Acid-Washed Granular Activated Carbon

Acid-Washed Granular Activated Carbon (AW-GAC)

Introduction

Acid-washed granular activated carbon (AW-GAC) is a specialized form of activated carbon that has undergone an acid-washing process to remove impurities, such as ash, heavy metals, and inorganic compounds. This treatment enhances the carbon's purity and performance, making it highly effective in water treatment, air purification, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical applications.

Production Process

The production of AW-GAC follows these key steps:

  1. Raw Material Selection – Typically derived from high-carbon-content materials such as coconut shells, coal, or wood.
  2. Activation – Carbonization is followed by physical or chemical activation to develop a porous structure.
  3. Acid Washing – The activated carbon is treated with acid solutions (commonly hydrochloric acid, HCl) to eliminate soluble mineral impurities, reducing ash content and improving adsorption efficiency.
  4. Drying & Sieving – The carbon is dried and sieved into granular sizes suitable for various applications.

Key Properties of AW-GAC

  • Low Ash Content – Enhanced purity and reduced interference from inorganic residues.
  • High Surface Area & Porosity – Improved adsorption of contaminants such as organic pollutants and heavy metals.
  • pH Stability – Acid washing neutralizes pH fluctuations, making it ideal for sensitive applications.
  • Enhanced Mechanical Strength – Granular form provides durability and resistance to attrition.

Applications

  1. Water and Wastewater Treatment

    • Removes chlorine, chloramine, organic pollutants, and heavy metals.
    • Used in tertiary wastewater treatment, including advanced purification.
    • Effective in the removal of pharmaceuticals and micropollutants.
  2. Air and Gas Purification

    • Eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and acidic gases.
    • Used in industrial emission control and odor removal systems.
  3. Food & Beverage Industry

    • Dechlorination of process water in beverage production.
    • Purification of sugar solutions, edible oils, and alcoholic beverages.
  4. Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications

    • Utilized in drug purification and production.
    • Used in hemodialysis filters for toxin removal.
  5. Chemical Processing

    • Catalyst support in chemical reactions.
    • Purification of process chemicals and solvents.

Advantages of Acid-Washed GAC Over Standard GAC

  • Higher purity levels for sensitive applications.
  • Improved adsorption efficiency due to reduced inorganic interference.
  • Better stability in pH-sensitive environments.
  • Longer lifespan due to enhanced mechanical properties.

Conclusion

Acid-washed granular activated carbon is a superior adsorbent that offers high purity, improved efficiency, and diverse applications across multiple industries. Its enhanced adsorption capacity and reduced impurities make it ideal for advanced water treatment, air purification, and industrial processes requiring high-quality carbon filtration.



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