Understanding Activated Carbon and Its Types

Activated carbon is one of the most universal and effective sorbents used in industrial and household filtration systems. Its main function is to adsorb organic contaminants, chlorine compounds, odors, and toxic substances. In water and air purification systems, activated carbon improves water quality, extends membrane life, and reduces the need for chemical treatment.

The most common forms are granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC). Their difference lies in performance characteristics, so it is important to understand how GAC differs from PAC to choose the best option for a specific task. Below is a comparison of granular and powdered activated carbon and recommendations for their use.

Main Differences

The key parameter is particle size, which affects adsorption rate, flow resistance, and service life.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) particles: 0.2–5 mm
Powdered activated carbon (PAC) particles: less than 0.18–0.20 mm

PAC has a shorter diffusion path, so it binds contaminants faster but creates higher flow resistance due to its fine structure. Granules work more slowly but provide stable and controlled filtration during continuous operation.

In column filters, PAC often causes pressure loss, while GAC ensures lower head loss and longer service life. GAC is also easier to regenerate and reuse, while PAC is typically used once, as regeneration is not cost-effective.

Advantages of Granular Activated Carbon

The main advantages of GAC are high mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and regenerability. Granules last for months or even years, do not dust, are easy to handle, and create minimal flow resistance. They are ideal for high-flow water or gas treatment systems that require consistent performance.

Despite higher initial costs, their long service life and ability to be regenerated make GAC a cost-effective solution for long-term use.

Disadvantages of Powdered Activated Carbon

The main disadvantages of PAC stem from its fine dispersion. It saturates quickly and requires larger doses to achieve the desired purification level. Fine particles may cause water turbidity, settle in the treated stream, and generate dust, requiring safety precautions. Due to difficult regeneration, PAC is generally used once and then disposed of.

These properties make it suitable only for processes requiring fast but short-term purification.

Applications of Granular Activated Carbon

Granular activated carbon is used in a wide range of industries:

Water purification — removal of chlorine, organic compounds, and odors in drinking water and industrial systems.
Air and gas filtration — removal of VOCs and odors.
Wastewater treatment — adsorption of organic residues and toxic substances in industrial plants.
Food industry — improving taste and clarity of beverages and products.
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries — as an adsorbent and filter component.

Thanks to durability and stability, GAC is chosen where reliable, continuous purification is required.

Applications of Powdered Activated Carbon

PAC is used where quick response is needed:

Emergency water treatment — can be dosed directly into the flow to reduce contaminant levels.
Pharmaceuticals — purification of reaction mixtures and removal of impurities.
Food industry — decolorization of syrups, oils, and extracts.
Chemical processes — adsorption of trace contaminants and catalysts.
PACT technology — integration into bioreactors and wastewater systems to remove hard-to-degrade compounds.

This form is especially useful in processes where the flow cannot be stopped or temporary treatment is required.

Conclusions

When selecting a sorbent, consider your objectives and operating mode:

Granular activated carbon (GAC) — ideal for continuous, long-term use with low flow resistance and easy regeneration.
Powdered activated carbon (PAC) — suitable for rapid, one-time treatment or variable-flow processes.

There is no universal solution — the optimal choice depends on your specific process and operational requirements.

Our company supplies granular activated carbon in any volume.
Contact us at info@kryptonium-machinery.com or by phone +7 (391) 275-49-68, or leave a request on our website — our specialists will help you choose the right carbon grade and calculate the required amount for your application.