The procedure for processing activated carbon typically consists of a carbonization followed by an activation of carbonaceous material from vegetable origin.

Carbonization is a heat treatment at 400-800°C which converts raw materials to carbon by minimizing the content of volatile matter and increasing the carbon content of the material. This increases the materials strength and creates an initial porous structure which is necessary if the carbon is to be activated.

Adjusting the conditions of carbonization can affect the final product significantly. An increased carbonization temperature increases reactivity, but at the same time decreases the volume of pores present. This decreased volume of pores is due to an increase in the condensation of the material at higher temperatures of carbonization which yields an increase in mechanical strength. Therefore, it becomes important to choose the correct process temperature based on the desired product of carbonization.

Carbonization

The carbonization process involves heating the selected raw material in the absence of oxgen. This step drives of volatile components, such as water and parlaying behind carbon-rich char. The carbonization process can take place in rotary kilns, retorts, or other specialized equipment.

Activation

The activation process is crucial for creating the porous structure of activated carbon. There are two main methods of activation,

a. Physical Activation: ln physical activation. the carbonized char is heated to high temperatures (800-1000 degrees Celsius and treated with gases like steam or carbon dioxide. This process creates pores by causing the char to shrink and develop cracks.

b. Chemical Activation: in chemical activation, the carbonized char is impregnated with a chemical activating agent, typically an alkali metal hydroxide or phosphoric acid. The impregnated char is then heated to moderate temperatures 500-800 degrees Celsius, resulting in the development of porous structure.

Washing and Drying

The activated carbon is washed thoroughly with water to remove any residual impurities or chemical residues.The washing process may involve multiple stage sand filtrations. After washing, the activated carbon is dried to remove excess moisture.

Sizing and Packaging

The dried activated carbon is crushed, miled, or ground to achieve the desired particle size distribution. the activated carbon may undergo additional Drocessine steps, such as silevine or peletizine. to optain specic palice sizes or shapes, finally the activated carbon is packaged and prepared for distribution.