Activated Carbon Noun

Glossary

Activated carbon – a form of carbon processed to have low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. 

Adsorption – the adhesion of molecules or atoms from a gas or liquid to a surface. This process creates a film on the surface of the adsorbent (liquid or solid). 

BAC – Biologically Activated Carbon 

BOD – Biological Oxygen Demand

Desorption  – a phenomenon whereby a substance is released from or through a surface. 

DOC – Dissolved Organic Carbon

EBCT – Empty Bed Contact Time 

GAC – Granular Activated Carbon 

Iodine number – is the mass of iodine in grams that is consumed by 100 grams of a chemical substance. Iodine numbers are often used to determine the number of micropores in carbon.

Macropores  – large-sized pores in the substance 

Mesopores – medium-sized pores in the substance 

Micropores – small-sized pores in the substance 

PAC – Powder Activated Carbon

Sorption – includes absorption and adsorption. 

Specific surface – is a measure of external surface area of an object. The surface area is measured using BET analysis (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory) and is an important property defining the efficiency of activated carbon.

Reactivation/regeneration – a process in which the original properties of activated carbon are restored with minimal losses.