What Should Be Considered When Choosing Activated Charcoal?

• The application: The application in which the activated carbon is to be used should be determined and its properties should be defined accordingly. For example, activated carbons with different properties are used for water purification, while activated carbons with different properties may be preferred for air filtration.
• Adsorption capacity: The adsorption capacity of activated carbon determines its ability to retain pollutants effectively. Activated carbons with high adsorption capacity can adsorb more pollutants. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting that the adsorption capacity is suitable for the respective application conditions.
• Surface area and pore structure: The activated carbon's surface area and pore structure influence the adsorption performance. A large surface area and a microporous structure make adsorbing more pollutant molecules possible. An activated carbon with large pores is more effective at adsorbing large molecules. Therefore, an activated carbon with a surface area and pore structure that meets the application’s requirements should be selected.
• Granule size: The size of the activated carbon granules is important depending on the application. While large granules are usually preferred for industrial applications, small granules are mostly used for household or laboratory applications. The granule size must be compatible with the filter or system to be used.
• Regeneration potential: Regeneration of activated carbon may be possible in some applications. The regeneration potential of activated carbon offers economic and environmental benefits for long-term use. An activated carbon with regeneration potential may be preferred.
• Hardness and durability: The hardness and durability of activated carbon depend on the system and operating conditions in which it is used. An activated carbon with adequate hardness and durability reduces the risk of fragmentation or corrosion in the system.
• Certification and standards: It is important to pay attention to certifications and standards to determine the quality and suitability of activated carbon. For example, NSF/ANSI Standard 61 determines the suitability of activated carbon for water purification applications.

When selecting activated carbon, factors such as application requirements, performance characteristics, quality standards and costs must be carefully considered. Our team of experts will help you select the right activated carbon for your application.