Activated carbon is a very effective material applied in many fields, like air and water purification. In general, its effectiveness depends on the source material, such as coal, coconut shells, or wood. Each of the types of activated carbon has different characteristics, hence their usage also varies. The following guide explains the main differences between coal, coconut shell, and wood-based activated carbon, including an overview of
National Minerals, one of the leading companies within this scope.
How Activated Carbon Works
Activated carbon is also known as activated charcoal-treated to create small, low-volume pores which extend the surface area for adsorption. With this kind of structure, it becomes easy for it to catch impurities. During the activation process, carbon-rich materials are subjected to heat along with a gas to create a network of pores that plays a very crucial role in capturing impurities.
Types of Activated Carbon
Coal-Based Activated Carbon
- Source: Bituminous or anthracite coal.
- High Surface Area: The micro-mesoporous structure is very effective for the adsorption of VOCs and odors. Some of the advantages include being an eco-friendly, renewable resource; effective for fine contaminants, particularly for the capture of fine particulates; and applications related to drinking water treatment (improvement in taste and odor), air purification, and the food and beverage industry.
Types of Activated Carbon
Various types of wood Properties and Advantages:- Medium Surface Area: Generally, they have a medium pore structure compared to coal and coconut shell carbons.
- Absorption Characteristics: It's effective in eliminating many contaminants with very little chance of releasing them to the environment again.
- Tunable: Properties may be enhanced or altered in production to suit one's needs.
- Applications: It is used to clean air and water, recover chemicals, and treat wastewater.
Selecting the Right Quality Activated Carbon
Application, cost, and environmental concern would determine coal, coconut shell, and wood to be the source material for the production of activated carbon:
- Coal-based applications are the most long-lasting and least costly for industrial application.
- Coconut shell-based finds more appeal in water and air cleaning procedures due to its greater surface area and more eco-friendly nature.
- Wood-based applications are chosen because their characteristic properties can easily be tailored for specialized applications.
National Minerals: Your Source for Premium Activated Carbon
Natural Minerals is one of the industry's leading producers of activated carbon and filter media, with products designed for a wide variety of applications. Their range of activated carbon is produced from the finest materials and with the latest techniques to ensure superior performance. Be it coal, coconut shell, or wood-based, National Minerals has solutions in activated carbons for different requirements that are assured of excellent performance in filtrations.
In essence, the underlying knowledge about coal, coconut shell, and wood would definitely provide one with the clear-cut basis necessary to make certain decisions based on each person's requirement. Each type has its specific and peculiar advantages and applications, and selecting the right type would enhance your filtration system to a great extent. National Minerals will support you with high-quality solutions in activated carbon.