Removal of Pollutants
& Capacity Index
Some of the contaminants listed in the table are specific chemical compounds. Some represent classes of compounds and others are mixtures and of variable composition. Activated carbons capacity for odor varies somewhat with the concentration in the air, with humidity and temperature. The numbers given represent typical or average conditions and might vary in specific instances.
The capacity index has the following meaning:
- Adsorption capacity is low for these materials. Activated Carbon cannot be satisfactorily used to remove them under ordinary circumstances.
- Includes substances which are not highly absorbed but which might be take up sufficiently to give good service under the particular conditions of operation. These require individual checking.
- Satisfactory capacity for all items in this category. These constitute good applications but the capacity is not as high as for category 4. Adsorbs about 10% to 25% of its weight – average about 1/6 (16.67%).
- High capacity for all materials in this category. One pound takes up about 20% to 50% of its own weight – average about 1/3 (3301/3%). This category includes most of the odor causing substances.
*For the asterisked compounds, impregnated carbon or activated alumina with KMnO4 will greatly increase the adsorption ability.