Filtracarb FGT-L 90kg

Activated carbon is a product made from carbon from organic material or from fossil carbon. It has a very high specific surface area (up to 2,000 m2/g), and its surface is very irregular. Figuratively speaking, it is a “carbon sponge” with a mass of microscopic holes (pores) varying in size from 0.5 to 50 nm (1 nm = 10-9 m). The large surface area combined with the ability of many organic substances to adsorb (bind) to the surface of the carbon is the basis for water purification with activated carbon.

The adsorptive properties of activated carbon have been known since ancient times. Primarily, it was used to filter water; later – in the 13th century – it was used in connection with sugar refining. Throughout the 18th century, it was observed that activated carbon could also be used to remove odors from air and to remove dyes from liquid. During this period, a method was discovered for activating the carbon, which dramatically improves its adsorptive properties. Since then, the activation processes have been improved, resulting in new types of activated carbon with better adsorption capacity and a broader range of applications. Today, the possible applications are numerous, including in the chemical industry, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and in environmental technology (air purification and in water treatment plants) (Perry & Green Don, 1987).