Professional Manufacturer of Activated Carbon for Water Treatment Solutions

How Activated Carbon Works in Water Treatment

Activated carbon is a highly porous carbonaceous material that effectively removes a wide range of contaminants from water. This process involves the accumulation of atoms, ions, or molecules on the surface of carbon particles.

The purification mechanisms include:

• Adsorption: The primary mechanism is adsorption, where contaminants are attracted to and held on the carbon particle’s surface by physical or chemical forces. The vast network of micropores provides an enormous surface area for this process.
• Ion Exchange: Activated carbon can remove certain ions from water through ion exchange, where ions are attracted to the carbon’s surface and replace other previously adsorbed ions.
• Filtration: In some cases, activated carbon also acts as a physical filter, capturing particulate matter too large to pass through the carbon pores.
• Catalytic Reduction: Activated carbon catalyzes reactions such as chlorine decomposition (Cl₂ + H₂O → HCl + HOCl) without being consumed in the process.

Contaminants Removed by Activated Carbon in Water Treatment

Activated carbon effectively removes various contaminants from water, including organic compounds, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals.

2.1 Organic Compounds

Activated carbon demonstrates exceptional efficiency in removing diverse organic compounds from water. This includes pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, as well as pharmaceuticals. These organic substances are typically harmful to human health and the environment.

2.2 Chlorine and Chloramines

Chlorine and chloramines are common disinfectants in water treatment. However, they can react with organic matter in water to form disinfection by-products (DBPs), some of which may be carcinogenic. Activated carbon effectively removes chlorine and chloramines through chemical reactions, while also improving water taste and odor.

2.3 Heavy Metals

Certain types of activated carbon can adsorb heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) from water. Functional groups on the carbon surface bind with heavy metal ions through chemical reactions. This property is particularly significant in treating industrial wastewater and contaminated groundwater, as heavy metals are highly toxic and can bioaccumulate in the environment and living organisms.

2.4 Color and Odor-Causing Substances

Activated carbon excels in removing substances that cause color and odor in water. For example, humic acids, which give surface water a yellow-brown color, can be effectively adsorbed. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfur-containing compounds that produce unpleasant odors are efficiently removed, resulting in clear and odorless water.

Applications of Activated Carbon in Water Treatment Industry

Activated carbon, with its high adsorption capacity and porous structure, is extensively used in water treatment applications. From drinking water purification to industrial wastewater treatment, activated carbon plays a crucial role in addressing various water treatment challenges. Here are the typical applications and technical validations:

• Drinking Water Filter Cartridges
• Municipal Water Treatment
• Swimming Pool & Hot Spring Water Treatment
• Industrial Wastewater Treatment
• Aquarium & Fish Farm Water Treatment
• Groundwater Remediation
• Food & Beverage Industry
• Seawater Desalination Pretreatment
• Cooling Tower Water Treatment
• Agricultural Water Treatment
• Emergency Water Purification
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Water Treatment
• Landfill Leachate Treatment
• Ultrapure Water Systems
• PFAS/PFOA Remediation

Quality Assurance: Our Commitment to Excellence

At KinetiCarb, we maintain strict quality control throughout our production process to ensure premium activated carbon quality.

Core Quality Control Measures

Raw Material Control

• Premium source material selection
• Initial quality screening

Production Monitoring

• Controlled activation process
• Continuous parameter monitoring

Standard Testing

• Iodine Value (ASTM D4607)
• Particle Size Distribution
• Moisture Content (ASTM D2867)
• pH Value
• Surface Area Analysis

Quality System

• ISO 9001:2015 Certified
• NSF/ANSI 61 Certified
• Complete batch traceability
• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
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Each batch undergoes thorough testing in our laboratory before release, ensuring consistent quality that meets or exceeds industry standards.