Regenerable Activated Carbon Systems

Solvent Recovery

Sutcliffe Speakman have been offering unique and innovative solutions to VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emission and solvent recovery problems, based upon activated carbon adsorption and other technologies, since their pioneering days in the 1930s (known then as Sutcliffe Speakman & Co. Ltd.).

The adsorbent qualities of activated carbon have long been understood. Organic molecules are held at the carbon surface by intermolecular forces. This attraction effects the removal of the solvent from the process exhaust stream.

Subsequently the solvent is displaced from the carbon surface by a reversal of this process called desorption. This enables the solvent to be recovered for re-use, resale or disposal.

Adsorption

Solvent (VOC) laden air from the process is first conditioned and then moved through a bed of activated carbon which is installed in a vessel known as an adsorber. The solvent is adsorbed onto the carbon surface leaving clean air to pass to atmosphere.

Desorption

Once the carbon is saturated and the solvent has been detected in the exhaust stream. The carbon bed is regenerated. In the majority of applications solvent is desorbed from the carbon by live steam. The steam/solvent mixture is then condensed and cooled prior to being separated from the distillate for re-use.

Optimum Design

Individual systems are designed considering such criteria as: solvent, airflow, concentration, temperature, space, utility availability, and location.

The optimum design will often result in a minimum of two carbon bed adsorbers, with one being on-line whilst the other is being regenerated.

Multi-adsorber systems offer greater flexibility depending on the individual criteria.

Regenerable Activiated Carbon Adsorption Plant

System Variations

Partial Series and Series Adsorption

Tighter legislation on the control of VOC emissions has already impacted on system design; for example, series adsorption, where the emission from the first adsorber is effectively polished by a second adsorber in series further reducing reducing emissions.

Gas Analysers

Infra-red, FID (Flame Ionisation Detector) and PID (Photo Ionisation Detector) type analysers are usually incorporated into the systems, depending on the specific applications.

Plume Control

This technology eliminates the steam plume which is normally visible upon the reintroduction of the adsorber after steam desorption.

VOC capture efficiencies in excess of 99.9% are often achieved along with the benefit of corresponding reduction in recovery costs.

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Application Data

Regenerable activated carbon adsorption systems are effective for VOC emission control and solvent recovery from both the liquid and gaseous phases of a customer's process exhaust. These links form a valuable cross reference of useful application data.

Carbon Adsorption Characteristics Table
Air Treatment Suitability Table
Liquid Treatment Suitability Table