Frequently Asked Questions

1-WHAT IS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL?

Activated carbon is a special form of carbon with a large surface area and microporous structure. Activated carbon is an adsorbent that can effectively retain organic substances, volatile compounds, pollutants and toxins by adsorbing them.

Activated carbon is obtained from naturally occurring or industrially produced carbon-based materials. It is usually produced by processing raw materials such as wood, charcoal, shells and plant residues in a controlled process at high temperature (called activation). The activation process creates the porous structure of the carbon, which gives the activated carbon a large surface area.

Activated carbon has a wide range of applications. It is used in almost 2000 areas, e.g. in ore recovery, water purification, air filtration, chemical processes, pharmaceutical production, the food industry, gas masks and respirators. Activated carbon can be used effectively in cleaning or separation processes by adsorbing chemical substances.

Thank you to its adsorption capacity, activated carbon can absorb many pollutants and help to remove pollutants from water or air. It is therefore a widely used material in water purification systems, industrial filtration processes and indoor air purification systems.

2-WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING ACTIVE CARBON?

Application: The application in which activated carbon will be used should be determined, and its properties should be chosen accordingly. For example, while activated carbons with different properties are used for water purification, those with other properties can 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, when choosing, care should be taken to ensure that it has an adsorption capacity suitable for the conditions to be applied.
Surface Area and Pore Structure: The surface area and pore structure of activated carbon affect the adsorption performance. The high surface area and micropore structure enable more pollutant molecules to be adsorbed. An activated carbon with large pores is more effective at adsorbing large molecules. Therefore, activated carbon with a surface area and pore structure appropriate to the application's requirements should be selected.
Granule size: Activated carbon granule size is essential depending on the application. While large granules are generally preferred in industrial applications, small granules are primarily used in domestic or laboratory applications. 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 provides economic and environmental advantages for long-term use. An activated carbon with regeneration potential may be preferred.
Hardness and Durability: The hardness and durability of activated carbon are essential depending on the system and operating conditions in which it will be used. An activated carbon with appropriate hardness and durability reduces the risk of fragmentation or corrosion in the system.
Certification and Standards: It is essential to pay attention to certification and standards to determine the quality and suitability of activated carbon. For example, NSF/ANSI Standard 61 specifies the suitability of activated carbon for water purification applications.

When choosing activated carbon, careful consideration must be made of factors such as application requirements, performance characteristics, quality standards, and cost. You can get help from our expert team to determine the appropriate activated carbon choice for your use area.

3-WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF ACTIVE CARBON?

High Surface Area: Activated carbon has a large surface area thanks to its micropore structure. This surface area increases adsorption capacity and effectively captures pollutants.
Pore Structure: Activated carbon has different pore types, generally micro, mesoporous and macroporous. Micropores adsorb small molecules, while mesopores and macropores can capture larger molecules. This multiple pore structure enables the adsorption of pollutants of different sizes.
Adsorption Capacity: Activated carbon can effectively retain organic substances, volatile compounds and toxins thanks to its adsorption abilities. High adsorption capacity ensures that more pollutant molecules can be captured.
Chemical Inertness: Activated carbon is a chemically inert material, meaning it does not react with other substances. Thanks to this feature, it can be used safely in the adsorption of various chemical substances.
Thermal Stability: Activated carbon has high temperature resistance. Thanks to this feature, it is preferred in industrial applications that can be used at high temperatures.
Colorless and Odorless: Activated carbon is a colorless and odorless material. Therefore, it has no adverse effects on taste or odor when used in water and air purification systems.
Reactivatability: Activated carbon can be regenerated and reused in some cases. This feature provides long-term use and economic advantages.
Diversity: Activated carbon is a material that can have different types and properties. It can be obtained from different raw material sources and activation methods. This provides specific activated carbon options for a variety of applications.

These properties enable activated carbon to be used as an effective adsorbent and make it preferred for water purification, air filtration, chemical processes and many other applications. However, choosing the most suitable type of activated carbon for each application requires taking into account specific needs and conditions.

4-WHAT ARE THE SITUATIONS THAT MAY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVE CARBON?

Contaminant Type and Concentration: The performance of activated carbon can be affected by the type and concentration of targeted contaminants. Different pollutants have different adsorption properties, and activated carbon must be suitable to adsorb these pollutants effectively. The density of pollutants also affects the adsorption capacity of activated carbon.
Surface Area and Pore Structure of Activated Carbon: The surface area and pore structure of activated carbon are critical factors that determine its adsorption capacity and effectiveness. Activated carbon with insufficient surface area and appropriate pore structure may not be able to adsorb pollutants effectively.
Contact Time: The time that activated carbon is in contact with pollutants affects the effectiveness of adsorption. Longer contact times allow activated carbon to adsorb more pollutants. The appropriate contact time should be determined based on application requirements.
pH Value: The performance of activated carbon can also be affected by the pH value of the solution. pH value can affect the interaction and adsorption capacity of pollutants on the surface. Some pollutants may be better absorbed in certain pH ranges, while others are more effective under different pH conditions.
Temperature: The adsorption performance of activated carbon can also be affected by temperature. High temperatures can increase chemical reaction rates or change the structure of activated carbon, which can affect the adsorption capacity. Appropriate temperature conditions must be taken into account to optimize the effectiveness of activated carbon.
Contamination and Clogging: Activated carbon may be subject to contamination when it adsorbs contaminants. Contamination may reduce the adsorption capacity of activated carbon or hinder its effectiveness. Additionally, the accumulation of pollutants and clogging of pores can negatively affect the performance of activated carbon.
Ageing of Activated Carbon: Activated carbon may lose its performance over time as it is used. It may occur due to the ageing process, reduction of surface area, change of pore structure, or contamination. Therefore, activated carbon may need to be replaced or reactivated after a certain period.
Climatic Conditions: Climatic conditions can affect the performance of activated carbon, especially in outdoor applications. Humidity, temperature and other weather conditions can affect activated carbon's adsorption capacity and efficiency. Exceptionally high humidity can cause activated carbon to become saturated and reduce its performance.
Solvents and Chemicals: Activated carbon may affect its performance when in contact with certain solvents or chemicals. Some solvents or chemicals can clog activated carbon pores or reduce their adsorption capacity. Therefore, chemical interactions in the environment where activated carbon will be used should be considered.
Reactivatability: The reactivation ability of activated carbon is a factor that affects its performance. The reactivation process of activated carbon can help restore adsorption capacity and efficiency. This feature can reduce costs and extend the lifespan of activated carbon.
Particle Size and Distribution: The particle size and distribution of activated carbon can affect adsorption performance. Fine particles may have a larger surface area and increase adsorption capacity. Additionally, a homogeneous particle distribution enables adsorption to occur more evenly.

Many factors can affect the performance of activated carbon, and these factors can vary depending on variables such as application requirements, operating conditions and environmental factors. To maximize the effectiveness of activated carbon, application requirements and other factors should be carefully evaluated, and appropriate precautions should be taken.

5-WHAT SHOULD THE ACTIVE CARBON STORAGE CONDITIONS BE?

Dry Environment: Moisture can affect activated carbon, and increasing moisture content may reduce its adsorption capacity. Therefore, the area where activated carbon is stored must be dry. Care should be taken to ensure no water leaks or high humidity levels in the storage area.
Ventilation: Activated carbon should be stored in a ventilated environment. Good ventilation helps remove pollutants and prevent foul odors or gas build-up.
Temperature Control: Activated carbon is generally unaffected by temperature changes, but extreme temperatures should be avoided. Particularly, high temperatures can affect the performance of activated carbon or cause outgassing.
Protection from Sunlight: Activated carbon may undergo chemical reactions or cause changes in its structure when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, a storage area where activated carbon is protected from sunlight should be chosen.
Preventing Contamination and Clogging: Activated carbon can be affected by factors such as contamination and clogging of pores. During storage, activated carbon should be prevented from contacting contaminants or other materials. Additionally, storing activated carbon in appropriate packaging that allows airflow is essential.
Labelling and Tracking: It is essential that activated carbon is regularly labelled and tracked in the storage area. This helps monitor the storage process and manage the lifespan of activated carbon.

Correct storage of activated carbon ensures that its performance is maintained and its lifespan is extended. Storage conditions may vary depending on the application and standards for activated carbon use. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the Manufacturer/Supplier and consider specific storage requirements.

6-WHAT IS THE USAGE LIFE OF ACTIVE CARBON?

The consumption rate of activated carbon may vary depending on the activated carbon used, application characteristics and type of pollutant. Different types of activated carbon have various adsorption capacities and performance characteristics, so the usage time also varies.

A specific usage capacity or saturation point usually determines activated carbon consumption time. The higher the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon, the longer the consumption time will be.

For example, granular activated carbon in water purification systems typically lasts 6 to 12 months. However, in industrial applications with more concentrated contaminants, activated carbon may need to be replaced more frequently. In other industrial uses, it can sometimes have a lifespan of more than three years.

The lifespan of activated carbon may vary depending on operating conditions, flow rate, contamination level, storage conditions and maintenance practices.

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

7-WHAT IS POWDERED ACTIVATED CARBON?

Powdered activated carbon is a finer form of activated carbon with a high surface area and is usually available in granules or pellets. Powdered activated carbon is widely used in adsorption processes and is often used in various applications.

Powdered activated carbon can be effectively absorbed, especially in the liquid phase. The high surface area and pore structure enable powdered activated carbon to adsorb pollutants quickly and effectively. Powdered activated carbon can be used in many industrial and commercial applications, such as water purification, ventilation systems, chemical processes, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and respirators.

The advantages of powdered activated carbon are:

High Adsorption Capacity: Powdered activated carbon has the capacity to adsorb large amounts of pollutants because it has a high surface area.
Fast Reaction Speed: Powdered activated carbon can quickly adsorb contaminants and accelerate the response time thanks to its smaller particle size.
Good Dispersion and Miscibility: Powdered activated carbon can be easily dispersed in the liquid phase and mixed homogeneously, thus ensuring maximum adsorption.
Flexible Application: Powdered activated carbon can be used more flexibly than granules or pellets. There are powder-activated carbon types with different particle sizes to suit various application requirements.

However, powdered activated carbon also has some disadvantages:

Small Particle Size: Powdered activated carbon may cause difficulties in filtering and separation processes due to its smaller particle size.
Installation and Maintenance Challenges: Handling and managing powdered activated carbon may require appropriate equipment and processes. It may also need to be replaced or renewed regularly.

Powdered activated carbon is often used with specially designed equipment and optimized according to application requirements. The selection and use of powdered activated carbon varies depending on the specific application, contaminant characteristics and operating conditions.

8-WHAT IS GRANULAR ACTIVE CARBON?

Granulated activated carbon is a form of activated carbon commonly used in adsorption processes. Granular activated carbon is usually available as small granules or pellets and is used in various industrial and commercial applications.

Granulated activated carbon is a material with a high surface area and can adsorb pollutants with its pore structure. Activated carbon effectively adsorbs organic and inorganic pollutants, which can be used for water and gas purification, chemical processes, ventilation systems, industrial filtration, respiratory protection and many more applications.

The advantages of granular activated carbon are:

High Adsorption Capacity: Granular activated carbon can adsorb large amounts of pollutants because it has a large surface area.
Physical Durability: Granular activated carbon has a rugged and durable structure to withstand mechanical abrasions throughout the operating process.
Easy Applicability: Granulated activated carbon can be used with specially designed equipment and easily placed or removed.
Long Lifespan: Granular activated carbon can last long under regular maintenance and appropriate usage conditions.
Recycling and Reactivation: Granulated activated carbon can sometimes be put through a reactivation process, and its lifespan can be extended.

Depending on application requirements, granulated activated carbon can have different granule sizes and properties. Particle size and pore structure can affect adsorption capacity, pressure loss, flow rate and operating efficiency.

The selection and use of granular activated carbon varies depending on the specific application, contaminant characteristics and operating conditions. Appropriate equipment selection, regular maintenance and management ensure effective and efficient use of granulated activated carbon.

9-WHAT IS IMPREGNATED ACTIVE CARBON?

Impregnated activated carbon is an activated carbon in which standard activated carbon is impregnated with a specific chemical substance or compound through a unique process. The impregnation process aims to increase activated carbon's adsorption capacity and selectivity towards certain pollutants or target compounds.

The impregnation process can generally be carried out in two ways: chemical or physical. While chemical impregnation is used to bind a chemical substance to the porous structure of activated carbon, physical impregnation involves applying a compound or coating to the surface of activated carbon.

Impregnated activated carbon is used as an optimized adsorption material for specific application requirements. The impregnation process enables activated carbon to more effectively adsorb targeted pollutants or selectively separate gaseous or liquid compounds.

Activated carbon can be impregnated with many different compounds or substances used in other applications. As examples, impregnated activated carbons may include activated carbons impregnated to adsorb metals or heavy metals, activated carbons impregnated to adsorb organic pollutants, activated carbons impregnated to remove odour, and activated carbons impregnated for other particular purposes.

Some Advantages of Impregnated Activated Carbon are as follows:

High Selectivity: Impregnated activated carbon can provide high selectivity towards certain contaminants or compounds specific to the impregnated compound or substance.
Improved Adsorption Capacity: Impregnated activated carbon can increase the adsorption capacity by interacting with the impregnated compound or substance.
Long Life: The impregnation process can make activated carbon more durable and extend its lifespan.

The selection and use of impregnated activated carbon varies depending on the compound or substance impregnated, application requirements, and operating conditions. The impregnation process must be designed and optimized for specific application requirements.

10-WHAT IS EXTRUDED CARBON?

Extruded carbon is a type of carbon material in which the extrusion process shapes the carbon material. Extrusion is a process that changes the cross-section of a material by passing it through a matrix of a particular shape. Extruded carbon can be found in many different forms and is often used in various industrial applications.

The properties of extruded carbon vary depending on the composition of the carbon material and the extrusion process. In general, some common characteristics of extruded carbon are:

High Mechanical Strength: Extruded carbon can have high strength and hardness properties. These features are preferred in industrial applications where durability and performance are required.
Low Density: The lightness of the carbon material makes extruded carbon a low-density material. This feature is advantageous in applications requiring weight bearing or low weight.
Chemical Resistance: Extruded carbon can be resistant to many chemicals. Therefore, it is suitable for materials used in chemical industries or aggressive environments.
Heat Resistance: Extruded carbon is a material that can remain stable in high-temperature conditions. It is preferred in producing thermal insulation and durable components used in applications operating at high temperatures.
Good Electrical Conductivity: Carbon material naturally has good electrical conductivity. Extruded carbon is used in applications requiring electrical conductivity.

Extruded carbon is produced with special industrial equipment and processes. Proper composition of the carbon material, extrusion parameters and forming process allow the obtaining of extruded carbon materials with the desired properties.

Extruded carbon is used in automotive, aerospace, energy, chemical, electronics and many other industrial sectors. For example, extruded carbon materials can be used for structural components, electric vehicle parts, heating elements, chemical reactors, heat exchangers, etc.