New Applications of Activated Carbon

Among the new applications of activated carbon is its use for Biogas purification. In this field, during the decomposition of organic matter, toxic and corrosive chemicals such as H₂S are formed along with the Bioenergy source. Activated carbon is used to prevent its formation.

It is an activated carbon removal method with 2 stages for high-performance impurity removal in biogas production.

To achieve the best performance, H₂S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is reduced to elemental sulfur through the activated carbon bed. The process carried out here is a catalytic method. After H₂S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is removed, the biogas is dried and sent to another activated carbon bed.

In the subsequent process, siloxane and VOC are removed by applying a physical adsorption process.

Biological washing is the most effective method for removing large amounts of H₂S. It is a high-cost system and difficult to install.

Impregnated activated carbon is chemically very effective. However, it does not have a cost advantage. Additionally, a fire may occur within the bed due to the formation of an exothermic reaction. Therefore, it is considered a dangerous method.

Siloxanes and VOC Purification

Siloxanes are synthetic compounds used in the manufacture of personal care products in the cosmetics industry. As a result of discharging substances containing siloxane compounds into the system as waste, siloxane contamination occurs and poses significant risks in the end-use of biogas.

Pollution caused by silica within siloxane, if present in biogas, causes corrosive effects and destruction in internal combustion engines, boilers, turbines, and fuel cells. This results in very poor operating efficiency.

VOCs must be removed from the biogas to prevent significant damage to the membranes. The use of activated carbon is an effective method for removing VOC and Siloxane from biogas.

Why is Activated Carbon Preferred?

Biogas may emit unpleasant odors due to the components it contains. Activated carbon is effective in deodorizing biogas by adsorbing organic components and odor molecules in the gas.

Particularly for power generation or industrial use of biogas, CO2 reduction or removal may be required. Activated carbon can reduce the CO2 content of biogas by adsorbing CO2.