Activated carbon regeneration involves heating the spent carbon to high temperatures to remove adsorbed contaminants and restore its adsorptive properties.
The temperature range for this process is typically between 200-300 °C.
This range can vary depending on the specific regeneration method and the nature of the adsorbed materials.
This process is crucial for extending the life of activated carbon and reducing waste in industrial applications.
200-300°C: Key Points Explained
Temperature Range for Regeneration
The primary temperature range for activated carbon regeneration is between 200-300 °C.
At these temperatures, the carbonaceous residue may start to burn if oxygen is present, leading to an exothermic reaction.
Once carbon combustion starts, the temperature rises spontaneously, turning the residue into a glowing ember and releasing carbon dioxide and/or monoxide.
This reaction is highly exothermic and can lead to significant temperature increases.
Chemical Changes During Regeneration
Some of the nitrogen remaining in the residue may be oxidized into nitrogen oxides like NO2 and N2O3 at these elevated temperatures.
Sulfur, chlorine, and arsenic may also be oxidized and volatilized at this stage, contributing to the removal of contaminants from the activated carbon.
Different Stages of Carbonization
The briquettes drying stage involves heating the biomass until the temperature reaches 160°C, primarily for moisture evaporation without chemical changes.
The initial carbonization stage involves the temperature rising to 160-280°C, during which thermal decomposition of hemicellulose occurs, producing CO2, CO, and acetic acid.
The comprehensive carbonizing stage occurs at temperatures between 300-650°C, where radical chemical decomposition occurs, producing acetic acid, carbinol, wood tar, and combustible gases like methane and ethylene.
Special Considerations for Biomass Activation
In small-scale plants, lower gas temperatures are used at the input end to improve efficiency, but the total heat transfer is limited by the heat capacity of the gas flow and its speed.
For making pyrocarbon, the furnace temperature must reach 800-1000°C, significantly higher than the typical regeneration temperatures.
Catalyst Regeneration
Carbon deposited on the catalyst is burned off by reducing the retort temperature below 700°C and passing air through the retort.
This process typically occurs every 3 weeks and involves partial oxidation of the nickel catalyst.
After burn-off, the catalyst is reduced to metallic nickel by passing a mixture of the correct air-gas ratio for a few hours.
Effectiveness of Regeneration
The effectiveness of activated carbon regeneration is influenced by the composition of the waste material and the process settings such as temperature, pressure, and gas retention period.
High incineration temperatures (1000°C or 1220°C) can reduce COD and TOC levels by up to 80% or 99%, respectively, depending on the gas retention period.
Support Products
Typically, no additional support products are required for the regeneration process, making it a self-contained and efficient method for restoring the adsorptive properties of activated carbon.
In summary, activated carbon regeneration is a critical process for maintaining the efficiency of activated carbon in various industrial applications.
The temperature range of 200-300 °C is typical for this process, but higher temperatures may be required for specific applications such as pyrocarbon production or catalyst regeneration.
Understanding these key points helps in optimizing the regeneration process and ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of activated carbon.
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