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Activated Carbon Media

The AKS FB portfolio has proven successful across a range of applications including hard seltzer, juice, spirits, cannabis oil and sweeteners.

What is Activated Carbon?

 

Activated carbon is an effective method of removing undesirable contaminants across a wide range of food and beverage applications. With a varied pore structure that gives it a large surface area of approximately 2500 m2/g, active carbon is highly poros and has a wide spectrum of pore sizes:

 

  1. Macropores (above 50 nm diameter)
  2. Mesopores (2-50 nm diameter)
  3. Micropores (below 2nm diameter)

Activated carbon works by adsorbing the compounds it is removing. While there will be particle removal, there will be little filtration action. London dispersion forces - a type of van de Waals forces between molecules - causes adsorption. The force is very strong, but works over short distances only and is sensitive to the distance between the carbon's surface and the adsorbate molecule.

The AKS FB portfolio has proven successful across a range of applications including hard seltzer, spirits, cannabis oil and wine.

How activated carbon works

 

Traditionally Bulk Activated Carbon (PAC) is used in its loose/bulk form. The process generally involves four operations:

 

  • Handling of the bulk powder and dosing into a mixing vessel
  • Mixing of the bulk powder with the product being treated
  • Removal of PAC from the treated product after adsorption
  • Cleaning of carbon from process equipment

Decolorization process involving addition of bulk activated carbon (cleaning steps not shown)

 

The Challenges of Activated Carbon in the Filtration Process:

Activated Carbon Sheet-Based Solutions Address these Challenges by:

Traditionally, bulk powdered activated carbon (PAC) is used in its loose/bulk form. The process has several significant drawbacks:

 

  • Handling and mixing of bulk PAC is labor intensive and requires capital expenditure for specialized equipment.
  • Cleaning of process equipment, after the product has been treated, is labor intensive.
  • Removal of residual PAC from the treated product generally requires additional filtration steps which adds cost to the overall process.

The use of sheet-based activated carbon products has significant advantages over PAC through the following ways:

 

 

  • Handling and mixing of bulk PAC no longer needed, therefore no extra equipment and associated expenditures are needed either, saving the plant/operations team money.
  • With no loose/bulk PAC, less labor and cleaning is required, saving the plant/operations team time and increasing process efficiency.
  • With carbon impregnated into the sheets, improved efficiency of adsorption occurs, equating to less additional filtration steps and cost reductions. 

 

To find out more, contact one of our experts

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Learn more about the SUPRA AKS FB portfolio here:

 

  • Seitz AKS FB Sheets

  • SUPRAdisc® AKS FB

  • Features & Benefits

Seitz AKS FB Sheets consist of a matrix of cellulosic fibers which incorporate a layer of immobilized activated carbon which can be coupled with downstream filter paper to prevent particle shtredding downstream of the AKS FB Media. It offers:

 

  • High adsorptive capacity to ensure longer processing cycles and reduced cleaning times
  • Formats that improve yield, handling and environmental hygiene
  • Compliance with food contact regulatory requirements

SUPRAdisc AKS FB lenticular modules in 12” and 16” size incorporate Seitz AKS FB activated carbon sheets. They are used in SUPRAdisc housings, taking advantage of the closed system that eliminates all disadvantages of processes where classical filter presses are used.  SUPRAdisc AKS FB provides the following benefits:

 

  • Free from carbon dust
  • Simplified handling and cleaning
  • No drip loss
  • No oxygen pickup

Seitz® AKS immobilzed carbon media also alleviates concerns associated with carbon passing downstream in the process. The carbon is incorporated within a matrix of cellulosic fibers. This immobilized carbon media is then coupled with a downstream filter paper that eliminates any possible carbon particle shedding downstream of the media.  Additionally, the adsorption efficiency of Seitz AKS immobilized carbon media is greater than an equivalent amount of bulk PAC, further reducing overall process time and increasing product yield.

 

Features Benefits
Carbon-Impregnted media with a homogeneous and consistent matrix
  • Free of carbon dust
  • Simplified handling and cleaning
  • When using protection paper downstream, no further trap filtration required
High adsorption efficiency as compared to PAC
  • Reduction of overall process time
  • Increased product yeild
  • Good permeability with excellent filtrate quality
General-duty media targeted to food and beverage industry needs
  • High economic efficiency due to a long service life