Activated carbon is a group of porous carbon produced by carbonizing carbonaceous elements filled with dehydrated chemicals. It can also be described as purified activated carbon powder. Other names for this type of carbon include activated carbon and activated charcoal. Its adsorption properties make it the best choice for water purification processes.
This is because it can remove a wide range of contaminants from water. It can also be used to remove odors. The different uses of this carbon include municipal water treatment, wastewater treatment, industrial applications and drinking water treatment.
Activated carbon is a specific type used to meet a wide range of purification needs. Granular activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, and pelletized activated carbon are some of the common types. Granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon are the most suitable for water purification needs. The type you choose will depend greatly on your purification needs. Today we will compare granular and powdered activated carbon.
Granular Activated Carbon is commonly referred to as GAC. it is made from organic material that is heated in the absence of air. This material is crushed into smaller particles through another process. The tiny particles are in solid form, which explains why it is called granular. Several organic materials are usually used in this process. Common types are coal granular activated carbon or coconut shell granular activated carbon.
The high absorption properties of granular activated carbon make it the best choice for purifying heavily contaminated liquids. This activated carbon is best suited for use in large treatment facilities. It is also ideal for mercury removal and different solvent recovery processes.
Powdered activated carbon is commonly referred to as PAC. It is another type of activated carbon made from fine particles. Just like GAC, it is produced using organic materials with a high carbon content. Examples of these natural materials include wood and anthracite.
Powdered activated carbon is commonly used in water treatment facilities to remove various impurities. It is also used to regulate the odor and taste of water. The adsorption quality of powdered activated carbon helps remove contaminants from water, air and various gases.
There are several differences between granular and powdered activated carbon:
This is a distinct difference between the two carbon types. Granular activated carbon has a larger particle size than powdered form, GAC ranges from 0.2 to 5 mm, while PAC is approximately 0.188 mm or less.
As the name implies, granular activated carbon is in solid form, while PAC is in powder form. This makes it easy to tell which one has a larger grain size than the other. You should be aware of the obvious differences between the two. Granular activated carbon also has a smaller surface area compared to the powdered form.
Another difference between the two types of activated carbon is the material used to make them. Both are made from different organic materials. Powdered activated carbon is mainly made from wood, while granular activated carbon is made from coconut shells or coal. These materials play an important role in their application and level of effectiveness.
Granular activated carbon is mainly used in continuous processes. Powdered activated carbon, on the other hand, is used mainly in batch processes. After the purification process, PAC is usually discarded. Granular activated carbon is best suited for continuous processes because of its regeneration capability.
The difference between the two types of activated carbons lies in their applications. Granular activated carbon is mainly used for water purification purposes. Powdered activated carbon, which is used for food decolorization, is different.
The large surface area of powdered activated carbon makes it most suitable for adsorption of impurities with large molecular sizes. The colors in food products have large molecules. Powdered activated carbon is ideal for removing them. The particle type differs and is suitable for water filtration. This is because it does not break down under high pressure or water flow.
You will also notice a huge difference between granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon in their regeneration and disposal methods. Granular activated carbon can be used multiple times before it goes through a regeneration process. Powdered activated carbon is a different story. Regeneration, is quite difficult. If it is possible to do so, then it can prove to be a very challenging process. You will also incur high disposal costs.
The type of carbon you choose may depend on the type of equipment and treatment required. GAC can be used on specific machines, while PAC can be used on other types of machines. Granular activated carbon is ideal for equipment that does not require high filtration pressure. The dust risk of powered activated carbon limits its use on specific machines. Dust collectors are best suited for procedures involving powdered activated carbon.
This is another major difference between the two types of activated carbon. Powdered activated carbon is less expensive to manufacture because factors such as strength and particle size do not matter. Density is also not a big issue for most companies that intend to use PAC. Granular activated carbon, on the other hand, must meet certain specifications in order to be used. The granules should have a standard size and should also have a suitable density. This explains why granular activated carbon is much more expensive to produce than PAC.
Understanding these differences can guide you in making a purchase or selecting the right product for a specific application. You will learn about the different qualities of each product and choose the right type for your purification needs.
Both granular and powdered activated carbons have their advantages and disadvantages. Powdered activated carbon is widely used because of its affordable cost. You can also adjust the dose of PAC you use to match changing contamination levels.
You must be aware that powdered activated carbon has higher operating costs when used more frequently. Other disadvantages include the large amount of sludge produced, the inability to regenerate, and how easy it is to get through the filter. PAC can be forced through the filter quickly, which will lead to most customer complaints. The dust from the tiny particles of powdered activated carbon makes it difficult to handle. These particles are also highly flammable.
Granular activated carbon is an affordable option for those using large treatment plants that require constant taste and odor control.
The disadvantage of granular activated carbon is that it increases the purchase cost of contactors and filters. There is also a much higher chance of bacterial growth on GAC filters. Granular activated carbon is ideal for long-term service. You must consider the results required for these procedures to select the correct type of activated carbon.
Now, you must have much clear ideas on the difference between granular and powdered activated carbon. You can decide which one you need for specific applications.
Yihang Carbon focus on manufacture of granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon for various application for 20 years. With rich experience and production technology, we only provide high quality activated carbon to meet higher standard and help and support more customers in purification process in projects in more effective ways. If you're looking for activated carbon for your project or product, please feel free to contact us at any time, we would like to be your trustful business partner!
