Adsorption Process

Activated carbon's porous structure provides massive surface area. Organic molecules and chlorine adsorb onto carbon surface removing contaminants from water. Physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms achieve purification.

Vessel Design

Vertical pressure vessel with raw water inlet distributor, activated carbon bed typically 30-48 inches depth, support gravel preventing carbon loss, underdrain system, filtered water outlet. Empty bed contact time 5-15 minutes depending on contaminants.

Carbon Media

Granular activated carbon (GAC) from coal or coconut shell. Particle size 8x30 or 12x40 mesh. High iodine number indicates adsorption capacity. Carbon life typically 1-3 years before regeneration or replacement needed.

Operating Pressure

Typical 50-100 psig service. Clean bed pressure drop 5-10 psi. As carbon loads, pressure drop increases modestly. Carbon exhaustion indicated by contaminant breakthrough not pressure increase.

Chlorine Removal

Dechlorination protects reverse osmosis membranes and ion exchange resins. Carbon removes free and combined chlorine to under 0.1 ppm. Essential for boiler feedwater and membrane system protection.

Organic Removal

Adsorbs dissolved organics, humic acids, pesticides, solvents, and industrial chemicals. Improves taste and odor. Reduces total organic carbon (TOC). Performance depends on molecular weight and carbon compatibility.

Material Selection

Carbon steel with epoxy lining or stainless steel for corrosion resistance. FRP construction for aggressive waters. Internal piping and distribution systems corrosion-resistant. External coating for atmospheric protection.

Applications

Boiler feedwater dechlorination, reverse osmosis pre-treatment, potable water taste and odor removal, process water purification, wastewater organics polishing, aquaculture water treatment.

Backwash Requirements

Periodic backwash removes particulates and redistributes carbon bed. Flow rate 8-10 gpm per square foot expanding bed 10-15%. Less frequent than sand filters as carbon primarily adsorbs rather than filters.

Breakthrough Monitoring

Chlorine analyzers detect exhaustion. TOC or UV254 measurements track organic removal. Breakthrough signals carbon replacement or regeneration requirement. Monitoring prevents contaminant passage to downstream systems.

Regeneration Options

Spent carbon thermally reactivated at 800-900C restoring capacity though some loss occurs. Off-site regeneration more economical than replacement. Some applications replace carbon disposing spent media.

Performance Benefits

Effective chlorine and organic removal. Protects downstream equipment from oxidant damage. Improves water quality taste and odor. Proven adsorption technology with predictable performance.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Materials for water service. Design accommodates carbon weight when saturated. Complete documentation with contact time calculations and media specifications.

ERGIL activated carbon filter vessels provide reliable chlorine and organic contaminant removal protecting equipment and improving water quality in industrial applications.