Product 01 · GAC
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular activated carbon is activated carbon sized into granules, typically loaded into a filter vessel or column. Water, process liquids or gases flow through the bed, and dissolved organic compounds are held on the carbon's internal surface.
- Form
- Granules
- Grades
- Multiple, matched to application
- Documentation
- Available on request
- Packaging
- Confirmed with each quote
Quick answer
What is granular activated carbon used for?
Granular activated carbon (GAC) is used in filter vessels and columns to remove dissolved organic compounds, residual chlorine, taste, odour and colour from water and process liquids, and to purify air and gases. The liquid or gas flows through a fixed bed of granules, so GAC suits continuous treatment.
Product overview
Because GAC sits in a bed rather than being mixed into the liquid, it suits continuous, steady-state treatment. The granule size sets how freely liquid flows through the bed and how quickly the carbon takes up contaminants, so the right mesh size depends on your vessel and flow.
GAC is supplied in various grades and specifications. Once a bed reaches the end of its useful life it is replaced, and in many applications spent GAC can be reactivated.
How a GAC filter works
- 01
Load the bed
Granules are loaded into a pressure or gravity filter vessel and backwashed to remove fines.
- 02
Service flow
Water, liquid or gas flows through the bed; impurities are held on the carbon.
- 03
Monitor
Outlet quality is checked. As the carbon fills, impurities start to break through.
- 04
Replace or reactivate
Spent carbon is removed and replaced, and can often be reactivated.
Key applications
Drinking and process water
Removal of organic compounds, residual chlorine, taste, odour and colour in filter vessels.
Effluent polishing
Final treatment stage to reduce organic load before reuse or discharge.
Process liquid purification
Decolourisation and purification of solutions passed through carbon columns.
Gas phase applications
Air and gas purification and odour control in packed beds.
GAC or PAC?
| Granular (GAC) | Powdered (PAC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Used in | A fixed bed or column | Dosed into the liquid |
| Suits | Continuous treatment | Batch or intermittent treatment |
| Separation | None needed; carbon stays in the vessel | Settling or filtration |
| After use | Often reactivated | Usually disposed of with the cake |
Available grades and specifications
Grades are selected for your application. Parameters commonly specified for granular activated carbon include:
- Particle size (mesh)
- Iodine value
- Hardness
- Apparent density
- Moisture
- Ash content
- pH
Choosing a grade: what to tell us
- What must be removed, and the target level
- Water, liquid or gas phase
- Vessel size, flow rate and contact time
- Mesh size and pressure drop
- Hardness, for beds that are backwashed often
Technical specifications available on request.
Tell us your application and the specification you work to, and we will share details for suitable grades.
Packaging
Packaging depends on the grade and quantity and is confirmed with each quote. Let us know your preferred pack size and handling requirements when you enquire.
Technical information
Technical data sheets and supporting documentation for each grade are shared on request.
Frequently asked questions
How is GAC different from PAC?
The carbon is the same kind of material. GAC is granular and sits in a filter bed that the liquid passes through; PAC is a fine powder dosed into the liquid and then removed by settling or filtration. GAC suits continuous treatment; PAC suits batch or intermittent treatment.
Which mesh size should I choose?
It depends on your filter vessel, flow rate and pressure drop, and on what you need to remove. Share your system details with us and we will suggest suitable grades.
Can spent GAC be reused?
In many applications spent granular carbon can be reactivated rather than discarded. Whether that suits you depends on what the carbon has adsorbed.
Request product information
Share your application and requirement for granular activated carbon. Our team will help you identify a suitable grade.
Prefer to talk? +91 98205 22171
