Activated carbon is obtained by heating a mixture of wood granules and phosphoric acid, further

treatment by neutralization and thermal treatment. Independent claims are also included for: (1) An
activated carbon which has the following characteristics: CCl4 adsorption index = 120-190%; P2O5
content 2%; pH extraction (pH of filtrate obtained after boiling 10 g of active carbon in 150 ml of
tap water for 5-10 minutes and filtering) 7; apparent density = 0.18-0.32 g/ml; electrical resistivity 1.5
ohm.cm; and (2) Use of the above activated carbon.

An activated carbon, method of manufacture and applications of this product, especially in the
water treatment.
[0002]
It can be regarded as an improvement of an existing activated carbon, known under the
trademark " PICABIOL" for use in the treatment of drinking water. Indeed the company
ICAP has developed a particular method of water treatment using advantageously used this
product in a biological contactor for purifying water for drinking water production and
associated control method (see EP Patent 0,377,356 B1, U.S. 5,037,550 and U.S.
5,087,354).
[0003]
In this method, it is used a filter filled with activated carbon ("PICABIOL "-type) operating
organically: the carbonaceous material is used to support bacteria that can degrade
biodegradable organic material in water treated. The attachment and growth of bacteria
(sizes between 0.5 and 2 microns) of the carbonaceous material is made possible by an
appropriate macro-porosity (size greater than 500 pore). The presence of micro-pores (size
less than 20 ) and mesopores (between 20 and 500 size) also allows a conventional
operation of filter adsorption.
[0004]
The adsorption of organic and inorganic pollutants in water by activated carbon is widely
known and used in the process (see for example: Porosity in Carbons, JWPatrick, 1995,
Edward Arnold ed.). These pollutants are classified as detergents, pesticides, herbicides,
trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organic compounds of low solubility, chlorine
derivatives, colored or scented species, humic acids, ...
[0005]
This charcoal "PICABIOL " is industrially manufactured by a conventional chemical
activation process. A mixture of wood pellets and phosphoric acid is heated in a rotary
furnace to 400-500 C, then washed and dried. This raw material and this activation can get
including macro-porosity sought for biological activity and the smaller porosity useful for
adsorption, and this material is entirely satisfactory in many cases. However, it has a
characteristic generally underestimated, namely a residual mass of P2O5 (H3PO4 or
hydrated form) significant share of 3 to 12%, which can be a handicap in some cases.
[0006]
Product specifications "PICABIOL " are summarized in the table below, provided that the
methods of measuring residual P2O5, the extraction pH, electrical resistivity and the BET
surface area are internal methods described below after:
* Residual P2O5 (in%):
Activated carbon is set by a conventional aqueous extraction system SOXHLET heated to
boiling for 12 hours (5 g of charcoal per 300 ml of water). The extraction and rinse waters are
recovered and completed to 500 ml with demineralized water.
The dosage of P2O5 begins by preparing a stock solution of KH2PO4 of known and is used
in the preparation by different dilutions of standard solutions. These standard solutions are
brought into contact with a reagent molybdovanadate then analyzed by a UV spectrometer
calibrated to read the optical density at 420 nm, with reference to distilled water. This
colorimetric assay allows a correlation between the optical density and the amount of P205 in
solution and then assayed the extraction solution. The final result is expressed P2O5/Masse
mass of activated carbon, in%.
It should be noted that the method determines the chemical species actually phosphate
(PO4-), which is then expressed as P2O5.
** PH extraction: Activated charcoal (10g) is boiled in tap water (150 ml) for 5 to 10 minutes.
Everything is filtered through a fluted filter. The filtrate was allowed to cool to room
temperature. A pH meter calibrated to measure the pH of the filtrate and then the extraction
pH.
*** Electrical resistivity (Ohm.cm) activated carbon powder is placed in a cylindrical mold
insulating body. A piston applying pressure to just the powder thus packed. Ohmmeter
calibrated measuring the electrical resistance (R in ohms) between the upper and lower base
of compacted activated carbon cylinder. The section of these bases is 2 cm
2.
Measurement
is at a pressure of 130 Kg.F. A scale in cm on the piston can raise the height of the packed
activated carbon (H cm) cylinder. The electrical resistivity is expressed by (R x 2 cm
2)
/ H
Ohm.cm.
Measures **** the BET surface area (and porous distributions): These data are from an
isothermal adsorption measurement of argon at 77 K performed by a unit ASAP 2000M -
Micromeritics.
Specifications
Method of measuring internal PICA
or ASTM
Securities
Adsorption of CCl 4% L22, 6 or ASTM D3467-94 60-120%
Butane adsorption in% L23, No. 3 or ASTM D5742-95 22-47%
Iodine in mg / g L26, 5 or ASTM D4607-94 > 900
extraction pH L21, No. 7 1-2
BET surface area in m
2
/
g
L17, No. 5 > 900
Residual P2O5% L34, No. 7 3-12%
Bulk density in g / ml L04, 6 or ASTM D2854-93
0.18 to
0.32
Ball Pan Hardness
Hardness%
L07, 5 or ASTM D3802-94 50-65%
In electrical resistivity
Ohm.cm
L14, No. 6 > 500
[0007]
The ranges indicated, including the characteristics of activity represents the change of a share as
possible of the parameterization process, and, second, the variation in product for a same setting
method (heterogeneity due to changes in raw materials , activation conditions, ...). This is standard
for all industrial production of activated carbon in batch or continuous process.
[0008]
The operation of the process by biological contactor showed, in some cases, specific issues related
to the nature of the impurities of the active carbon used. Thus, during the filling of a filter filled with
"PICABIOL ", a large portion of the remainder of P2O5 is sometimes leached by water. The water
comes out of the filter is then enriched P2O5 or, more accurately, PO4-chemical species and more,
acidified by the corresponding acid. The operator of a water treatment station, can in some cases,
depending on the local conditions of the natural environment, have problems to reject this water. It
must indeed meet local legislation in terms of quality: P2O5 content <5 mg / l and pH> 6.5 for
European legislation. These values can not be achieved in filter output after passing a large volume
of water. It follows that these operating constraints can lead to significant costs for the process, for
the management of large amounts of non-potable water quality. This acid release may limit the uses
of "PICABIOL " for any type of filter used to purify a liquid or solution.
[0009]
Another consequence of this residual P2O5 can be fast enough calcium ion binding. Part of P2O5 is
present on the carbon surface during the filling of the filter. These phosphorus species can then
quickly fix the calcium ions present in the water to be treated by chemical affinity. This can initiate
precipitation mechanisms of calcium carbonate and lead to premature aging of the activated carbon
by interference of a portion of the porosity. It was thus observed during the operation of a filter
"PICABIOL " by sampling, Calcium contents of the activated carbon in the range of 20,000 ppm,
30,000 ppm and 35,000 ppm, respectively, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months of life. These levels
are high enough to pollute the activity of activated carbon. In addition, the precipitation of calcium on
the surface of activated carbon can be problematic during the thermal regeneration of spent activated
carbon. When treating thermal regeneration, Calcium has the effect of modifying the porosity of
activated carbon (see: The Effect of Metals on Thermal Regeneration of Granular Activated Carbon
review AWWA Research Foundation, 1994).
[0010]
The invention is intended to overcome these drawbacks while maintaining performance that may
already have an activated carbon as the "PICABIOL " through an activated carbon, whose porosity
allows a very smooth operation both organically that adsorption mode, the chemical purity and allows
better use in water treatment (including minimization of phosphorus impurities and acid).
[0011]
It further provides a method of manufacturing such an activated carbon and its application in water
treatment, especially to eliminate certain pollutants.
[0012]
The invention provides for this purpose an activated carbon having the following characteristics:
CCl4 index between 120% and 190%,
P2O5 content at most equal to 2%,
extraction pH above 7,
apparent density 0.18 g / ml and 0.32 g / ml, and
electrical resistivity of less than 1.5 ohm.cm.
[0013]
It thus combines activated carbon, including a high adsorption capacity, low P2O5 and a neutral or
basic pH.
[0014]
In preferred embodiments of the invention, which may be combined:
the activated carbon has a BET surface area of at least 2000 m
2
/ g, or even 1800 m
2
/ g,
and / or it has an iodine value of at least 1750 mg / g and / or has a coefficient of adsorption
of butane from 45% to 75%, it should be noted that these are measures of adsorption
capacity.
the activated carbon has a hardness Ball Pan Hardness at least 65%, in effect the selection
criteria of an activated carbon can integrate mechanical characteristics.
It is obtained in the form of grain or powder (particle size distribution with particle size is
typically between 0.15 mm and 4.75 mm), making it especially suitable for many uses in water
treatment.
It contains a micropore volume of at least 0.50 ml / g and a mesopore volume of at least 0.30
ml / g, which helps to ensure a high adsorption capacity.
[0015]
The invention further provides a method suitable for preparing the above-mentioned activated
carbon, that is, a method for producing an activated carbon, comprising the steps of:
preparation of an activated carbon precursor by chemical activation with phosphoric acid of a
raw material,
Neutralization of this precursor with an aqueous solution,
thermal activation.
[0016]
There is therefore neutralizing the effects induced by the preparation of activated carbon precursor
while retaining the advantages.
[0017]
In preferred embodiments of the invention, which may be combined:
the precursor is achieved by chemical activation of wood with phosphoric acid, which
corresponds to the particular case of "PICABIOL "
the precursor has the following characteristics:
o CCl4 value between 60% and 120%,
o P2O5 content between 3% and 12%,
o extraction pH between 1 and 2,
o apparent density 0.18 g / ml and 0.32 g / ml, and
o electrical resistivity greater than 500 Ohm.cm, the above characteristics are those
whose values are improved according to the invention, the precursor preferably has
the following additional features:
o butane adsorption coefficient of 22% to 47%
o iodine number of at least 900 mg / g,
o BET surface area of at least 900 m
2
/ g,
o Ball Pan Hardness hardness between 50 and 65%, it should be noted that the
combination of these characteristics match those that define an activated carbon type
"PICABIOL ."
the neutralization step is carried out with urea or ammonia; these bases indeed reveal both
effective and moderately priced.
During the neutralization step, the / precursor ratio Base is advantageously between 0.1 and
0.3 which corresponds to an excess of base relative to what is strictly necessary to neutralize
residual phosphoric acid.
The water / precursor ratio is preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 which in practice gives a wet
appearance to the product, allowing a good diffusion of the reagents in the pores of
carbonaceous material.
There may be in the neutralization step to drying, if necessary, reduce product moisture to a
value below 10%.
The activation step is conducted at a reaction temperature between 800 C and 1000 C,
which reaction corresponds to a good compromise.
This activation step is performed in a furnace in the presence of steam and / or carbon
dioxide.
The precursor may be in the practical upper particle size ASTM # 70 sieve (212 microns),
there is advantageously, after activation, in a step of particle size.
[0018]
The invention provides several applications for charcoal defined above: these include the use of
activated carbon for water treatment with organic materials, the use of activated carbon for the
removal of atrazine, or the use of activated carbon for the removal of chloramines.
Description
[0019]
Objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following
description given by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG 1 is a block diagram of the method for producing an activated carbon according to the
invention,
Figure 2 is a graph correlating to three activated carbons, including that of the invention, the
equilibrium concentration of atrazine (micrograms per liter) in the adsorption capacity of
atrazine (micrograms per milligram)
Figure 3 is a graph correlating to the same three activated carbons, activated carbon load
(mg / l) for reduction in optical density (in%), and
Figure 4 is a graph showing, for the three activated carbons, the reduction in chloramines
(in%).
[0020]
The method of the invention can be analyzed as the sum of a particular treatment to a known method
such as the method of manufacture of an activated carbon such as "PICABIOL ", ie involving a
chemical activation with phosphoric acid. It is recalled here that the activated carbon "PICABIOL " is
produced industrially by chemical activation with phosphoric acid pellets between 400-500 C. The
particle size of the granular precursor is preferably greater in size to ASTM No. 70 sieve (mesh = 212
microns). This dimension is here arbitrarily taken to define the concept of Grain (above the threshold
size) and powder (below the threshold size).
[0021]
According to the invention the precursor is then successively treated in the following manner:
- Step 1 called Neutralization:
[0022]
The activated carbon precursor is contacted with an aqueous solution of a base to neutralize the
acidity of the activated carbon. The base used is preferably urea or ammonia, it is placed in aqueous
solution at room temperature. The weight ratio "Base / precursor" is preferably between 0.1 and 0.3,
it corresponds to an excess of the stoichiometry of the neutralization reaction of the residual
phosphoric acid by the base.
[0023]
The quantities of basic solution are preferably adjusted to obtain an activated carbon wet look, which
in practice corresponds to a mass ratio "Water / Precursor" between 1.5 and 2.5. This quantity
provides a good diffusion of the reactants into the pores of the carbonaceous material.
[0024]
Industrially, this treatment can be performed in batch or continuous.
[0025]
This neutralization step is necessary followed by drying to bring the product to a moisture content
below 10%
- Step 2 called thermal activation:
[0026]
Activated carbon offset is then introduced into a furnace activation status called "physical" or "heat."
This furnace may be a continuous rotary kiln, or a fluidized bed furnace. Conditions are mainly
physical activation:
Reaction temperature between 800 and 1000 C.
Activating gas introduced into the furnace: water vapor or carbon dioxide
Heating: direct or indirect.
[0027]
To drive this activation process, the activation time or in other words, the residence time will
determine the characteristics of the finished product for a given temperature. The residence time can
not be precisely defined for a continuous system, because it depends on the technology used and the
geometric characteristics of the oven. Another way to specify the degree of activation related to the
activation time is to express the mass yield obtained over the activation time is longer, the activity
obtained is high and therefore the greater the mass yield is low by carbon consumption. Finally, the
final activity of the product is also influenced by the level of activity of the precursor.
[0028]
The characteristics of the neutralized product and activated by this process are then as follows:
Specifications
Method of measuring internal PICA or
ASTM
Securities
Adsorption of CCl4% L22, 6 or ASTM D3467-94 120-190%
Butane adsorption in% L23, No. 3 or ASTM D5742-95 45-75%
Iodine in mg / g L26, 5 or ASTM D4607-94 > 1750
BET surface area in m
2
/ g L17, No. 5 > 1800
Bulk density in g / ml L04, 6 or ASTM D2854-93
0.18 to
0.32
extraction pH L21, No. 7 7-11
Residual P2O5% L34, No. 7 <2%
Ball Pan Hardness
Hardness%
L07, 5 or ASTM D3802-94 > 65%
In electrical resistivity
Ohm.cm
L14, No. 6 <1.5
[0029]
The ranges indicated, including the characteristics of activity, consist of a part of the possible
variation of the process parameters, and on the other hand, the variation of the product for the same
setting method (heterogeneity due to changes in raw materials, activation conditions, ...). This is
standard for all industrial production of activated carbon in batch or continuous process.
[0030]
It can be seen that the treatment resulted

volatilize or sublimate phosphorus species of activated charcoal in the gas flow and reduce
acidity as activated carbon. The level of residual P2O5 is indeed greatly reduced and the
product has more acidic at a impoundment.
structure of the carbon skeleton and high temperature to make it more mechanically resistant
and electrically conductive (resistivity and hardness). This structure is similar to a
carbonization step giving a material more "graphite".
create additional porosity by a controlled oxidation mechanism of carbon and increase as the
adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity corresponds to the pore volume and is
characterized by several methods and features all interrelated, namely: CCl4 or butane
capacity, iodine value, or the BET surface. Thus the threshold of 120% for CCl4 capacity
substantially corresponds to the threshold of 45% butane, the threshold of 1750 mg / g iodine
and 1800 m
2
/ g BET surface area . The level of capacity will be obtained depending on the
activation time and the initial activity of the starting material.
- Step 3 called Last passage:
[0031]
The product is then set to the desired particle size by sieving, with or without a crushing unit for
oversize. This provides the desired particle size distribution for the GAC. For the powdered activated
carbon, it is necessary to grinding or recover the fine fractions of sieving.
[0032]
Therefore, this process results in a new charcoal remarkable with the following features (its
properties analyzed above are not changed by setting the size):
Low residual level P2O5 does not cause leaching or acidification in an impoundment.
Capacity gain involving a much more efficient operation mode adsorption.
[0033]
Figure 1 schematically shows the entire production process as described above.
[0034]
The following examples of implementation of the invention clarify certain manufacturing conditions
and the characteristics of the corresponding products (products of the invention are designated below
under reference GX 191 ER. Masses are given for a base dry solids.
Example 1
[0035]
a) selected precursor (obtained according to the process set about "PICABIOL "
Size: 6x16 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 120%
pH: 1.9
Residual P2O5: 4%
b) Neutralization:
Ratio mass Urea / precursor: 0.25
Mass ratio Water / precursor: 2.2
Batch mixture stirred for a few minutes
Drying at 110 C in the rotary kiln
c) Activation:
Rotary kiln activation by continuous supply of product to activate
Supply of precursor flow rate: 700 kg / h average
Temperature: 850 to 900 C
Activating gas: water vapor at 300 Kg / hour on average
Quantity treated: 1150 Kg
The mass yield of this heat treatment is: 40%
d) the product obtained by sieving:
Size: 10x25 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 137%, which corresponds to a BET surface area of 1900 m
2
/ g
Bulk density: 0.24 g / ml
pH: 8 Residual P2O5: 0.6%
[0036]
This example shows the significant change in the chemical purity of the product and an increase in
activity.
Example 2
[0037]
a) precursor selected:
Size: 16x60 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 75%
pH: 1.5
Residual P2O5: 7.5%
b) Neutralization:
Ratio mass Urea / precursor: 0.18
Mass ratio Water / Precursor: 2
Batch mixture stirred for a few minutes
Drying at 110 C in the rotary kiln
c) Activation:
Rotary kiln activation by continuous supply of product to activate
Supply of precursor flow: 220-240 Kg / h
Temperature between 820 and 880 C
Activating gas: water vapor between 200 and 250 Kg / h
Quantity treated: 10,900 Kg
The mass yield of this heat treatment is: 34%
d) the product obtained by sieving:
Size: 40x100 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 148% in average
Iodine: 1900 mg / g
Bulk density: 0.24 g / ml
pH: 8
Residual P2O5: 1%
Electrical resistivity: 0.6 Ohm.cm
[0038]
This example shows the significant change in the chemical purity and the adsorption capacity of the
activated carbon. A high porosity has been developed. The BET surface area of this product is 2250
m
2
/ g. Microporous and mesoporous volumes are, respectively, 0.77 ml / g and 0.45 ml / g. Finally,
the median pore diameter is 15.4 .
Example 3
[0039]
a) precursor selected:
Size: 16x30 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 100% average
pH: 1.5
Residual P2O5: 3%
b) Neutralization: no
Ratio mass Urea / Precursor: 0
Mass ratio Water / Precursor: 0
c) Activation:
Rotary kiln activation by continuous supply of product to activate
Supply of precursor flow rate: 160 kg / h average
Temperature between 830-880 C
Activating gas: water vapor at 290 Kg / h on average
Quantity treated: 9280 Kg
The mass yield of this heat treatment is: 33%
d) The product obtained at the furnace outlet:
Size: from 16 Mesh
CCl4 Activity: 148%
Iodine: 1,750 mg / g
Bulk density: 0.2 g / ml
pH: 3.7
Residual P2O5: 2%
Electrical resistivity: 0.4 Ohm.cm
[0040]
This example clearly shows that without neutralization step, the product after heat
treatment shows a pH increase but not enough to be close to neutral. A gain of
activity is still obtained.
[0041]
All these examples of manufacturing and products obtained are not limiting in the
process and its parameters.
[0042]
The operation mode of the adsorption product GX 191 ER has been experimentally
validated by testing in an aqueous medium illustrated in the examples 4.5 and 6 as
follows:
Example 4: adsorption capacity Atrazine (Herbicide in the water).
[0043]
The adsorption isotherms at room temperature were carried out by contacting
different masses of powdered activated carbon with a fixed volume of a reconstituted
(demineralized water) aqueous solution of atrazine 100 g / l. After a contact time of
5 days stirring and protected from light, the water is filtered through a fluted filter
Atrazine then assayed by HPLC device and a UV detector (Waters material). The
results are expressed graphically in the traditional form of FREUNDLICH ladder Log
/ Log, with the capacity Atrazine adsorption by activated charcoal mass (micrograms
/ mg) according to the equilibrium concentration in Atrazine (in mcg / l). These
conditions and the graphic used to compare the effectiveness of different activated
carbon at equilibrium (see Figure 2).
[0044]
It appears that the product GX191ER, from the preparation of Example 1, was as
good a charcoal base mineral efficiency PICACARB and higher than activated
carbon "PICABIOL " kind. The capacitance difference for the same equilibrium
concentration is higher at least by a factor 3.
[0045]
This demonstrated for a herbicide known as water treatment efficiency can be
generalized to other pesticides or polluting organic molecular species of similar size.
Example 5: Adsorption of Organic Matter river water capacity.
[0046]
The test consists of contacting a fixed volume of river water (Cher - France) with
different masses of powdered activated carbon for a time of 2 hours under stirring at
25 C, and measure the reduction in organic materials from the water after filtration.
Organic Matter concentration is measured by UV spectrometry and is expressed in
optical density at 254 nm. This wavelength is characteristic of the chemical bonds
between carbon atoms and oxygen.
[0047]
The results are represented by a graph expressing the reduction of optical density
(initial DO - DO / initial OD) depending on the concentration of activated carbon in
water (see Figure 3).
[0048]
The organic materials are compounds of relatively high molecular weight and
therefore large. To adsorb these compounds, the porosity must be adapted to
facilitate its accessibility. It should be noted that the organic matter quantity and
quality, are specific to the sampled water, and thus determine in part the results. An
activated carbon fairly closed porosity PICACARB is less efficient than activated
carbons, and PICABIOL GX191ER, more open porosity. The GX191ER, from the
preparation of Example 1, is also distinguished by its higher overall activity and thus
a higher capacity.
Example 6: adsorption capacity of monochloramine (NH2Cl)
[0049]
As we know, it is a pollutant in the water produced by the chlorination treatment with
the presence of ammonia.
[0050]
Capacities were measured from an aqueous solution (deionized water) reconstituted
monochloramine (NH 2 Cl) 3 mg / l. The Monochloramine is prepared by reaction in
water sufficient quantities of ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, and Sodium Hypochlorite,
NaClO. The pH is adjusted to above 11 by adding concentrated soda. The method
of determination of chloramines in the water used is that of the standard NF T 90-
038, the method by colorimetric assay with the DPD reagent of combined chlorine
(corresponding to Monochloramine if pH> 6), which represents the difference
between the total chlorine and free chlorine.
[0051]
The test is then introduced into a fixed volume of the reconstituted water (1000 ml)
was stirred with a magnetic stirrer, a fixed amount of powdered activated carbon
(250 mg) and then, after a time defined contacts (1 minute) to quickly filter the
solution through a fluted filter with a vacuum pump water. The filtration time is
imposed between 10 and 15 seconds to recover 250 ml of filtrate. The filtrate was
finally assayed Monochloramine to determine the reduction in concentration (initial C
- C / C original) - see Figure 4.
[0052]
The GX 191 ER, from the manufacture of Example 1, halved the concentration of
NH 2 Cl water. The relatively short contact time can show rapid adsorption kinetics,
favored by an open porosity for good accessibility of the pollutant. The high capacity
makes it a strong adsorption.
[0053]
All these examples illustrate how the good adsorption capacity of the activated
carbon according to the invention with respect to pollutants in the water to be
treated. These efficiencies are directly related to the high porosity developed by this
product.
[0054]
They are not limiting in the experimental conditions of use or in the types of
pollutants to be adsorbed.
Example 7
[0055]
Finally, another possible use of the product GX 191 ER is its incorporation into any
known electrode double layer for an application known as "Super Capacity Electric"
system. A Super Capacity is a unit that can store and deliver electrical current
quickly. The advantage of these units compared to conventional batteries, for
example, is able to deliver high power on a large number of charge / discharge cycle.
[0056]
Activated carbon consists, in part, the electrode which serves to trap ions in an
aqueous or organic electrolyte and then storing the corresponding amount of current,
the adsorption of the ions is facilitated by an electric potential across 2 electrodes
(charge). This amount of power can be restored in a reversible manner to produce
power (discharge). The low electrical resistivity of the GX 191 ER also allows a good
flow of electrical charges. Supercapacitors and can provide high electrical power.
The invention does not relate to this application as it will not be described in detail.
Simply, innovation provides a product with certain characteristics are essential and
necessary for this application: a strong adsorption capacity, porosity suitable for the
adsorption of ions and relatively good electrical conductivity.

CLAIMS(23) translated from French
1. Activated carbon having the following characteristics:
CCI4 index between 120% and 190%,
P2O5 content at most equal to 2%,
extraction pH above 7,
apparent density 0.18 g / ml and 0.32 g / ml, and
electrical resistivity less than 1.5 Ohm.cm.
2. Activated carbon according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a BET surface
area of at least 2000 m
2
/ g.
3. Activated carbon according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a BET surface
area of at least 1800 m
2
/ g.
4. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that
it has an iodine value of at least 1750 mg / g.
5. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
it has a coefficient butane adsorption of 45% to 75%.
6. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that
it has a hardness Ball Pan Hardness of at least 65%.
7. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that
it has a particle size distribution of which particle size is less than 4.75 mm and
greater than 0.15 mm.
8. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that
it is a powder of size less than 212 microns.
9. The activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
it comprises a micropore volume of at least 0.50 ml / g and a mesopore volume of
at least 0.30 ml / g.
10. A method for producing an activated carbon, comprising the steps of:
preparation of an activated carbon precursor by chemical activation to phosphoric acid of a
raw material,
neutralization of this precursor with an aqueous solution,
thermal activation.
11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the precursor is obtained
by chemical activation of wood with phosphoric acid.
12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that the precursor has the
following characteristics:
CCI4 index between 60% and 120%,
P2O5 content between 3% and 12%,
extraction pH between 1 and 2,
apparent density 0.18 g / ml and 0.32 g / ml, and
electrical resistivity greater than 500 Ohm.cm.
13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the precursor further has
the following characteristics:
butane adsorption coefficient of 22% to 47%
iodine value of at least 900 mg / g,
BET surface area of at least 900 m
2
/ g,
Pan Hardness Ball hardness between 50 and 65%.
14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the
neutralization step is carried out with urea or ammonia.
15. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the ratio
base / precursor is between 0.1 and 0.3.
16. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the ratio
water / precursor is between 1.5 and 2.5.
17. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the
neutralization step comprises a drying to a moisture of the product to less than
10%.
18. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the
activating step is conducted at a reaction temperature between 800 C and 1000
C.
19. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the
activation step is performed in an oven in the presence of steam and / or carbon
dioxide.
20. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the
precursor has a particle size greater than the ASTM No. 70 sieve (212 microns),
and there is a step of particle size.
21. Use of activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the treatment of
water comprising organic materials.
22. Use of activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the removal of
atrazine.
23. Use of activated carbon according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the removal of
chloramines.