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Activated carbon can be classified according to its appearance.

November 2, 2025
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Activated carbon is     one of the most widely used absorbent materials in various industries. Thanks to its large specific surface area, porous structure, and unique physical and chemical properties, it is suitable for purifying water, air, gases, and even pharmaceuticals. However, appearance     and physical structure   are important criteria when selecting the right activated carbon. This article classifies activated carbon according to its appearance, properties, and applications.

The importance of activated carbon

The physical form of activated carbon not only influences the production process and plant design, but also plays a crucial role in its performance, adsorption efficiency, flow rate, pressure drop, and even maintenance costs. The performance characteristics of activated carbon vary depending on its form and the specific industrial requirements.

Activated carbon can be classified according to its physical properties.

Activated carbon is generally     classified into four main categories depending on its form:

1.     Activated charcoal powder (ACP)

Specification:

  • The particle size is typically less than 0.18 mm (80 mesh).

  • Large contact area and fast reaction

  • It is mainly added to liquids in the form of a suspension.

Features and benefits:

  • It is evenly distributed in liquids such as water or wastewater.

  • Suitable for absorbing organic pollutants and micropollutants.

  • For temporary use, no special equipment is required for installation.

Areas of application:

  • Drinking water purification

  • Odor removal

  • Food and pharmaceutical industries

  • Bleaching in the chemical industry

Note:      PAHs are usually removed from the process after   use  and are not recyclable.

2.     Granulated activated carbon (GAC)

Specification:

  • The particle size ranges from 0.2 to 5 mm.

  • Porous structure and large active surface area

  • Can be used for stationary beds.

Features and benefits:

  • Possesses regenerative abilities.

  • Suitable for stationary filters and portable devices.

  • The pressure drop is lower than with powdered carbon.

Areas of application:

  • Purification of municipal and industrial water

  • Carbon filter absorption system

  • Absorption of volatile organic compounds during air purification

  • It can be used in shower filters and refrigerators.

Note:      One of the advantages  of granular  activated carbon (GAC) is that it  can be regenerated by methods such as heating in a special oven.

3.     Extruded activated carbon (EAC)

Specification:

  • Cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 1 to 5 millimeters.

  • They are produced by       pressing paint with binders and adhesives.

  • High mechanical strength, suitable for high gas flow rates.

Features and benefits:

  • Dust control in industrial environments

  • High corrosion resistance

  • The printing layer and the extraction device are of simple design.

Areas of application:

  • Air purification in the petrochemical and oil refining industries

  • Industrial filters are used to absorb toxic or foul-smelling gases.

  • Military companies produce breathing masks.

  • Gasoline vapor absorption system

Note:      EAC is a good option for systems with high gas flow rates and harsh operating conditions.

4.     Spherical activated carbon (SAC)

Specification:

  • It appears as    spherical   granules of varying sizes (usually from 0.5 to 4 mm).

  • Made from basic materials such as asphalt, resin or cellulose.

  • Completely homogeneous and dense structure

Features and benefits:

  • evenly distributed across the bed

  • Minimal voltage drop

  • Stable operation even under high  temperature conditions    .

Areas of application:

  • High-precision filtration in the electronics industry

  • Gas absorption under certain conditions

  • Military and space applications

Note: SAC is frequently     used in     professional and high-quality projects and is more expensive than other types.

General comparison of activated carbon types and forms

Types of activated carbon Particle size Ability to repeat Main areas of application Low blood pressure
(PAH) powder Less than 0.18 mm NO Temporary injection therapy higher
Granulated activated carbon (GAC) From 0.2 to 5 mm Yes Air filter half
Extrusion dies (EMF) Cylindrical, compressed Yes Industrial gas systems fewer
Spherical (SAK) spherical, homogeneous Yes Specific applications Very low

Select the appropriate activated carbon.

The selection of the appropriate type of activated carbon depends on a number of factors, such as the type of liquid (water or     gas     ), the type of contaminant, the temperature and pressure conditions, the cost, and regenerability. For example:

  • If you are looking for a quick way   to remove water-soluble stains, PAC is a good option.

  • Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a good option for permanent and renewable systems.

  • The EAC high-density reactor is ideally suited for processing industrial gas streams.

  • For sensitive applications requiring extreme voltage drop, the SAC is a more specialized option.

In conclusion

The physical form of activated carbon     directly influences its performance, system design, maintenance, and operating costs.     Understanding the differences between powdered, granulated, extruded, and spherical activated carbon helps you select the most suitable type for various applications—from municipal wastewater treatment to modern industrial plants. Making the right choice not only improves efficiency but also saves time and money.