What is Acid Washed Activated Carbon?

Acid washed activated carbon is a high-quality activated carbon renowned for its superior adsorption capacity & high purity. Made from coconut shell or coal-based activated carbon that has undergone acid washing, it is ideal for adsorption in industrial applications. This process removes acid soluable ash and mineral impurities like silica, copper, nickel, iron and magnesium. In this blog, we have a closer look at acid washed activated carbon, highlighting water purification and other industrial applications. 

 Acid washed activated carbon is a highly specialized form that undergoes acid washing process. This process removes impurities like ash,  & heavy metals and improves adsorption capabilities. The activated carbon manufacturers in world use the acid washing treatment to enhance the activated carbon performance, resulting in a product with low acid soluble iron. 

Acid washed activated carbon is different from non-acid washed carbon. The main difference lies in the treatment process. During the acid washing phase, the carbon is treated with hydrochloric acid that removes metallic impurities like magnesium, iron and calcium. This results in a carbon with low ash content & lower impurities. 

Also Check: Activated Carbon V/s Activated Charcoal

Activated carbon is made from raw materials like coal, wood and coconut shells. Carbonized at higher temperatures creates a porous structure and high surface area. The acid washing process includes:

➤ Hydrochloric acid is introduced into the activated carbon to effectively dissolve and remove inorganic salts and heavy metal compounds. 

➤ The acid treated carbon is later flushed with water to remove any dissolved metals and reduced ash content. 

➤ This acid washing process neutralizes the pH of activated carbon, making it suitable for sensitive applications where pH balance is crucial, like drinking water and industrial processes.

➤ The acid washing process allows for a cleaner & more efficient activated carbon that performs exceptionally in high-purity water treatment systems. 

Acid washed activated carbon plays an important role in various industrial purification processes due to its superior adsorption capabilities. It's widely chosen for the following benefits:

➤ Low Ash Content: Low ash levels imply fewer impurities. Also, the acid washing process reduces the acid soluable ash content and other residues. 

➤ Better Adsorption: The acid washing process allows for a higher surface area and larger internal pore volume. This results in enhanced adsorption performance. 

➤ pH Stabilization: Deep washing results in a controlled pH range of 7 to 8.5, which makes it perfect for the drinking water pH level of 7.1 to 7.6. 

➤ Enhanced Contaminant Removal: By reducing impurities and contaminants, activated carbon is highly effective in removing undesired contaminants, odours and VOCs from water and air. 

➤ Food & Beverage: High-quality acid washing activated carbon ensures the removal of unwanted odour and taste by providing high-purity water. 

➤ Pharmaceutical & Medical: It plays an important role in dialysis and other medical treatments, with high-quality water. 

➤ Electronics Manufacturing: Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing require ultra-pure water to prevent defects in products. 

➤ Cosmetics & Personal Care: It helps adsorb impurities and toxins in personal care and cosmetic products. 

Acid washing enhances the overall effectiveness and performance of activated carbon. This makes it a vital filtration and purification medium in applications that require high-purity filtration. Western Adsorbents & Catalysts is one of the top coconut shell activated carbon suppliers in India, offering top-quality activated carbon products tailored in terms of pore structure, surface area & other properties for your specific application. For quotes, call us.