Activated carbon export

Types of Activated Carbon Export

Activated carbon export refers to the international trade of activated carbon, a black, porous substance derived from natural materials with abundant internal pores and surface area. It has widespread applications, including air and water purification. The global demand for activated carbon has been steadily increasing, and many countries have become significant exporters of this product.

The activated carbon export can be classified mainly according to the source material and activation process.

• Classification by Source Material

  1. Wood-based Activated Carbon: This type of carbon is manufactured from wood substrates such as birch, beech, and rubber wood, among others. It is renowned for its high micropore volume, which makes it particularly effective at trapping small molecules. Such a feature gives wood-based activated carbon its ideal usage in household water filters and air purifiers.

• 2. Coal-based Activated Carbon

  Coal-based activated carbon is produced from bituminous coal. Thanks to its high availability, it is the most widely used activated carbon. It provides a good mix of micropores and larger pores, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications such as industrial gas and vapor treatment, gold recovery in mining, and cigarette decontamination, among others.

• 3. Coconut Shell Activated Carbon

  Coconut shell activated carbon is manufactured from the shells of coconuts. It possesses a high percentage of micropores, resulting in a greater surface area. This unique characteristic enables coconut shell activated carbon to effectively adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor molecules. Consequently, it is widely utilized in the food and beverage industry, as well as in industrial air treatment and personal care products.

• Classification by Activation Process

  The physical activation process involves drying and pyrolyzing the raw material at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere. This process creates a network of pores in the material, thereby forming activated carbon. The subsequent steam activation process involves exposing the char to steam at high temperatures, which enhances its porosity and surface area, resulting in a higher yield of activated carbon.

  Chemical activation entails carbonizing the raw material with chemical agents like phosphoric acid or zinc chloride at lower temperatures. This method produces activated carbon with a high porosity and surface area, and the process is more environmentally friendly.

Specification and maintenance of activated carbon exports

Activated carbon has several features that make it a popular choice for air, water, and other substance purification.

• Pore size distribution: A common feature of activated carbon is its widespread pore distribution. Little pores assist in the removal of small organic molecules, while larger pores make it easier for bigger organic molecules to pass through. The efficiency of adsorption is influenced by the pore size distribution.
• Capital cost: The price of activated carbon is low in comparison to other treatment techniques such as reverse osmosis, ozone, and distillation. As a result, it has a competitive edge in the market for water and air purification.
• Transport cost: The amount of carbon in the container, which is the carbon volume, determines the transport costs of the activated carbon. According to studies, when the container holds more carbon, the transportation costs per kg increase, which is advantageous for the export of activated carbon.
• Supplier reputation: The reputation of the supplier who provides granular activated carbon has an impact on the export market. Because powdered activated carbon has a lower surface area than granular carbon, many overseas customers prefer suppliers that provide GAC.

Activated carbon requires routine maintenance and periodic reactivation or replacement to provide effective air and water purification continuously.

• Regular checks: The filter and its surrounding area should be inspected usually once monthly to ensure there are no leaks, the system is still in place, and no items are blocking the carbon.
• Careful cleaning: If there is any residue on the carbon, it should be gently wiped off to avoid blocking any pores. A soft brush may be used for this, but it should be dry and clean. Once charcoal has been cleaned, any dirt or residue in the filter area should be removed and recycled, and cleaning should be done in accordance with local laws.
• Replacement schedule: Activated carbon's ability to absorb pollutants is not limitless. Thus, it must be replaced on a regular basis. Creating a replacement schedule based on carbon usage and the types of impurities present is essential.

Scenarios of Activated Carbon Exports

Deals of activated carbon continue to gain momentum in the global market. Reports confirm that the market is expected to be moved by several key factors and applications.

• Environmental Restoration and Remediation

  Over the past decades, the world has faced numerous environmental crises, from chemical spills and deforestation to air pollution and soil degradation. Naturally porous, high-surface-area activated carbon is a powerful absorber. Its widespread use for environmental restoration and remediation generates a demand for activated carbon that transcends local populations.

• Water Purification and Filtration

  By far, the most important use for activated carbon by volume and sales continues to come from water purification and filtration applications. With increasing global concerns surrounding safe drinking water from municipal sources and environmental runoff and global population growth, the demand for clean, potable water is at an all-time high. Water treatment facilities must efficiently and effectively treat millions of gallons of water daily; one part of that process includes the use of activated carbon. Whether used as a component in a filtration system or used to remove contaminants through adsorption, activated carbon remains a key part of the equation to filter and purify water.

• Chemical and Gas Filtration

  Industrial processes, air emissions, and chemical spill concerns require filtration and purification. Chemical and gas filtration explains another airway of activated carbon usage for international markets. Gas-phase activated carbon can remove harmful organic vapors and gases, such as those that may be benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene. Emission regulations and environmental challenges push the demand for gas-phase carbon to be used in the activated carbon filters market.

How to choose activated carbon export

When purchasing activated carbon, it is vital to consider the application of the product. This will help one choose the right type of bulk activated carbon export. For instance, selecting the right wood-based activated carbon for air purification may not have the same grain size as that used for water treatment. It is also important to understand the different physical forms of activated carbon. Apart from powdered and granular carbon, there are plenty of other forms, including extruded and spherical forms. Buyers should also consider the quality of the product by looking at the IVAC or iodine values of each carbon type.

The IVAC or iodine value is a measure of the surface area and pore presence of activated carbon. The higher the iodine values, the higher the surface area, meaning it has more adsorption capacity. However, the iodine value doesn't determine the quality of activated carbon since each material has its unique properties. The AC should be chosen based on the application it will be used for. It is also important to establish the source of carbon before bulk buying. Since activated carbon comes from different types of raw sources, the quality will also be different. Some sources contain a large amount of impurities that will linger and affect the carbon's performance. Consider conducting a supplier background check to learn about the source and production method.

When exporting activated carbon, buyers are advised to look at the packaging options available. Since carbon is a fine product, it needs to be well packaged to avoid spillage and leaks. Many manufacturers use PP bags to export this product. However, the packaging used will depend on the supplier and buyer preference. Ensure the product is well packaged to avoid any contamination during transportation. Finally, consider the price of the product before purchasing. A price comparison between different suppliers is essential to ensure one is getting a fair deal. Choose suppliers that offer discounts and competitive prices for bulk orders.

Q & A

Q1: What are the recent trends in the activated carbon market?

A1: Industry experts say the demand for sustainable practices as an air purifier activated carbon has increased. The growing awareness of air quality issues has also contributed to the rising use of activated carbon in various sectors.

Q2: What is the future of activated carbon?

A2: The market for activated carbon is expected to keep growing for the next few years. There will be a higher demand for air and water purification, industrial processes, and the recovery of precious materials.

Q3: What are the challenges faced by the activated carbon industry?

A3: This include sourcing raw materials with a high carbon content, meeting strict quality standards, and adapting to changing market demands and technological developments.

Q4: How does activated carbon work?

A4: Activated carbon works through a process called adsorption, where impurities or contaminants are attracted to and bind themselves to the surface of the carbon particles.

Q5: Does activated carbon expire?

A5: Activated carbon does not have a specific expiration date; however, its effectiveness can diminish over time, especially if it is exposed to moisture or contamination.