A Brief History of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times when Neanderthals utilized charred wood for various purposes, including colouring cave paintings and preserving meat. Over the centuries, its applications expanded, with notable figures like Hippocrates documenting its use in treating food poisoning in ancient Greece. 

Today, activated carbon continues to play a vital role in treating ailments like diarrhoea and poisoning. The modern production of activated carbon began in the 15th century, with the British sugar industry pioneering its industrial use to decolorize raw sugar syrup. The process evolved over time, culminating in the "Chemical Activation of Wood" patent by Lithuanian chemist Rafael Ostrejko in 1900, marking a significant milestone in its production.

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is primarily composed of carbon (>90%) and possesses a highly porous structure with interconnected pores, resembling a sponge.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process involves charring carbonaceous raw materials, such as coal, lignite, wood, olive kernels and peat, without oxygen to create a complex pore system. The resulting raw activated carbon is then activated by removing volatile components (hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, etc.).

Application for Protection in the Laboratory

Because of its extensive internal surface area and porous structure, it's ideal for trapping volatile and organic compounds, effectively capturing a substantial volume of solvent vapours from the atmosphere. Solvents, frequently employed in analytical labs, are hazardous substances. Unchecked release of solvent vapours poses health threats and increases the likelihood of fires and explosions. Employing activated carbon filters mitigates these risks, thereby upholding laboratory safety—an essential measure to safeguard the well-being of lab staff and prevent accidents.

Key Metrics

Various measures indicate the effectiveness of different types of activated carbon for safeguarding against solvent vapours. The abrasion number assesses the carbon's resistance to wear, crucial for maintaining filter performance amidst mechanical stress during handling and transport. Higher ball-pan hardness values signify greater durability and consistent filtration. Internal surface area refers to the available binding sites for solvent vapours, with SCAT leading the market by increasing this area from 1,100 to 1,500 m²/g. Adsorption capacity, assessed by CTC adsorption, has also improved, reaching a maximum of 90% in SCAT's latest generation. Particle size plays a vital role, with SCAT ensuring optimal flow and adsorption by producing particles ranging from 1.4 to 3 mm. Additionally, ash and water content indicate the purity of the activated carbon, influencing its effectiveness. A low ash and water content means more effective carbon.

SCAT Exhaust Filters

Ident No. Value Test Method
Ball-Pan Hardness
(weight percent)		 96% ASTM D 3802
Inner Surface Area 1,500 m2/g DIN ISO 9277
Shake Density 415 +/- 30 kg/m3 ASTM D 2854
CTC-Adsorption
(weight percent)		 > 90% ASTM D 3467
Granulate
Diameter		 1.4 - 3mm ASTM D 2862
Ash Content
(weight percent)		 max. 5% ASTM D 2866
Water Content
(weight percent)		 max. 5% ASTM D 2867
Impregnation n.a. ASTM D 4069-95

SCAT exhaust filters are designed to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your working environment by absorbing solvent vapours, dust particles, and dirt.

The new SCAT exhaust filter V3.0 guarantees over 90% CTC adsorption for maximum air purity due to three integrated activated carbon types. This makes it the most powerful activated carbon filter medium on the HPLC laboratory market.

The exhaust filter has been optimized for the binding of eluents, as typically used in HPLC. The lifetime of the filter is dependent on the composition of the collected waste, the temperature, and the flowrate. These factors can vary significantly, so it is recommended to replace the exhaust filter every 3 months for the small size; 6 months for the medium size; and 12 months for the large size, for optimum protection. Available in a version with a label to fill in the expiry date by hand, or with an indicator on which you press a button to activate the countdown for the service life.

If you are interested in implementing solvent safety measures in your lab just get in touch and we will be happy to help.