Efficient Activated Carbon Removal: Why Choose Candle Filters from Vithy

Activated carbon is characterized by its porous nature, which allows it to trap organic contaminants effectively. The pore sizes in activated carbon can be categorized into three types: micropores, mesopores, and macropores. The distribution of these pore sizes varies depending on the activation method and the source material, which can influence the carbon’s adsorption capabilities.

In the pharmaceutical industry, activated carbon plays a crucial role in the purification of chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly through the process of decolorization. This involves using activated carbon as an adsorption agent to remove unwanted pigments and dyes, thereby enhancing the visual appeal and overall quality of the products. The thermal activation process that the activated carbon undergoes transforms it into a highly porous material with an exceptional adsorption capacity, making it ideal for eliminating impurities and unwanted substances.

By improving the appearance and quality of pharmaceutical products, activated carbon not only enhances their marketability but also ensures that they meet the stringent standards required for efficacy and safety.

 

II. What is Activated Carbon Used For?

Activated carbon is a versatile material widely used across various industries due to its exceptional adsorption properties. Here are some key applications:

Food & Beverage:
Activated carbon is commonly used for decolorizing syrups, juices, and oils. It effectively removes unwanted colors and impurities, ensuring product purity and quality. This application is crucial for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and safety of food products.

Pharmaceuticals:
In the pharmaceutical industry, activated carbon plays a vital role in purifying intermediates and end products. It effectively adsorbs unwanted organic molecules, enhancing the safety and efficacy of medicines. This is particularly important in the production of high-quality pharmaceuticals that meet stringent regulatory standards.

Specialty Chemicals:
Activated carbon is employed in the purification of raw materials and end products in the specialty chemicals sector. Its ability to remove contaminants ensures high quality in chemical processes, making it an essential component in various chemical manufacturing applications.

Environmental Applications:
Increasingly utilized in water treatment and air purification, activated carbon effectively removes organic impurities and pollutants. Its application in wastewater treatment helps in meeting environmental regulations and improving the quality of discharged water.

 

III. How to Remove Activated Carbon?

Removing activated carbon effectively is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of filtration systems. Here are the most common methods for removing activated carbon, including granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC):

1. Filter Press
A filter press is a widely used method for removing activated carbon from wastewater streams. This equipment captures both GAC and PAC, utilizing a tighter filter weave to effectively capture PAC due to its smaller particle size. This method ensures efficient separation of activated carbon from liquids, maintaining the quality of the treated material.

2. Centrifugation and Decantation
Centrifugation is another effective technique for removing activated carbon dust from solutions. By spinning the solution at high speeds, activated carbon particles settle at the bottom. Following this, decantation is used to carefully remove the supernatant liquid, leaving the settled carbon behind. This process can be repeated to achieve a purer sample, making it suitable for applications requiring high purity.

3. Separation Techniques
For powdered activated carbon, additional separation techniques can be employed, including the use of candle filters and rotary vacuum filters. These methods are effective in isolating activated carbon from liquids, allowing for efficient recovery and reuse in various applications.

 

IV. Why Abandon the Traditional Activated Carbon Filtration Method?

While activated carbon is effective for decolorization and purification, traditional filtration methods have significant drawbacks that can hinder efficiency and product quality. After the decolorization treatment, activated carbon becomes a new impurity that requires removal and filtration.

Drawbacks of Traditional Decolorization Filtration

The traditional decolorization filtration method, particularly when using a press filter, presents several challenges:

Manual Slag Removal: This method often requires manual removal of sludge, resulting in low automation, cumbersome operations, high labor intensity, and reduced efficiency.

Difficulty Achieving Desired Dryness: Achieving the desired level of dryness for the accumulated wet product is challenging, leading to material losses and potential environmental pollution.

Frequent Maintenance: Each batch requires a carbon removal operation, which necessitates frequent opening of the equipment lid. This increases maintenance costs due to wear and tear on the flange waterproof line.

High Labor and Disposal Costs: The need for manual operations for cake discharge and cleaning between batches leads to high labor and maintenance costs. Additionally, the disposal of used and contaminated filter elements can be costly and poses risks to operators and the environment due to exposure to toxic and hazardous solvents and solids.

In summary, the traditional activated carbon filtration methods present numerous challenges that can compromise efficiency, increase costs, and negatively impact product quality. As industries evolve, there is a growing need for more effective and automated filtration solutions that can address these issues.

 

V. Why Choose Vithy Candle Filters to Remove Activated Carbon?

Vithy is one of the pioneering manufacturers of candle filters in China, with over a decade of experience in producing high-quality candle filters. Vithy has obtained seven national patents for candle filters and have successfully supplied candle filters for activated carbon removal in countries such as China, the United States, and South Korea, across various industrial sectors including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, waste and circulating water, automotive electronics, and minerals.

Vithy candle filters are an effective solution for removing activated carbon from various processes, particularly in applications requiring high filtration precision. The principle of cake filtration is central to the operation of candle filters.

Cake Filtration Principle
When the slurry passes through the filter media, it first forms a bridge on the surface of the filter element. This initial layer captures suspended particles and impurities, gradually accumulating into a filter cake. As the cake builds up, it continuously intercepts subsequent particles, increasing the thickness of the cake layer. This filtration process, known as cake filtration, significantly enhances filtration precision and minimizes the risk of activated carbon particles passing through, which can compromise product quality.