Spent Carbon Reactivation
Sometimes also called regeneration, reactivation is a thermal desorption process that volatilizes and removes the desorbed components from spent activated carbon, allowing it to be reused.
THE REACTIVATION PROCESS
The reactivation process may differ across feedstocks, but in general, is similar to the activated carbon production process, which consists of three phases:
DRYING
If necessary, spent activated carbon is first dried. This can be carried out in a rotary dryer.
DEVOLATILIZATION/CARBONIZATION
A rotary kiln brings the material to temperatures between 650º to 1,000º F, volatilizing 75-90% of the desorbed components.
ACTIVATION
At temperatures between 1,750º F and 1,850º F, steam is injected into the system to remove any remaining volatile components, yielding reactivated carbon.
While reactivation produces a fresh source of activated carbon, carbon losses of 5-10% are common during reactivation, requiring the addition of some virgin activated carbon to make up for the loss.
CUSTOM REACTIVATION KILNS
As a leader in advanced thermal processing, FEECO offers the industry’s best reactivation kilns. Like activated carbon production, the reactivation kiln must be engineered around the unique material characteristics to achieve optimal processing.
SERVICES
As a leader in advanced thermal processing methods and equipment, FEECO is able to offer comprehensive support for every aspect of reactivation, from concept to optimization. In addition to custom equipment design and manufacturing, our services include:
BATCH/FEASIBILITY AND PILOT-SCALE TESTING
The FEECO Innovation Center is a unique testing facility where we can test your material at both batch and pilot scale in order to work out process variables and design commercial-scale units, as well as scale up the process.
This makes a thorough batch and pilot testing program essential to achieving the highest quality activated carbon possible.
Feasibility/Proof of Concept: An initial, non-witnessed batch testing phase in which the possibility of creating a product is explored.
Proof of Product: A more in-depth batch testing phase in which more time is spent determining whether a product can be made to desired specifications.
Proof of Process: A continuous testing phase that aims to establish the equipment setup and parameters required for continuous production of your specific material.
Process/Product Optimization: An in-depth study to optimize your specific material’s characteristics and/or production parameters in an industrial setting.
PROCESS TRAINING
Our extensive experience in processing hundreds of materials and derivatives leaves us unmatched in industry knowledge. Our Process Engineers travel the world to train our customers on their unique production line.
Parts & Service SUPPORT
The FEECO Customer Service Team provides comprehensive services to keep your equipment and process running reliably and efficiently. This includes:
- Process optimization
- Audits and inspections
- Spare parts
- Maintenance procedures
RESOURCES
ACTIVATED CARBON ARTICLES
Using Activated Carbon to Control Disinfectant By-Products in Drinking Water Treatment
Activated carbon is a widely used adsorbent, employed throughout a variety of industries to accomplish a number of goals. Activated carbon’s …
Activated Carbon: A Critical Component in Water Treatment Facilities
Activated carbon is a powerful adsorbent used prolifically throughout water purification efforts to remove contaminants and undesirable components. While activated carbon …
BROCHURES
Rotary Kilns Brochure
