The reaction of Bingtong with activated carbon
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A small amount of acid is generated during the process of using activated carbon to adsorb propane → and then using steam to desorb propane (propane recovery, activated carbon regeneration). I’ve been very confused; I’m seeking information on the reaction that produces acid. Thank you. PS: Throughout the adsorption and desorption process, aside from propylene and activated carbon, only air is present.
I have to answer one of these. Stakeholders involved in the production and sale of activated carbon. The original wording from the questioner: Throughout the entire adsorption and desorption process, aside from propylene carbonate and activated carbon, only air is present. The problem is that activated carbon consists not only of carbon atoms or graphite molecules, but also of ash, the components of which include, but are not limited to, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and other substances. The presence of metal salts can catalyze certain oxidation reactions. Based on experience in this industry, using activated carbon with a high ash content for the adsorption of propylene leads to disadvantages such as low purity of the recovered propylene, discoloration, and an excessive increase in the temperature of the carbon column. As for the solution, it is naturally to use activated carbon with low ash content; finding the right people is key to solving the problem.
Thank you for the reply from the expert above; I use activated carbon imported from Japan in my production, and its quality is quite good. That is, before further refining, alkali needs to be added to neutralize the acid in Bingtong.
The formation of acid, in my opinion, is caused by the catalytic oxidation of propanol by metal salts in the activated carbon. If the carbon imported from Japan is coal-based columnar activated carbon, it too may have the issue of low purity; this is determined by the properties of the material itself, not by the brand. Of course, if you’re using coconut shell columnar carbon, then it’s not a matter of purity – in that case, just ignore what I said; P.