Application 02
Water Purification
Organic compounds, residual chlorine and taste or odour problems affect drinking water, process water and treated effluent.
Quick answer
Can activated carbon purify water?
Activated carbon removes dissolved organic compounds, residual chlorine, taste, odour and colour from water. It does not remove most dissolved salts or hardness, so it is used as one stage within a wider treatment process.
How it works
As water flows through a bed of granular carbon, dissolved organics and chlorine are held on the carbon's surface. Contact time between the water and the carbon is one of the key design factors.
Powdered carbon can also be dosed into water ahead of clarification or filtration, which suits seasonal or intermittent problems.
- 01
Raw water
Carries dissolved organics, chlorine, taste and odour.
- 02
Carbon bed
Water flows through granular carbon in a filter vessel.
- 03
Adsorption
Impurities are held on the carbon's pore surfaces.
- 04
Treated water
Leaves the filter with impurities reduced.
Products used for water purification
Granular Activated Carbon
Activated carbon in granular form, for fixed beds and filters where water, liquids or gases pass through continuously.
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Powdered Activated Carbon
Fine activated carbon dosed directly into liquids for rapid adsorption, then removed by settling or filtration. Washed and unwashed grades.
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What to consider
- What needs removing, and to what level
- Filter vessel size, flow and contact time
- Granule size and hardness
- Replacement or reactivation of spent carbon
Industries
Water Purification: common questions
What is empty bed contact time (EBCT)?
EBCT is the volume of the carbon bed divided by the flow rate. It describes how long water is in contact with the carbon; longer contact generally improves removal.
Should I use GAC or PAC for water?
GAC in filter vessels suits continuous treatment. PAC dosing suits seasonal or intermittent problems such as taste and odour episodes.
Discuss your water purification requirement
Tell us about your application and requirements. Our team will help you identify the appropriate product for your needs.
Next application
Filtration and Clarification