Process for the reactivation of powdered carbon

Abstract

Abstract The present process describes a method for the reactivation of spent powdered carbon useful in the purification of wastewaters as well as other liquids. The present process obviates the disposal problems of spent carbon and the accompanying pollution of the environment. The present invention specifically discloses a continuous process for the reactivation of spent powdered carbon containing adsorbed organic matter, and having a particle size smaller than about 100 mesh, to a reactivation efficiency of at least about 80 percent, and a product yield of at least about 90 percent by weight which comprises dispersing the spent carbon in water to form an aqueous suspension having a solids content of from about 20 percent to about 35 percent by weight; atomizing the suspension with steam and passing the atomized suspension in an atmosphere substantially free of oxygen through a radiantly heated reactor vessel having a wall temperature of from about 1,200*F to about 1,900*F within a time period of from about 5 to about 30 seconds by spraying the suspension into a first zone of the reactor vessel capable of heating the suspension to a temperature of at least about 1,200*F within a period of from about 3 to about 15 seconds, and then passing the heated suspension into a second zone of the reactor vessel capable of maintaining the temperature of the suspension between about 1,200*F and about 1,900*F for the remainder of its residence within the reactor vessel to pyrolyze the impurities within the carbon; and thereafter recovering the reactivated carbon. The carbon to and from the reactor is handled in a slurry form, eliminating dust losses.

Inventors

• 👤 F Corson

Bibliographic Details