Area is another essential aspect of activated carbon. The surface area varies according to the raw material, activation process, and adsorption process.
Density
Density affects the volume activity significantly. A higher density indicates a better quality of activated carbon. There are various forms of density based on specific data on activated carbon performance.
Molasses Number
The molasses number measures the effectiveness of activated carbon and is useful for removing large molecules. A higher molasses number indicates a better removal capacity of carbon.
Where Can You Buy Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is available in powder form or pills from activated carbon manufacturer in Washington. You can also contact reputed service providers for water filtration and treatment.
Benefits Of Activated Carbon
Some of the benefits of activated carbon include:
- Treatment for gas and intestinal disorders
- Used for treating diarrhea
- Finds application in the water treatment industry for filtration
- Teeth whitening products contain activated carbon for antiviral, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties.
- Treatment of skin diseases
- Absorption of harmful chemicals and gases through refrigerator deodorant
The activated carbon market is growing due to several factors like implementing MATS by the EPA and its critical application in vehicles for improving engine performance. The USA is the biggest user of activated carbon, with activated carbon manufacturers in Washington engaged in water purification treatment.