Powdered activated carbon (PAC) removes pollutants in wastewater treatment primarily through a synergistic mechanism of adsorption and microbial degradation. Its applications are diverse, and its technological advantages are significant.

Application and Process Flow: Powdered activated carbon is typically added to aeration tanks to form the Powdered Carbon Activated Sludge Process (PACT). This process adds PAC to the activated sludge system, enhancing treatment efficiency through the synergistic effect of adsorption and biological oxidation. Specific steps include:

Addition Point: PAC can be added continuously or intermittently to the aeration tank, mixing with the effluent from the primary sedimentation tank;

Process: The micropores of activated carbon adsorb organic matter, dissolved oxygen, and microorganisms, creating a high-concentration microenvironment that prolongs the contact time between pollutants and microorganisms, promoting the degradation of recalcitrant organic matter;

Separation and Reuse: The treated activated carbon-sludge mixture is separated in a secondary sedimentation tank, and the activated carbon can be regenerated and reused. Main Application Areas and Effects: Powdered activated carbon is widely used in the treatment of various industrial wastewaters, including:

Removal of recalcitrant organic matter: Effective against color, odor, herbicides, and pesticides;

Heavy metal treatment: Strong adsorption capacity for heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and chromium, suitable for electroplating and smelting wastewater treatment;

Treatment of highly challenging wastewater: Decolorizes, deodorizes, defoams, and improves sludge settling properties in landfill leachate and dyeing wastewater.

Main Parameters:

Available Size           200mesh, 325mesh, accept customized size

Methylene blue        Min.10mg/g

Iodine Number        Min.700mg/g

Ash                           Max.15% 

Moisture                  Max. 10%

Bulk Density           500±20kg/m³

pH                            8-11

Technical Advantages and Operating Parameters: This process has the following advantages:

High efficiency: Improves COD and TOC removal rates and enhances the system's resistance to shock loads;

Adaptability: Highly adaptable to changes in water quality, temperature, and quantity, suitable for high or low concentrations of organic pollutants;

Sustainability: Saturated activated carbon can be regenerated and reused, reducing secondary pollution, and useful substances such as sodium phenolate can be recovered. Key operating parameters, including activated carbon dosage, particle size selection, and sludge concentration control, need to be optimized through experiments.