Coal Base Activated Carbon Overview
Urbans Aqua is a stocking distributor for Calgon Carbon coal base carbon.
- Bituminous coal is the raw product used to manufacture granular activated carbon (GAC).
- The activation process creates a porous structure within the carbon.
- The surface area produced within the coal is massive and capable of removing a variety of contaminants.
- Coal based GAC pores vary in size making it useful for the reduction of a wide range of contaminants regardless of their molecular size.
- To assure product consistency Calgon coal base products are reagglomerated, not direct fired (crushed, sized, baked and activated).
Choosing Activated Carbon by Application Coal
Coal Base | Lignite | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type/Manufacturer | Aqua Knight 1240 Calgon | F-400 / F400AR+ Calgon | F-600AR+ 1240 Calgon | Centaur 1240 Catalytic Calgon | AGC-40MG (Medical Grade) ResinTech | Hydrodarco 4000 Norit America |
Taste & Odor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Chlorine Removal - Dechlorination | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
THM - Disinfection By Products | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
Pre-Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
Pre-Filtration Demineralizer - Regenerable | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
PEDI - SDI Exchange Tanks | ||||||
Chloramine Removal, Reduction | ✔ | |||||
Color Removal | ✔ | |||||
Low Level VOCs - Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, TCE | ✔ | |||||
High Level VOCs - Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, TCE | ✔ | |||||
MTBE | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
Kidney Dialysis | ✔ | |||||
Hydrogen Sulfide | ✔ | |||||
PFOA/PFOC/PFOS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
In Stock at Urbans Aqua | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Specifications |
Specialty Applications
We use activated carbon to solve a variety of water treatment problems.
- The most common and basic problem solved is unwanted taste and odor. Municipalities inject chlorine for a good reason – it keeps us safe! Many people don’t like the taste so they buy bottled water or install reverse osmosis systems, refrigerator filters, etc. Just about all activated carbon will remove taste and odor.
- There are specific activated carbon products designed to meet industry standards.
- Kidney Dialysis
- PFAS/PFOA
- Disinfection Byproducts
- MTBE
- VOC
- BOTTOM LINE – Have the water tested, know the contaminant levels, EBCT, and understand the industry you’re working in before applying an activated carbon system. Contact us with your applications beforehand!
Choosing Activated Carbon by Application - Specialty Carbon
Coal Base | Lignite Base | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Type/Manufacturer | F400AR+/ F600AR+ 1240 Calgon | Centaur NDS 1240 Calgon | Hemoguard 1240 Calgon | HD4000 1240 Lignite Norit Americas |
Taste & Odor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Chlorine Removal - Dechlorination | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
THM - Disinfection By Products | ||||
Pre-Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||
Pre-Filtration Demineralizer - Regenerable | ||||
PEDI - SDI Exchange Tanks | ||||
Chloramine Removal, Reduction | ✔ | |||
Color Removal | ✔ | |||
Low Level VOCs - Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, TCE | ||||
High Level VOCs - Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, TCE | ✔ | ✔ | ||
MTBE | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Kidney Dialysis | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Hydrogen Sulfide | ✔ | |||
PFOA/PFOC/PFOS | ✔ | ✔ | ||
In Stock at Urbans Aqua | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Specifications |
Notes:
- These recommendations are based on our experience and currently available data.
- We are not responsible for the use or application of these products by others.
- No guarantee is either expressed or implied by any suggestion or recommendation.
Calgon Carbon Products
How to remove PFOA & PFOS from drinking water using Calgon Carbon. PFAS Literature & Links
- Choose the right carbon – Calgon Carbon has been working with PFOA for 15 years and their studies and experience shows that coal base carbon is the way to go. Urbans Aqua supplies Calgon’s line of Filtrasorb ® products.
- F-400 or F-400AR+
- F-600 or F-600AR+
- AR carbons are “acid rinsed”. Acid rinsing lowers the water-soluble ash content.
- Check you state regulations before suppling or installing PFAS/PFOA systems.
- If you choose another brand of coal base carbon be sure it has been tested and will not throw off arsenic.
- The empty bed contact time (EBCT) for PFOA is 10+ minutes and can be as long as 20 minutes.
- Use multiple carbon tanks (lead/lag) with a sample port between them.
- Backwash with treated water if possible.
- After installation, let the system run for a couple of days before drawing a sample for testing.
- EPA new proposed limit for PFOA & PFOS is 4 ppt – that’s parts per trillion. EPA PFOS PFOA Health Advisory
- The EPA is addressing PFAS
- The limit varies state by state so make sure you check before installing. PFAS Contamination by State
- Some states have placed restrictions on arsenic (naturally occurring) which may come off the carbon.
- Waste & Handling
- Carbon used for PFAS removal should be incinerated and not landfilled.
- The generator (homeowner) is responsible for the disposal of the spent carbon. However, you should consider talking with your Calgon Carbon supplier who can assist in obtaining a Carbon Acceptance Number (CAN). There is cost associated with the testing and application but it is a green and sustainable means of handling the spent carbon. The spent carbon is reactivated and reused in applications where virgin carbon isn’t required.
- There are no special handling requirements when removing the carbon used to remove PFOA and PFOS. Handle as you would any other activated carbon rebed. Gloves, dust mask and safety glasses.
- Avoiding Unintended Consequences of Exchange Tank Business
- It can be good business to supply portable exchange tanks to your customers. Containment of all wastewaters, even tank wash-down water, is imperative.
- Have a tank dumping station at your place of business.
- Never allow water from the job site to seep into the sewer.
- Use a tank dumping station and secondary super sack containment pallet to store wet super sacks prior to disposal.
- Review Treating for PFAS for more details. Treating for PFAS
- It can be good business to supply portable exchange tanks to your customers. Containment of all wastewaters, even tank wash-down water, is imperative.
- Download the pdf of a Calgon webinar here: PFC-Webinar-Presentation-1-30-17
- Link to PFAS related information – PFAS Literature & Links
What makes Calgon Carbon different?
Calgon Carbon’s manufacturing process ensures a consistent product every time because the coal is not direct fired.
Reagglomerated activated carbon manufacturing process:
- High-grade raw material is pulverized to a powder.
- A binder is added.
- The product is reagglomerated into briquettes.
- The briquettes are crushed.
- The crushed briquettes are sized.
- The carbon is baked.
- The carbon is thermally activated.
Benefits of reagglomerated process:
- Larger pore structures – macropores & mesopores which enable faster access to tighter pore structure where most of the organic molecules are adsorbed.
- Longer carbon bed life.
- Consistent performance over time
- Fewer fines per cubic foot
- Consistent supply – unlike coconut which can vary based on the season.
Centaur
CENTAUR 12×40 is a unique catalytic activated carbon that can be utilized in the liquid phase for the promotion of oxidation, reduction, decomposition, substitution, and elimination reactions. Specific applications include chloramines and hydrogen sulfide removal from potable, process and other waters and peroxide destruction. The catalytic activity and enhanced adsorption ability makes CENTAUR 12×40 a good performer in other applications such as the treatment of process water in the bottling and soft drink industries and in treating aquarium water.
Feature & Benefits
- Now available in heavy duty plastic bags with a Centaur logo
- Combines a fine pore structure and high catalytic activity for enhanced adsorption of trace contaminants
- Not impregnated
- High hardness
- Simple equipment design (no pumps or addition of chemicals required)
- Smaller system size as compared to standard carbons; lower capital requirements
- No safety concerns with exotherms or toxicity as with impregnated carbons
- Wide applicability; can eliminate chemical addition
- MADE IN USA
Description
CENTAUR 12×40 is a liquid phase virgin activated carbon produced from bituminous coal using a patented process. Although it is not impregnated with metals or alkali, it displays the catalytic functionality of these materials. The product is unique in that it concentrates reactants via adsorption and then promotes their reaction on the surface of the pores. In most cases CENTAUR 12×40 can be reactivated and does not present the disposal concerns associated with impregnated carbons.
This product complies with ANSI/AWWA B604 (2005) – Granular Activated Carbon and complies with the requirements for activated carbon as defined by the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) (8th Edition) published by the U.S. Pharmacopeia. MADE IN USA
Guidelines for the Removal of Chloramine
- Volume of Centaur required for flow rate:
- Pre-wet Centaur for 12 hours to ensure proper wetting.
- Backwash Centaur at 10 GPM per square foot as needed (Assumes minimum 30% headspace available)
Chloramine Fact Sheet
Guidelines for the Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide
- Volume of Centaur required for flow rate:
- Ensure 4 ppm of dissolved oxygen is present in the water. If dissolved oxygen is not present, the hydrogen sulfide may not be removed
- Pre-wet Centaur for 12 hours to ensure proper wetting
- Backwash Centaur at 10 GPM per square foot (Assumes minimum 30% headspace available) every 3 to 5 days.
- Maximum hydrogen sulfide concentration for Centaur is 10 ppm.
Taste and Odor Fact Sheet
Guidelines for the Removal of Iron
- Volume of Centaur required for flow rate:
- Ensure 4 ppm of dissolved oxygen is present in the water. If dissolved oxygen is not present, the iron may not be removed.
- Pre-wet Centaur for 12 hours to ensure proper wetting.
- Backwash Centaur at 10 GPM per square foot as needed (Assumes minimum 30% headspace available)
- Maximum hydrogen sulfide concentration for Centaur is 10 ppm.
- Centaur Specifications
- Removal Guidelines – Chloramine, Iron, H2S
Aqua Knight 12×40
Designed specifically for point-of-entry treatment systems, Aqua Knight’s primary function is for the of removal of chlorine and tastes & odors present in drinking water. Aqua Knight 12×40 is a cost effective alternative to coconut-based carbons and offers the advantages of bituminous coal-based carbons while being an economical solution for point-of-entry treatment. Made from select grades of bituminous coal to produce a durable, granular product designed for normal residential use, Aqua Knight 12×40 is mined and manufactured in the United States to insure consistent quality and availability. Aqua Knight 12X40 is certified to meet the requirements of NSF/ANSI 61 and all applicable provisions of the AWWA Standard for Granular Activated Carbon (B604) and Food Chemicals Codex.
Features/Benefits
- MADE IN USA
- Produced in the Catlettsburg Kentucky from bituminous coal
- Urbans Aqua stock Aqua Knight in 1 cubic foot bags. 1,000 pound supersacks are available upon request/
- Readily available, in stock at Urbans Aqua – 1 cf bags
- Consistent, high quality product
- 1 cubic foot bags for ease of handling and installation
- Less price fluctuations or availability concerns due to poor coconut harvest
- No delays resulting from ocean freight
Filtrasorb 400 12×40 mesh
F-400 can be used for reduction of contaminants including taste and odor compounds, organic color, total organic carbon (TOC), industrial organic compounds such as TCE and PCE, and reduction of PFAS (genX, PFOA, PFOS).
Specifications
- Urbans Aqua stocks F-400 in 1 cubic foot bags.
- Iodine Number, mg/g is 1,000 min
- Moisture by weight is 2% max
- Effective size is 0.55-0.75 mm
- Abrasion number is 75 min
- Screen Size by Weight, US Sieve Series
- On 12 mesh is 5% max
- Through 40 mesh is 4% max
- Apparent Density (tamped) is 0.54 g/cc
- Water Extractables <1%
- Non-Wettable <1%
- Meets AWWA Standard B604 and is certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 61
- MADE IN USA
Coal Base Activated Carbon Filtrasorb 400
Filtrasorb 400AR+ 12×40 Mesh
Like F-400, F-400AR+ is used for reduction of contaminants including taste and odor compounds, organic color, total organic carbon (TOC), industrial organic compounds such as TCE. It is approved for reduction of PFAS (genX, PFOA, PFOS). Because it is ACID RINSED to reduce the presence of heavy metals, such as iron and trace arsenic which are naturally present in coal base carbons. All carbon, including F-400AR+, must soak for a minimum of 12 hours prior to start up. Acid rinsed products also require fewer bed volumes of rinse water.
- Urbans Aqua stocks F-400AR+ in 55 cubic foot bags.
- Iodine Number, mg/g is 950 min
- Moisture by weight is 2% max
- Effective size is 0.55-0.75 mm
- Abrasion number is 75 min
- Screen Size by Weight, US Sieve Series
- On 12 mesh is 5% max
- Through 40 mesh is 5% max
- Apparent Density (tamped) is 0.49 g/cc
- FCC Water Extractables max 4%
- Trace Capacity Number TM85
- Meets AWWA Standard B604 and is certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 61
- MADE IN USA
Sales Specification FILTRASORB 400 AR+ 12X40
Filtrasorb 600 & 600AR+ 12×40 mesh
F-600 is used for the removal of dissolved organic compounds from water and waste water. These contaminants include taste and odor compounds, organic color, total organic carbon (TOC), and industrial organic compounds such as TCE and PCE. With its enhanced high energy pore structure, F-600 is ideally suited for trace removal applications and offers a significant performance advantage over traditional activated carbon products used in these types of applications:
- PFAS treatment (genX, PFOA, PFOS)
- Ultrapure water treatment
- Removal of MTBE, DBCP, THMs, pesticides & herbicides
- Removal of organics at concentrations <1 ppm
Specifications F-600AR+(acid rinsed)
- Urbans Aqua stocks F-600AR+ in 1 cubic foot bags. It is also available in supersacks and 55 lb. bags.
- Iodine number, mg/g is 825 min
- Moisture by Weight is 2%
- Abrasion number is 75 min
- Water soluble ash, wt% is 1 ppm max
- Effective size is 0.55-0.75 mm
- Ash, wt% is 10
- Screen Size by Weight, US Sieve Series
- On 12 mesh is 5% max
- Through 40 mesh is 5% max
- Certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 61
- MADE IN USA
Activated Carbon Basics
Activated carbon adsorbs contaminants (adsorbates). The adsorbates stick to the pore; they are not absorbed into the carbon. Coal base activated carbon is an excellent general-purpose carbon.
- All activated carbon will dechlorinate water. For more challenging chloramine we suggest using catalytic carbon.
- Activated carbon used in residential applications should be certified to have no residual metals such as arsenic.
- For Point of Entry (POE) or whole house drinking water applications, 12×40 mesh is commonly used. 8×30 mesh is larger and 20×50 mesh smaller.
- Fine mesh activated carbon or carbon block is often used in the cartridges found in small Point of Use (POE) drinking water systems.
- Coal is the base product for catalytic carbon. Catalytic carbons are used for the removal of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), chloramine and iron reduction
Advantages of coal base carbon
- Pore size variety
- Manufactured in the USA
- Competitively priced
Disadvantages of coal base carbon
- Hardness Specification – low dust types available
- Potential for arsenic leakage if purchased from unreliable sources.
Why buy from Urbans Aqua?
- Urbans Aqua sources coal base GAC from Calgon Carbon®. Many Calgon products are certified to NSF/ANSI 42. Carbon certified to Proposition 65 is also available. Many drinking water products are produced under the supervision of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) and the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union for Kosher certification. Link to NSF Listing for Calgon Carbon
- Urbans Aqua assures product quality and consistency by sourcing from Calgon Carbon®, a reliable, single source manufacturer of coal base activated carbon.
- Single source manufacturing ensures consistent product quality.
- Calgon sources only raw materials tested to meet their specifications.
- The manufacturing process of Calgon coal base carbon is strictly controlled and done in-house, not contracted out to secondary sources.
- Prior to shipment each lot is tested and certified to meet the specifications set forth in the product bulletin.
- Certificates of analysis shipped with each lot upon request of our customers.
- Reliable stock
- Urbans Aqua is a major distributor of activated carbon. Loyalty to our suppliers enables us to have consistent supply. As a result, we experience very few stock shortages.
- Single source manufacturing ensures consistent product quality.
*Consult Urbans Aqua for information on adding hydrogen peroxide to enhance reduction of these contaminants.
Visit our SDS Library for safety data sheets on coal base activated carbon.