Air purification and gas-phase filtration constitute the second-largest application segment for activated carbon globally. Activated carbon removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odorous gases, toxic industrial chemicals, and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from indoor air, industrial exhaust streams, and process gases. The material's high adsorption capacity and ability to be impregnated for chemisorption make it indispensable for environmental compliance and workplace safety.
Manufacturing operations in printing, coating, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical production emit VOCs that require capture before atmospheric release. Activated carbon adsorption systems—including fixed-bed adsorbers and fluidized bed systems—capture VOCs with high efficiency, often enabling solvent recovery and reuse.
Recommended Products: Coal-Based GAC (4×8 mesh, 4×10 mesh), Extruded Pelletized Carbon (2mm, 3mm, 4mm diameter)
Industries consuming large volumes of organic solvents employ activated carbon for recovery of acetone, toluene, xylene, MEK, MIBK, and other valuable solvents from exhaust air. The recovered solvent is condensed and reused, reducing raw material costs and environmental impact.
Recommended Products: Coconut Shell GAC (high surface area grades), Coal-Based GAC
Biogas from anaerobic digestion and landfill gas contain hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), siloxanes, and VOCs that damage engines, turbines, and upgrading equipment. Activated carbon—often impregnated with alkaline or catalytic agents—removes these contaminants to produce pipeline-quality biomethane or protect power generation assets.
Recommended Products: Impregnated Carbon (KOH-impregnated, NaOH-impregnated), Catalytic Carbon, High-Activity Coal GAC
Office buildings, hospitals, airports, museums, and laboratories use activated carbon filters within HVAC systems to remove outdoor pollutants, odors, and recirculated VOCs. This improves indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort while protecting sensitive equipment and artifacts.
Recommended Products: Coconut Shell GAC (4×8 mesh), Pelletized Carbon
Modern vehicles incorporate activated carbon layers within cabin air filters to adsorb exhaust fumes, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and airborne hydrocarbons, enhancing passenger comfort and health protection.
Recommended Products: Coconut Shell GAC (granular and powdered forms), Impregnated Carbon
Activated carbon is the primary adsorbent in respirator cartridges, gas mask canisters, and collective protection filters for military, industrial, and emergency response applications. Impregnated carbons provide protection against specific chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial gases.
Recommended Products: Coconut Shell GAC (high activity), ASC Whetlerite Carbon (copper-silver-chromium impregnated), Impregnated Carbon for specific gases
Parameter |
Unit |
Coconut Shell GAC |
Coal-Based GAC |
Impregnated Carbon |
Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iodine Number
|
mg/g
|
1,000 – 1,200
|
800 – 1,050
|
900 – 1,100
|
ASTM D4607
|
Butane Working Capacity (BWC)
|
g/100g
|
6 – 12
|
5 – 10
|
4 – 9
|
ASTM D5228
|
Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) Activity
|
%
|
50 – 70
|
45 – 65
|
40 – 60
|
ASTM D3467
|
Moisture Content
|
%
|
< 5
|
< 5
|
< 5
|
ASTM D2867
|
Hardness
|
%
|
≥ 97
|
≥ 95
|
≥ 95
|
ASTM D3802
|
Particle Size
|
mesh / mm
|
4×8, 4×10, 6×12
|
4×8, 4×10
|
4×8, pellets (2-4mm)
|
ASTM D2862
|
Apparent Density
|
g/cm³
|
0.45 – 0.50
|
0.48 – 0.54
|
0.50 – 0.58
|
ASTM D2854
|
Surface Area (BET)
|
m²/g
|
1,000 – 1,300
|
800 – 1,000
|
900 – 1,100
|
ASTM D6556
|
pH Value
|
—
|
7 – 9
|
7 – 9
|
8 – 12
|
ASTM D3838
|
Impregnation Content
|
%
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
5 – 15
|
Vendor Method
|
Target Gas / Vapor |
Impregnation Type |
Typical Impregnant |
Application |
|---|---|---|---|
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
|
Caustic / Catalytic
|
KOH, NaOH, Metal Oxides
|
Biogas, sewer gas, refinery gas
|
Ammonia (NH₃)
|
Acidic
|
Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
|
Chemical plants, refrigeration
|
Mercury Vapor
|
Sulfur / Bromine
|
Elemental Sulfur, Bromine Compounds
|
Flue gas, natural gas
|
Acid Gases (SO₂, HCl, HF)
|
Alkaline
|
KOH, NaOH, Potassium Carbonate
|
Incinerators, chemical emissions
|
Cyanide Compounds
|
Metal Salts
|
Copper, Silver, Chromium
|
Military, industrial respirators
|
Radioactive Iodine
|
Potassium Iodide
|
KI, TEDA
|
Nuclear facilities
|
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