Activated Carbon for Water Treatment

Chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals can compromise water safety and taste-even at low concentrations. Our high-performance activated carbon for water treatment delivers exceptional adsorption capacity for organic contaminants, chlorine, and odors, ensuring clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Made from premium coconut shell or coal-based raw materials and rigorously tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 & 61, our granular (GAC) and powdered (PAC) activated carbon is trusted by municipal utilities, bottling plants, home filtration systems, and industrial facilities worldwide.

1. Coconut Shell Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Particle Size: 8×30, 12×40 mesh
Iodine Number: 1,000–1,200 mg/g
Best For: Drinking water filters, RO post-carbon, point-of-use systems, bottled water - where low ash and high purity are critical.

2. Coal-Based Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Particle Size: 8×30, 12×40, 20×50 mesh
Iodine Number: 850–1,000 mg/g
Best For: Municipal treatment, industrial wastewater, groundwater remediation - cost-effective for high-volume applications.

3. Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)

Particle Size: <0.18 mm (80% through 325 mesh)
Use Case: Batch dosing for emergency spill response, taste/odor events, or as a supplement in clarifiers.

4. Catalytic Carbon (Specialty)

Enhanced for: Chloramine, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and ozone removal - ideal for municipal systems switching from chlorine to chloramine.

Not All Activated Carbon Performs the Same-Ours Is Engineered for Maximum Efficiency

* High-Iodine Number: ≥1,000 mg/g (coconut shell) - indicates superior micropore surface area for small-molecule adsorption (e.g., chlorine, VOCs).
* Low Ash Content: ≤3% (coconut) - minimizes leaching and pH shift in sensitive applications.
* Hardness & Durability: Abrasion number ≥95% - resists dusting and pressure drop in high-flow systems.
* NSF/ANSI 42 & 61 Certified: Verified for material safety and performance claims (chlorine, taste, odor reduction).
* Rinsed & Pre-Washed: Ready-to-use with minimal initial carbon fines.
* Sustainable Sourcing: Coconut shell carbon is renewable and eco-friendly; coal-based offers high capacity for large-scale use.

Activated carbon is generally packed with 25kg/bag, 500kg/bag with or without pallet. We can also customize packages according to clients' needs.

* Match Carbon to Contaminant: Small molecules (chlorine, VOCs) → coconut shell; large organics → coal-based.
* Bed Depth Matters: Minimum 12" (30 cm) bed depth for effective contact time (EBCT ≥5 minutes).
* Flow Rate Control: Typical service flow: 2–5 gpm/ft² (5–12 m³/h·m²).
* Backwash Regularly: Prevents channeling and removes trapped particulates (does not regenerate carbon).
* Monitor Breakthrough: Replace when chlorine taste returns or TOC levels rise. Typical life: 6–24 months.
We offer free carbon selection support based on your water quality report.

Global Leader in Water Treatment Activated Carbon Since 2001:
* 10,000+ tons of activated carbon supplied annually to 20+ countries
* Vertical integration: From raw material sourcing to activation and packaging
* Batch-certified testing: Every lot includes iodine number, hardness, and ash reports
* Fast global logistics: In-stock inventory in China
* Custom solutions: Private labeling, blended media (carbon + KDF), and OEM packaging

Get NSF-certified activated carbon that delivers real contaminant reduction, not just marketing claims.

Request Free Carbon Selection Guide & Quote

Q1: What's the difference between coconut shell and coal-based carbon?

A: Coconut shell GAC has more micropores-ideal for small molecules like chlorine, VOCs, and synthetic organic chemicals. It's harder, lower in ash, and preferred for drinking water. Coal-based GAC has a broader pore distribution, better for larger organic molecules and high-volume industrial use. Both are effective-but application determines the best choice.

Q2: Can activated carbon remove heavy metals like lead or arsenic?

A: Standard activated carbon does not effectively remove dissolved heavy metals. However, we offer impregnated carbons (e.g., with sulfur or potassium iodide) for mercury or specific organics. For lead/arsenic, consider specialty media like ion exchange resin or adsorptive oxides-but we can help design a multi-barrier system.

Q3: How do I know when to replace my carbon filter?

A: Signs include:

- Return of chlorine taste or odor

- Increased organic breakthrough (measured by TOC or UV254)

- Pressure drop from clogging (though this is often due to sediment-use a pre-filter!)

As a rule: residential cartridges every 6–12 months; GAC beds every 12–24 months. We provide life estimation based on your flow and water quality.