Water Purifying Activated Carbon

Raw Material Selection and Pre-treatment
The most common raw materials used in China are coal, coconut shells and wood biomass. The raw material is crushed and screened to uniform sizes before being treated with acids, alkalis or steam to remove minerals, metals and tars. This helps maximize the final carbon content.

Carbonization
The pre-treated raw material undergoes carbonization in limited-oxygen kilns at temperatures between 600-900°C. This drives off volatile compounds and condenses the material into a porous carbon-rich material called char. Precise temperature control prevents overheating that destroys porosity.

Activation
Chars are treated with oxidizing agents like steam or CO2 gas at 800-1,000°C in activation kilns. This burns away portions of the carbon skeleton and leaves behind a highly developed pore structure. Zinc chloride is also sometimes used as an activating agent.

Washing and Classification
The activated carbon is quenched to stop the reaction, then washed to remove residual activating agents and inorganic byproducts. It is screened or classified to fractions of uniform particle size ranges suitable for specific end applications.

Optimization and Testing
Advanced producers conduct adjustments to optimize properties for applications through repeated activation, graphitization or physical/chemical treatments. Testing verifies properties like iodine number, BET surface area, pH, and contaminants to ensure quality standards.

Packaging
Quality activated carbon is packaged in airtight bags or drums to prevent moisture absorption and degradation during transport and storage. Containers are clearly labeled with production details, specs and certification logos as required.

Strict quality control is vital as production factors strongly influence the performance of activated carbon commodities exported globally from China. Constant improvements target efficiency, yield and meeting diverse international market needs.