In the water treatment process, activated carbon is widely used due to its excellent adsorption capacity. However, which type of activated carbon to choose? Powdered activated carbon or granular activated carbon is crucial for different application scenarios and processing needs.
Powdered activated carbon（PAC）
Powdered activated carbon refers to activated carbon with a particle size less than 200 mesh. Due to its high specific surface area and fine particles, powdered carbon effectively adsorbs pollutants in a short period of time.
- Advantages:
1.1High adsorption efficiency: Because the particles of powdered carbon are very small and have a large specific surface area, they can quickly absorb dissolved organic matter and micro-pollutants in water.
1.2Fast response: Powdered carbon can significantly reduce the concentration of pollutants in water in a short period of time, making it suitable for emergency treatment and seasonal water quality fluctuations.
1.3Flexible application: Powdered carbon can be adjusted according to water quality conditions, easy to use, and does not require special fixed equipment.
- Disadvantages:
2.1Easy to cause clogging: Powdered carbon particles are very small and can easily cause clogging in water treatment equipment, increasing maintenance costs.
2.2It needs to be removed after use: Since powdered carbon is dispersed in water, it needs to be removed through precipitation, filtration and other methods after use, and the treatment cost is high.
2.3The dosage is difficult to control: The dosage of powdered carbon needs to be precisely controlled, otherwise it may lead to excessive use and increase operating costs.
- Applicable scene
3.1emergency treatment:
In sudden pollution incidents, powdered carbon can quickly absorb pollutants and quickly improve water quality.
3.2Seasonal treatment: In seasons when water quality fluctuates greatly, powdered carbon can temporarily enhance treatment capacity.
3.3Secondary treatment: In some secondary water treatment processes, powdered carbon can effectively remove residual organic matter and micro-pollutants.
Granular activated carbon（GAC）
Granular carbon refers to activated carbon with increased particle size, usually between 0.2 and 5 mm. The granular carbon algorithm is stable and has a long service life, and has been widely used in various water treatment processes.
- Advantages:
1.1 Long service life: Granular carbon has a long service life, generally more than one year, reducing replacement frequency and operating costs.
1.2Not easy to block: Granular carbon particles are larger, not easy to cause blockage in the equipment, and easy to maintain.
1.3Strong regeneration ability: After use, granular carbon can restore its adsorption capacity through thermal regeneration, chemical regeneration and other methods, and has strong recycling ability.
- Disadvantages:
2.1Slow reaction speed: Due to the large particles and relatively small specific surface area, the adsorption speed of granular carbon is slow and may require longer contact time.
2.2High equipment requirements: Granular carbon requires special adsorption towers, fixed beds and other equipment, and the initial investment is large.
2.3Complex operation: The operation and management of granular carbon is relatively complex and requires professionals to operate and maintain.
- Applicable scenarios
Advanced treatment: In urban sewage treatment plants, industrial wastewater treatment and other occasions that require advanced treatment, granular carbon can effectively remove trace pollutants in the water.
4.Long-term treatment: In water treatment systems that require long-term, stable operation, granular carbon is an ideal choice due to its long service life and low maintenance frequency.
Drinking water treatment: In the drinking water treatment process, granular carbon can effectively remove odors, colors and harmful chemicals to ensure water quality safety.
How to choose the right activated carbon?
When selecting powdered or granular carbon, the decision should be based on specific water treatment needs, treatment goals and operating conditions.
Water quality: If the concentration of pollutants in the water is high and changes frequently, powdered carbon can quickly respond to emergencies; and for systems that require long-term stable operation, granular carbon is more suitable.
Treatment goal: If the treatment goal is to remove trace organic matter, odors, etc., granular carbon has a stronger in-depth treatment capability; while for emergency treatment and rapid improvement of water quality in the short term, powdered carbon is more effective.
Economic cost: The initial investment of powdered carbon is low, but the later operating cost is high; the initial investment of granular carbon is large, but the service life is long and the long-term operating cost is low.
Equipment conditions: Whether the existing equipment is suitable for the use of powdered carbon or granular carbon is also an important factor in the selection. If you already have powdered carbon dosing equipment, you can consider powdered carbon; if you already have equipment such as an adsorption tower, granular carbon is a better choice.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages：
Powdered carbon and granular carbon each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the water treatment process, the choice between the two should be determined based on the specific treatment needs and conditions. Powdered carbon is suitable for emergency treatment, seasonal water quality fluctuations and secondary treatment, while granular carbon is suitable for advanced treatment, long-term treatment and drinking water treatment. In practical applications, it is often necessary to comprehensively consider water quality conditions, treatment objectives, economic costs and equipment conditions in order to select the most suitable type of activated carbon to achieve the best water treatment effect.
