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Uses of Activated CharcoalActivated charcoal is used largely in water and air treatment processes. But, can also be readily useful for residential water filtration, swimming pool filters and aquarium filters. The process of filtering air with the use of activated charcoal has been very successful in large industrial scrubbers and other air pollution control equipment. The size of the air stream to be filtered will depend upon the quantity of activated charcoal required to maintain proper levels of compliance as set forth by federal and state environmental agencies. In large water treatment plants, activated charcoal reduces the amount of chemicals added to water treatment systems, i.e., chlorine, iodine, potassium permanganate, ferric sulfate and lime to achieve potable drinking water.
Activated Charcoal - Base AdsorbantsActivated charcoal has base adsorbants that come from coconut, petroleum pitch, aged bone and rayon. Depending on its intended application activated charcoal filters high volumes of water within a specified flow rate when used in a system. Activated charcoal filters allow chemicals to pass through the carbon where it attaches itself and is trapped. In its usual black powdery form, it's tasteless and odorless. Interestingly enough, the use of activated charcoal dates back to its use by Egyptians who believed it had healing properties. It is still available without prescription for home use for various intestinal ailments and accidental poisoning.
When Activated Charcoal Should Not Be UsedActivated charcoal filters should be replaced periodically. Regular use causes the activated charcoal filter to become saturated with contaminants; thereby, reducing its effectiveness. The known hazard is that activated charcoal is combustible in the presence of strong oxidizers such as permanganate, ozone, liquid oxygen and chlorine and if a fire occurs, emits carbon monoxide into the air. Most material data safety sheets (MSDS)for activated charcoal warn of the formation of dust clouds that can be a fire hazard.
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