The Last Word
Granular activated carbon reactivation saves money and generates less waste
For decades, granular activated
carbon (GAC) has been recognized
as an effective technology for
removing organic chemicals in a variety
of environmental applications. With
strong demand for virgin activated carbon
in both process and environmental
applications, the use of carbon reactivation
and recycling has become an
increasingly important option for many
companies that currently rely on activated
carbon for their treatment needs.
Reactivated carbon costs less to
produce because there are fewer raw
material and energy requirements. It
can, therefore, be used more cost-effectively
than virgin granulated activated
carbon in many applications. Carbon
reactivation and recycle is also environmentally
friendly — the adsorbed
organics are destroyed in the high temperature
reactivation process, carbon
capacity for adsorption is recovered,
and the carbon can be recycled in similar
applications. This eliminates an
added cost of waste disposal through
landfilling or incineration. Companies
that are engaged in full service reactivation
will typically provide carbon
exchange and transportation services
to a regional reactivated center, thereby
providing a full recycle service.
Carbon reactivation can be conducted
in a manner consistent with the
quality and safety standards associated
with the production of virgin granular
activated carbon. Because of this efficacy,
coupled with its lower costs and
environmentally friendly technology,
the reactivation of carbon offers a
viable alternative to virgin activated
carbon in many liquid and vapor
treatment processes.
This article originally appeared in the 10/01/2007 issue of Environmental Protection.
About the Author
Richard Giller is an attorney with the law firm of Weston Benshoof Rochefort Rubalcava & MacCuish, Los Angeles, Calif. His practice consists primarily of toxic tort litigation and liability insurance coverage matters.