Activated Carbon (Powder) - India

Brief Overview

Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal or coal, embodies carbon with minute, low-volume pores that substantially increase the available surface area for adsorption or chemical reactions. This amplified surface area renders activated carbon adept at adsorption—an occurrence where particles such as atoms, ions, or gas, liquid, and solid molecules adhere to a surface. These particles are retained within the internal pore structure of carbon due to electrostatic attraction or chemisorption. This adsorptive capacity positions activated carbon as pivotal across various industries, aiding in the reduction of hazardous substances in chemical processes, catalyzing chemical reactions, and serving as a carrier for biomass and chemicals.

Activated carbon exists in several common product forms:

• Extruded 
• Granular 
• Powder

These diverse forms enable activated carbon to be employed across a wide spectrum of applications based on their specific properties and preferred uses.

Manufacturing Process

Activated carbon is typically derived from either coconut shell charcoal or coal. The production of activated carbon involves subjecting the material to a controlled burning process in a tightly enclosed environment, allowing only pyrolysis to take place.

The process of converting the material into activated carbon primarily involves opening up the pores of carbon charcoal, initially possessing an area of 2 m2/g, expanding it to a range of 300-2000 m2/g, hence termed activated charcoal. Activating charcoal into activated carbon can be achieved through two methods: one involves a mild oxidation reaction utilizing water vapor at temperatures ranging from 900-1000°C, while the other method involves dehydration facilitated by chemicals or salts.

Water Treatment Industry

Presently, activated carbon finds extensive application in water treatment, groundwater restoration, and servicing water treatment within the industry. It is commonly employed either in powdered or granular forms, chosen based on the precise nature of the application and the particular process requirements.