What Is the Lifespan of Activated Carbon?

The consumption rate of activated carbon can vary depending on the type of activated carbon used, the application features, and the type of contaminant. Different types of activated carbon have different adsorption capacities and performance characteristics, so the lifespan can also differ.

The consumption period of activated carbon is typically determined by a specific usage capacity or saturation point. The higher the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon, the longer its consumption period will be.

For example, granular activated carbon used in water treatment systems typically has a lifespan ranging from 6 to 12 months. However, in industrial applications with more intense contaminants, activated carbon may need to be replaced more frequently. In other industrial uses, the lifespan can sometimes extend beyond 3 years.

The lifespan of activated carbon may vary depending on operational conditions, flow rates, contamination levels, storage conditions, and maintenance practices.

Depending on the application requirements and performance monitoring, activated carbon may need to be replaced or reactivated after a certain period. This typically happens when the adsorption capacity decreases or when performance is affected.