Activated carbon is a diverse adsorbent, playing a key role in a number of applications, particularly in relation to environmental recovery and purification.
Among a myriad of other uses, it can be used to remediate groundwater, purify contaminated drinking water, and even aid in air purification.
In a world of increasing environmental regulations and a growing focus on sustainability, activated carbon is a valuable component that will continue to gain importance.
In fact, a recent report by Research and Markets estimated that by 2022, the global activated carbon market is expected to reach US$6.2 billion, up from $2.7 billion in just 2015, with a number of factors increasing demand for this versatile product.
Why Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon can be produced from a number of organic, carbon-rich sources, including coal, wood, and coconut husks, to name a few. It boasts a unique physical structure that makes it one of the most widely used adsorbents on the market. Specifically, its porous structure makes activated carbon a superior adsorbent.
This porous structure offers an expansive surface area on which to hold materials (about an acre of surface area per quarter tea spoon!). This porosity is what allows activated carbon to capture and hold impurities and other undesirable material components on its surface.
This exemplary characteristic lends itself to a nearly endless amount of applications where purification or the removal of undesirable components is desired. Activated carbon is available in a variety of forms and grades and is frequently used in:
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- Decaffeination
- Air purification (both industrial and consumer applications)
- Water purification (both industrial and consumer applications)
- Soil Remediation
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Medical Products
- Food & Beverage Production
- Gold Recovery
- Automotive Products
- Metal Finishing
- And more…
Market Driving Factors for Activated Carbon
With so many uses, it’s not hard to imagine that the demand for activated carbon would consistently be on the rise as the world plays host to a growing population. But what’s driving such a substantial increase in demand? Recent reports on the global activated carbon market are providing some insight. According to the reports, market-driving factors include:
Mercury Control from Power Plants
Coal-fired power plants are a major source of mercury emissions. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) as part of the Clean Air Act set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency has set regulations on the amount of mercury and other toxins that these power plants can emit.
Activated Carbon Injection (ACI) has been identified as an effective method for addressing mercury emissions. And while the MATS compliance date has since passed and is not likely to see large growth in activated carbon demand in the US, a recent report by the Freedonia Group points out that Western Europe has only begun their journey to controlling mercury emissions, which will likely cause increased demand for activated carbon as companies move toward compliance.
Increased Demand for Clean Drinking Water
The Freedonia Group also credits industrializing nations with pushing the demand for activated carbon; increasing investments in infrastructure for safe drinking water are on the rise in developing nations, and activated carbon will remain a key tool in water purification.
Resurgence of the Auto Industry
Global Industry Analysts predict that the resurgence of the auto industry will also be a factor in driving demand for activated carbon. Activated carbon canisters are used in vehicles to reduce hydrocarbon emissions and improve engine performance.
As demand for more vehicles continues to rise, so too will the need for this material.
Environmental Legislation
In general, increasing legislation around restoring and protecting the environment is also a proponent of demand for activated carbon. It is used extensively in an array of applications that work toward a cleaner environment. Demand for activated carbon is likely to increase in tandem with the growing focus on sustainability and environmental recovery.
Global Industry Analysts predicted last year that the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, which regulates the concentration of chemicals allowed in drinking water, is also likely to be a driving factor in the demand for activated carbon.
GIA also noted that demand for regenerated or reactivated activated carbon is especially likely to grow in municipalities and industrial sectors, as companies look to comply with carbon ceiling legislation.
Reactivation is a process whereby the adsorbed components are removed from the saturated carbon, typically via processing in a rotary kiln. The removal of the adsorbed components renders the carbon regenerated and again ready to adsorb contaminants.
The use of regenerated activated carbon extends the numerous advantages of virgin material. Perhaps most relevant here, is that the carbon footprint associated with producing regenerated activated carbon is much less compared to producing new material. The costs associated with regenerated activated carbon are also less, and disposal costs and risks are eliminated, making it an even more attractive option.
Conclusion
As the world shifts its focus to environmental recovery and protection, the use of activated carbon will remain a key tool. The porous structure of the material, along with its versatility, have made it one of the most widely used adsorbents on the market, with demand set to remain healthy, as numerous factors drive the need for this versatile material.
FEECO provides custom rotary kilns for the production and regeneration of activated carbon. For more information on our activated carbon rotary kilns, contact us today!