Columnar activated carbon
Extruded (also named columnar or pelletized) activated carbon is a high-performance porous adsorbent with a regular cylindrical shape, made from premium raw materials such as anthracite coal, coconut shell, wood, or peat. The production process typically involves grinding, mixing with a binder, extrusion molding, carbonization at high temperatures, and steam/chemical activation. It presents as black cylindrical pellets with a well-developed pore network (micro-, meso-, and macro-pores) and an extremely large specific surface area, delivering outstanding physical and chemical adsorption capacity. It is especially favored in fixed-bed adsorption systems for its low bed pressure drop, high mechanical strength, and easy regeneration.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
Shape & Size: Cylindrical pellets; common diameters: 1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 8mm (customizable). Length is usually 1–3 times the diameter.
Typical Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Common Range |
|---|---|
| Iodine Value | 800–1200 mg/g (indicator of micro-pore adsorption capacity) |
| CTC (Carbon Tetrachloride Adsorption) | 60–80% (gas-phase adsorption indicator) |
| Mechanical Hardness | ≥95% (low dust generation, long service life) |
| Moisture Content | ≤5% |
| Ash Content | 5–10% (coal-based); lower for coconut shell-based |
| Specific Surface Area | 850–1250 m²/g |
Packaging & Handling
Standard packaging: 25 kg woven polypropylene bags, palletized (e.g., 500 kg/pallet). Custom packaging available.
Storage: Keep in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from moisture and combustible substances; avoid breakage during transportation to reduce dust.
Gas Phase Purification: VOCs removal in industrial exhaust, solvent recovery (benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone), H2S/odor control in biogas/natural gas, PSA nitrogen generation, air purification systems, and catalyst support.
Liquid Phase Treatment: Drinking water/deep groundwater purification (chlorine, organic matter, color removal), industrial wastewater treatment, decolorization and refining in food/beverage/pharmaceutical industries.
Other Uses: Gold extraction, supercapacitor electrodes, flue gas desulfurization and denitrification.
Advantages: Uniform particle size for stable bed flow; minimal channeling; high wear resistance; recyclable via thermal/steam regeneration (recovery rate ≥85%); chemically inert under normal conditions.