Activated Carbon Regeneration Methods

Activated carbon that has reached saturation does not necessarily have to be discarded. Through regeneration, much of its adsorption capacity can be restored, enabling reuse.

I. Thermal Regeneration

Thermal regeneration is currently the most widely used method in industry. Saturated activated carbon is treated at high temperatures (700–900°C) in an oxygen-free or oxygen-depleted environment, causing the adsorbed organic substances to decompose or volatilize. After thermal regeneration, the performance of the activated carbon can be restored to 80%–95% of that of fresh carbon.

II. Steam Regeneration

Activated carbon that has adsorbed solvents can be regenerated by passing high-temperature steam through it. The steam carries the organic solvents out of the pores, after which they are recovered via condensation. This method is commonly used in solvent recovery systems.

III. Chemical Regeneration

Saturated activated carbon is soaked or washed with acids, alkalis, or organic solvents to dissolve or desorb the adsorbed substances. This method is suitable for specific types of contaminants but involves a relatively complex process.

It should be noted that there is a limit to the number of times regeneration can be performed. As the number of regeneration cycles increases, the structural strength of the activated carbon gradually declines.