With a large carbon surface area, activated carbon is able to attract various types of chemicals and contaminants. The contaminants are bound to the surface of the carbon and removed from water and air.
Activated carbon comes in several forms. In the granular form, its consistency is almost like that of coarse sand.
Granular activated carbon (GAC) has many common and potential uses as a filtration medium. One such use is wastewater treatment.
What You Need to Know About Using Granular Activated Carbon to Treat Wastewater
The design of wastewater treatment systems using granular activated carbon can vary on a case-by-case basis. A general overview of the process involves these steps:
- Creating a “filtration bed” of granular activated carbon within a column or tube
- Installing an underdrain system beneath the activated carbon to hold it in place
- Allowing wastewater to contact the filtration bed by pouring it through the top of the column
- Allowing the treated wastewater to filter through the granular activated carbon, with clean water “escaping” through the underdrain system below
Some solids may get caught in the filtration system. Thus, the EPA explains a system should include provisions to address any blockages that may result from this.
Recycling and Replacing Granular Activated Carbon
Be aware that granular activated carbon can’t treat wastewater indefinitely. As it continues to adsorb chemicals and contaminants, the filtration capacity of granular activated carbon will diminish.
Luckily, a facility using granular activated carbon to treat wastewater may not need to replace their carbon entirely when this happens. One of the many benefits of granular activated carbon is the fact that it is recyclable. If granular activated carbon no longer serves its purpose, a facility’s owners can ship it to another specialized facility where it may be reactivated.
Frequently testing water in a granular activated carbon filtration system is vital. By monitoring the water for the presence of contaminants, a facility’s owners can determine when it’s time to recycle their granular activated carbon.
Granular Activated Carbon for Wastewater Treatment: Simple and Effective
There are many reasons granular activated carbon has played a significant role in wastewater treatment for decades. The main reason, however, is simple: it works. On top of that, it’s cost-effective. Because granular activated carbon is recyclable, it’s a more budget-friendly filtration option than many others. Its high adsorption capacity allows it to effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including organic compounds, chlorine, and heavy metals. The porous structure of activated carbon provides a large surface area for adsorption, making it highly efficient in purifying water.
Additionally, granular activated carbon is versatile and can be used in various treatment processes, from drinking water purification to industrial wastewater treatment. Its durability and long lifespan further contribute to its popularity in the water treatment industry. As environmental regulations become stricter and the demand for clean water increases, granular activated carbon continues to be a reliable and sustainable solution for improving water quality.
Learn More About Granular Activated Carbon Today
At Puragen, we offer activated carbon in numerous forms. Contact us online today to learn more about what we have to offer you.
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