Activated carbon filters for filtration-adsorption
Résumé
The objectives of this chapter are to present gas and liquid filtrations, mainly focussing on the adsorption of organic compounds from fluids onto activated carbon fibers in their different forms (cloth, felts, knitted). The separation of target organics in complex mixtures and/or the purification of fluids (water, wastewater, air, biogas) are challenging. Different aspects are presented in order to describe the overall adsorption processes. The fluid flow patterns (aerodynamics or hydrodynamics) are shown according to the design of the adsorbers, and pressure drops are evaluated and modeled. For filtration-adsorption treatments, the main targets are volatile organic compounds or odorous molecules in air and organic micropollutants at trace levels in water. The designs and characteristics of these filters are presented through their performance in separation or purification as a function of operating conditions. Classic equations to model batch reactor isotherm curves or dynamic filter breakthrough curves are given and discussed. Some industrial achievements illustrate specific applications for water and air treatments. Lastly, future trends are presented. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.