Sustainability is a global goal that humanity has dreamed of achieving for decades. We are not anywhere near yet, but with each innovation and technological development to bring a brighter future, we are taking a step towards that dream. Activated carbon is an industrial product with countless applications in many industries all over the world. Carbon, as we know, is the most abundant naturally present element on earth in various forms; even human beings are mainly made up of carbon and water. Actiavted carbon has high adsorbent qualities, and one of the major applications of it in industries is purification. Here, we will discuss how we can adopt a brighter future through activated carbon applications.
Activated carbon’s properties
Activated carbon is a highly versatile material with various applications due to its unique properties. But before we discuss further about the applications of activated carbon, we can take a closer look at its properties, including surface area, pore volume, and iodine number. The surface area of activated carbon can range from 950 to 2000 m2/g. The high surface area is a result of the activation process, which creates multiple pores of different sizes on the surface of the charcoal.
Pore volume is a property that refers to the space inside the activated carbon, and a higher pore volume increases the effectiveness of activated carbon in industrial applications. The pore radius is different for each type of activated carbon, and it is typically measured in angstroms. The iodine number of activated carbon can tell a lot about the quality of the carbon produced, and it is measured using standardised testing methods.
The abrasion number measures the ability of activated carbon powder to withstand abrasion, which is essential for determining its durability in applications. Ash level measures the amount of non-carbon impurities in activated carbon powder; this measurement is important for ensuring quality control.
Applications of activated carbon
Before we knew how serious the environmental impact of using natural resources in industries and leaving the harmful residuals out into the world was, we had done a lot of harm to the world. To prevent further harm, we are now determined to reduce the consumption of resources and the unscientific way of dealing with industrial residues. .
But we already have products and technologies here that can cut down on pollution and reduce its impact on the environment. Industries are taking steps to purify smoke, gases, and liquid pollutants before releasing them and are looking for ways to recycle. The various applications of activated carbon have been a gift for industries that are searching for solutions to their purification concerns.
Wastewater treatment: Water purification is a primary industrial application of activated carbon worldwide. Activated charcoal is a highly porous and effective adsorbent that is used in water treatment to eliminate various pollutants and impurities, such as herbicides, organic compounds, and pesticides. Wastewater treatment applications of activated carbon protect our bodies of water from being polluted and allow industries to recycle and resuse the water.
Industrial gas treatment: Activated charcoal is highly effective when it comes to removing harmful pollutants, unpleasant odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial emissions. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a popular choice for industries seeking to reduce their environmental impact and ensure the safety of their workers and the public.
Pharma and medicine: Activated carbon also plays an important role in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. It is actively used in the manufacturing and purification of drugs and antibiotics.
Vapour Recovery: Vapour recovery refers to the process of removing harmful vapours that are released during the handling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These vapours can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To capture these vapours, activated carbon is used in vapour recovery units (VRUs) that are installed at fuel storage facilities, refineries, and other industrial sites. The activated carbon adsorbs the VOCs, which are then collected and treated for safe disposal.
Automotive Emission Control: Activated carbon is also effective in adsorbing and removing harmful pollutants from the exhaust gases generated by automobiles. As the exhaust gases go through an activated carbon filter, it adsorbs the pollutants, such as hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, trapping them inside. This process helps reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the environment, improves air quality, and reduces the negative impact of automobile emissions on public health.
Chemical purification: The chemical industry is a vital sector that plays a significant role in our daily lives without us knowing about it, but the safety risks that it poses to the environment, workers, and surrounding communities are significant. Activated charcoal adsorbs harmful chemicals from gases and liquids, effectively removing them from the production process. This process helps in avoiding a major cause of air pollution and also protects workers and surrounding communities from health risks.
Soil restoration: Activated carbon is widely known for its remarkable ability to purify gases and liquids, but not many of us are aware of its role in soil restoration. When added to soil, activated carbon acts as a powerful purification agent, removing accumulated pollutants and toxins from the soil. This helps to restore the soil’s natural balance and health, which is essential for healthy plant growth and a thriving ecosystem.
Southern Carbon
As we have discussed before, activated carbon is a crucial industrial product in many industries, and it has a huge role in the purification and reduction of environmental risks. Southern Carbon is one of the best activated carbon manufacturers in Kerala, and we understand the social duty we have as a leading manufacturer of activated carbon. We ensure to provide the highest quality product to our market across the world, and due to this, we are already one of the best exporters of activated carbon in Japan and many other countries in Asia. In terms of durability, our product competes with the top activated carbon manufacturers in Korea and is one of the most durable products available on the market as of now. Connect with Southern Carbon to learn more about our products.