Validation of the electrochemical technology for the regeneration of activated carbon at bench-scale

Abstract

The validation study of the electrochemical regeneration process of activated carbons (AC) used in water treatment plants saturated under real conditions has been carried out. The study has been performed using a bench-scale electrochemical reactor and the recovery of the porous texture has been analysed. Saturated AC from different brands and manufacturing methods have been studied. The results showed that it is easier to recover the porosity of the AC prepared by agglomeration than those produced by direct activation process. In addition, it is shown that the larger the surface area of the spent AC, the better is the regeneration efficiency achieved. Specifically, to reach a good regeneration efficiency, the SBET of the spent sample should be higher than 600 m2/g. This is a similar value as that requested by the thermal regeneration companies for a successful regeneration of the AC.

El estudio de validación del método electroquímico a escala de banco para la regeneración de carbones activados (CA) utilizados en condiciones reales en plantas de tratamiento de agua se ha realizado empleando CAs de distinta procedencia y forma de fabricación. Los resultados mostraron que los CAs preparados mediante aglomeración presentaron una mayor facilidad para la recuperación de la textura porosa que los fabricados mediante el proceso de activación directa. Además, se pone de manifiesto que, a mayor área superficial del CA usado, mayor es la eficiencia de la regeneración electroquímica. En concreto, se ha determinado que, para lograr una buena eficiencia de regeneración, el SBET del CA gastado debe ser superior a 600 m2/g. Este valor es el mismo que piden las empresas de regeneración térmica para que la regeneración del CA tenga éxito.