Iodine Number
Iodine adsorption is used to measure the effectiveness of activated carbon. During this test, activated carbon is added to a liquid holding a specific amount of iodine. The carbon is mixed thoroughly until it has dissolved into the solution. After a few minutes, the solution is filtered into another container, removing the charcoal particles and allowing the liquid to pass through. The iodine number is a gauge of the amount of iodine removed from the liquid. Essentially, the higher the number, the more iodine was removed.
[u]yrdcarbon[/u] Pore Diameter
The diameter of the pores on and inside activated carbon will make a significant difference in how the materials performs. Pore diameter can determine the specific use of a carbon, as activated carbon with more micropores (smaller pores) can be effective for removing low concentrations of organic matter found in water. Activated carbon with both small and large pores are very versatile and can be used to remove both chlorine and a wide variety of organic matter at the same time.
Surface Area
The surface area is another important property that is often cited on activated carbon. Depending on the raw material, the activation process, and other factors, the surface area will vary, giving the charcoal more or less adsorption potential. Surface area for activated carbon is often measured using a BET nitrogen adsorption test.
Density
Density will affect the volume activity. Generally, a higher density will indicate a higher-quality activated carbon. There are numerous ways to define density, including real density, which is the density excluding the voids of the material, as well as particle density, which is the measured density of the carbon particles alone. There is also wetted density, apparent density, bed or bulk density, and tamped density. All of these density measurements provide specific data on activated carbon performance.
Ash Content
Ash content is an important measurement for activated carbon and can drastically change the effectiveness and specific use for the product. Ash in the activated carbon reduces the speed and reliability of reactivation and metal oxides can be released from charcoal with high ash content, resulting in discoloration when used to purify water. Carbon with high ash content is not good for fish tanks, as they can lead to heavy metal poisoning in the aquatic life, including fish and coral species. The type of ash can vary as well. For example, activated carbon made from coconut shells often has a higher concentration of alkali earth metals, while carbon made from coal is often loaded with heavy metals.
Mesh
The size of granular activated carbon (activated carbon that is in the form or a powder or fine grains) is measured using a Mesh system. It is measured by shaking a sample of the granulated carbon through a series of fine sieves. Imagine sieves like a window screen only much finer, with far smaller holes between the wires. Using a system that measures how much of the carbon passes through the screens, the activated carbon can be measured for general size.
Molasses Number
The molasses number for activated carbon is a measurement of the charcoal’s effectiveness for removing large molecules. This is done by allowing the activated carbon to adsorb a molasses solution. The higher the molasses number, the better the activated charcoal is at removing these large molecules.
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