Activated Carbon Types in Amine Treating 1

[Chemeng1122]

I am looking for information and operating experience with different types of activated carbon. Specifically the advantages/disadvantages of lignite based carbons vs. bituminous based carbons.

From what I understand, lignite carbons have a lower bulk density and a higher ash content than bituminous. On a molecular level, the amount of bonding sites is theoretically higher on lignite carbons, but these bonds are weaker. Bituminous carbons have a lower capacity, but hold onto the contaminants (hydrocarbons, surfactants, etc.) better.

I have heard that because of the lower bulk density of the lignite, and larger macro and micropores in the product, you can hold different contaminants in the different carbons.

The obvious downside of the lignite is the higher ash content (requires adequate particualte filtration to prevent contamaintion of the amine), and the fact that it is not as robust (has a lower crush strength).

Does anyone have any experience with both types? What were your findings/conclusions with these different types? Thanks in advance.

Andrew

 

[unclesyd]

When we had Amine treating plants we used an “SGL” carbon. We tried several other types over the years, but always came back to the SGL. Whether this is the same material I can’t say for sure but it sure sounds like what we used. The carbon was used in MEA systems.

http://calgoncarbon.h2web.com/industry/productdata.php?id=27

 

[Montemayor]

Once again Experience proves itself.

Unclesyd, thanks for the useful information and direct website link. Keep pulling information like this out of your magical hat.