What are the main uses of activated carbon?
There are hundreds of different applications for activated carbon ranging from odour control of cat litter to the preparation of the most modern pharmaceuticals. Around the home, activated carbon may be present in domestic appliances; will most likely have treated the municipal water supply, purified the soft drinks in the refrigerator, and been used in the production of chemicals, in turn used to manufacture electronics, furniture and construction materials.
And more; our waste is burned to generate electricity, the gases from which are purified by activated carbon. Odour control again at sewage processing facilities, uses activated carbon, and the reclamation of precious metals from mining spoils is big business.
What can activated carbon be used for
This material adsorbs organic matter of a certain molecular weight on its surface, so its use is quite versatile.
Some of the most common applications of activated carbon are
Water Filtrations
- Retain and remove contaminants that add color, odor, and flavor to drinking water
- Destruction of chlorine, ozone and other oxidants in drinking water
- Water treatment in industrial processes.
- Tertiary wastewater treatment
Air & Gas filtration
- Purification of air and industrial gases
- Elimination of odors in closed places: kitchens, warehouses, refrigerators, etc.
- Compressed air purification (diving tanks and hospitals).
- Cartridge Respirators (Gas Masks)
C-Food & Beverage Industry
- Discoloration of sugar (refined sugar, honey, candies, etc …)
- Coffee decaffeination process.
- Discoloration of liquors, juices, vinegars
- Food preparation.
Pharma & Medical Industry
- Treatment of sores, burns, or wounds, with activated charcoal dressings impregnated with silver.
- Cleansing your face
- High cholesterol
- Anti ageing solutions
Gold Recovery
- Recovery of gold, silver and other precious metals.
Helping with a hangover
Activated charcoal is also reported to help reduce or even completely prevent a hangover if taken while drinking alcohol. The ability of this substance to adsorb toxins and prevent alcohol from getting into your bloodstream sounds like nothing short of a miracle. However, rather than using it as a cool party trick, medical professionals tend to rely on activated charcoal if someone has alcohol poisoning or is unconscious.
Acting as a general beauty aid
It makes sense that activated charcoal can be used for a variety of treatments, as its powerful ability to eliminate toxins has been proven time and time again. Use it on your skin to tighten pores, treat acne, heal bug bites and cuts, and balance oily skin. Rather than ingesting activated charcoal like so many other instances call for, using it as a skin mask or a topical treatment can yield fast results.
Helps to relieve gas and bloating
Many individuals suffer from digestive problems including gas and bloating after meals. If this is a common occurrence and becomes problematic, try using activated charcoal after eating. It works to bind together the elements in your meal that cause gas and bloating and helps you to eliminate them in the bathroom. Make sure to drink plenty of water with the activated charcoal and right after taking it to help get it into your system for quick relief.
Lower your high cholesterol
Attaching itself to cholesterol and bile acids in our digestive system, activated charcoal can help prevent these compounds from moving into the bloodstream. As with all other instances of taking this amazing substance, the elements that it binds to will pass through your body when you defecate.
Filter in Cigarettes
Utilization of activated carbon cloth as cigarette filter for the removal efficiencies of cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals which are hazardous to human health. When the cigarette burns, thousands of chemical substances are generated, and these are emitted to gas phase. Activated carbon cloth has proven to filter harmful substances effectively in cigarette smoke before entering the body during smoking.