Mercury pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues today. As a toxic heavy metal, mercury poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems. It is primarily released into the atmosphere through industrial processes such as coal combustion, cement production, and waste incineration. To mitigate these emissions, activated carbon has emerged as an effective solution for mercury removal. In this blog, we’ll discuss how activated carbon works, its key parameters (presented in a table for clarity), and its applications.
Introduction to Mercury Removal
Mercury removal is critical to addressing environmental and health concerns. Mercury can persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, entering the food chain and causing severe health risks, such as neurological and developmental damage. Governments around the world have implemented stringent regulations to reduce mercury emissions from industrial processes.
Carbón activado is one of the most effective materials for mercury removal due to its high surface area, porous structure, and ability to adsorb mercury. It can be used in air pollution control systems (e.g., flue gas treatment) and water purification processes. By trapping mercury on its surface, activated carbon prevents the metal from escaping into the environment.
Parameters
When selecting activated carbon for mercury removal, certain parameters are critical to achieving optimal performance. Below is a table summarizing the key specifications and their importance:
| Parámetro | Descripción | Typical Values |
|---|---|---|
| Superficie | Higher surface area provides more adsorption sites, enhancing mercury removal efficiency. | 500–1500 m²/g |
| Pore Size | Micropores (<2 nm) are ideal for trapping mercury molecules. | Micropores dominate |
| Impregnation | Impregnated with chemicals like sulfur, bromine, or iodine to chemically react with mercury and increase efficiency. | Sulfur: 5–10% by weight |
| Contenido de humedad | Low moisture content ensures better adsorption capacity. | <5% |
| Densidad aparente | Determines the packing and flow properties for industrial applications. | 0.4–0.55 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Stability | Resistance to high temperatures makes it suitable for flue gas systems. | Stable up to 400°C |
| Tamaño de las partículas | Determines the ease of handling and the adsorption kinetics of activated carbon. | 4–12 mesh (typical) |
Aplicaciones
Activated carbon is widely used in multiple industries to remove mercury from air and water systems. Below are some of its key applications:
Flue Gas Treatment
Industries such as coal-fired power plants, waste incinerators, and cement production release mercury into the air. Activated carbon injection (ACI) systems are used to capture mercury from flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere. Impregnated activated carbon is particularly effective in this application.
Water Purification
Activated carbon is used to remove mercury from water sources, including industrial wastewater and drinking water. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC) are commonly used in these systems.
Industrial Process Streams
Certain industrial processes, such as oil and gas refining, produce mercury-contaminated streams. Activated carbon is employed to filter mercury from these streams, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Conclusión
Mercury pollution is a serious global issue that demands effective solutions. Activated carbon has proven to be one of the most reliable and efficient methods for mercury removal across a range of industries.
If you are searching for an effective mercury removal solution, activated carbon is a proven option that delivers outstanding results. Contact Zhulin Carbon to find the right activated carbon tailored to your specific application needs.