Selection of Activated Carbon Regeneration Method in Ultrapure Water Process

Activated carbon regeneration refers to the removal of pollutants from the pores of activated carbon using special methods (physical or chemical) while minimizing damage to the activated carbon's structure, restoring its adsorption capacity, and enabling its reuse. The total consumption of regeneration, including the consumption of reagents or fuel and the loss of the activated carbon itself, is called the total consumption of regeneration. When selecting regeneration methods, processes, and equipment, consumption should be minimized to make the treatment cost more economical and reasonable.

Selection of Activated Carbon Regeneration Methods: The adsorption of pollutants in water by activated carbon results in different adsorption equilibrium relationships depending on the type of activated carbon and the affinity of the pollutants for water. Conversely, the desorption of these substances from activated carbon should also be approached by disrupting this adsorption equilibrium. Therefore, the following points should be considered when selecting a regeneration method:

1. Whether it can change the chemical properties of the pollutants;

2. Whether it can be extracted with a solvent that has a strong affinity for the pollutants;

3. Whether it can be replaced with a substance that has a stronger affinity for activated carbon than for the pollutants;

4. Whether it can be heated externally to raise the temperature and change the adsorption equilibrium;

5. Whether it can decompose and oxidize organic pollutants using some method;

Before selecting a regeneration method, a clear understanding of the main components of the water to be treated and the treatment scale is essential. Based on the adsorption capacity, adsorption cycle, and whether the adsorbate has recovery value, the most suitable regeneration method should be selected by analyzing the possibilities in the above five aspects.