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Technical data sheet & illustrative COA reference · Powdered activated carbon
Powdered Activated Carbon for Decolorization
Fine powdered activated carbon for liquid decolorization, specified by target liquid, mesh passing rate, methylene blue, pH, ash and filtration behavior.
- High-mesopore and macropore wood-based decolorization PAC featuring 150–220 mg/g methylene blue adsorption and high caramel/molasses decolorization efficiency for large color-body molecules.
- Tightly controlled trace impurities (low ash <=5%, low acid-soluble iron <=0.02–0.05%, controlled chloride and pH) for sugar syrups, citric acid, MSG, edible oils, glycerin, and fine chemical intermediates.
- Optimized particle size distribution (200/325 mesh with controlled ultrafines) to prevent filter-cloth blinding and maintain fast pressure-leaf or plate-and-frame filtration rates.
1Technical specifications
| Raw material | Primarily wood based and commonly phosphoric-acid activated; selected economic grades may be coal based |
|---|---|
| Physical form | Powdered activated carbon |
| Standard sizing | Common 200 or 325 mesh grades, normally specified with a minimum passing rate |
| Methylene blue | Common target range: 150-200 mg/g |
| Iodine value | Typical supporting range: 800-1,050 mg/g |
| Ash | Common target range: <=5-10% |
| Moisture | Typically <=5% |
| pH | Unneutralized phosphoric grades may be 2-5; washed or neutralized grades are commonly 4-7 |
| Bulk or tapped density | Typical reference range: 250-450 g/L; method must be stated |
| Application-specific fields | Caramel decolorization, molasses value, iron, chloride, phosphate and filtration time |
| Custom manufacturing | Raw material, activation route, particle size, methylene blue, caramel decolorization, pH, iron, phosphate, chloride and filtration time. |
Food-contact or drinking-water suitability is grade-specific and must be supported by the applicable current documents. No blanket compliance claim is made for every grade. Final guaranteed values and test methods must be agreed in the order specification.
2COA reference
Illustrative COA only — batch confirmation required. These example values have no identified lot or test date. They are not a certificate for supplied material or a statement of batch acceptance. Request a dated, batch-specific COA against your signed specification.
| Parameter | Unit | Test method | Example limit | Illustrative value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylene Blue Adsorption | mg/g | GB/T 12496.10 | >= 180 (configurable 150–220) | 195 |
| Caramel Decolorization (A-Grade) | % | GB/T 12496.9 | >= 95.0 | 98.5 |
| Iodine Number | mg/g | ASTM D4607 | >= 950 | 1,010 |
| Total Ash Content | wt% | ASTM D2866 | <= 5.0 | 3.8 |
| Iron Content (Fe) | wt% | GB/T 12496.19 | <= 0.05 (<=0.02 acid-washed) | 0.028 |
| pH Value | pH units | ASTM D3838 | 3.0 – 5.5 (or 5.0 – 7.0 washed) | 4.6 |
| Fineness (Passing 200 Mesh) | wt% | ASTM D5158 | >= 95.0 | 96.8 |
3Grading & operating references
| Grade direction | Particle-size reference | Pore / filtration reference | Application reference | Process fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphoric-Acid Wood PAC | 90%–95% < 200 Mesh (75 µm) | High Macropore | Caramel ≥ 98% | Cane/beet sugar syrup, molasses, caramel, MSG & fermentation broth decolorization |
| Steam-Activated Acid-Washed Wood PAC | 90%–95% < 325 Mesh (45 µm) | Balanced Mesopore | Ultra-Low Ash/Fe | Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), citric/lactic acid, amino acids & fine chemicals |
| Edible Oil & Glycerin Grade PAC | Custom Filter-Press PSD | Fast Cake Drainage | PAH / Color Removal | Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, Benzo[a]pyrene) and chlorophyll from oils |
| Typical Process Temperature | 60 – 85 °C (reduces liquid viscosity and accelerates pigment diffusion) |
|---|---|
| Typical Contact Time | 20 – 45 minutes under continuous mechanical agitation |
| Typical Dosage Range | 0.1% – 1.5% wt/wt based on dry solids content of process syrup/solution |
| Optimal pH Window | pH 4.0 – 6.5 (grade-matched to prevent sugar inversion or product degradation) |
| Filtration Equipment | Pre-coated candle filters, rotary vacuum drum, or plate-and-frame filter press |
| Purity & Leachables | Acid-washed options with ultra-low soluble iron (≤100 ppm), calcium, and heavy metals |
Operating ranges are selection references, not system-performance guarantees. Confirm suitability using the actual feed, equipment and treatment target.
Reference grades
References support a specification review, not a claim of identical performance, certification or affiliation. Confirm suitability by comparative testing in your process.
| Reference brand / grade | Proposed specification / application | Comparison criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Norit (Cabot) Darco S-51 / CA1 / SX Ultra | Mesoporous Decolorization Wood PAC (Acid-Washed)Sugar refining, sweeteners, citric acid & pharmaceutical APIs | Matched on high mesopore/macropore volume, methylene blue (180–220 mg/g), and caramel decolorization |
| Jacobi Carbons ColorSorb 620 / ColorSorb 500 | Food & Beverage Liquid Decolorization PACEdible oils (PAH removal), glycerin, wine/juice & fermentation | Matched on rapid filter-press cake drainage, controlled pH, and low acid-soluble ash/iron |
| Calgon Carbon CPG / Cane Cal / BL Pulverized | High-Molasses-Number Decolorizing PACColor body and high-MW organic polymer adsorption | Matched on large-pore color body uptake and low product retention in filter cake |
All third-party brand and grade names are trademarks of their respective owners. They are used for identification only; no affiliation, endorsement or authorization is implied.
Application & purchasing review
Applications: Sugar and starch-sugar liquids; Citric acid and fine chemicals; Edible-oil and gelatin processing; Food, beverage and process-liquid decolorization.
Buyer information: Target liquid, initial and target color, dosage, contact time, temperature, filtration process, required compliance documents, quantity and packing.
Packing: 25 kg bags, 500 or 1,000 kg FIBC bulk bags, and pallet options by order. Standard MOQ: 1 metric ton (1,000 kg) for standard products.
Stock, final MOQ, production date, guaranteed values, packing cost, freight, payment terms and inspection scope are confirmed for the specific quotation and contract.