Investigation of Activated Carbon Filtering Distillation System Alvin Ng and Dr. Birce Dikici (Advisor) Mechanical Engineering Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Experiments: OBJECTIVE: Factors that Affect the Performance Activated carbon is often used in Experime Layers Sample Observation nt of Activated Carbon: water filtration systems. The 1 Pebbles, sand Dirty Clear water purpose of this research is to and filter paper Water determine the effectiveness of 2 Pebbles, sand Colored Colored activated carbon and the factors and filter paper water Water that affect the performance. 3 Pebbles, sand, Colored Clear water filter paper , water INTRODUCTION: and activated Activated carbon removes organic carbon constituents by chemically Powdered activated carbon • Flow rate adsorbing contaminants through its Effectiveness of Activated - The lower the flow rate, • Molecular Weight pores. It also improves the taste Carbon in Removing Harmful contaminants have more time to and minimizes health hazards Contaminants : - As the molecular weight diffuse into pores and be adsorbed. found in water supplies such as • Bacteria and Viruses increases, the activated carbon At high flow rates using finer mesh chlorine, lead and radon which are • Cysts (Cryptosporidium) adsorbs more effectively because carbon filtering will cause an metals and radioactive substance • Chlorine the molecules are less soluble in increased pressure drop. harmful to the human body. • Color and Odor water [2]. • Lead • Organic Chemicals • Petroleum and Gasoline • Radon (causes lung cancer) • Volatile Organic Chemicals [1] • Temperature - As temperature increases, the viscosity (µ) decreases. This can increase the diffusion rate. • pH value - However, higher temperatures can - At lower pH values, organics are disrupt the adsorptive bond and less soluble and will be easily decrease adsorption. Therefore, it adsorbed by activated carbon. depends the organic compound - The size of carbon is increased being removed [2]. by 20% for every pH unit above REFERENCES: [1] Lemley, Ann, Linda Wagenet, and Barbera Kneen. "Activated Carbon Adsorptive process where contaminants are filtered neutral pH (7.0) to increase Treatment of Drinking Water." Activated Carbon. Cornell University and withheld in the pores Cooperative Extension, 3 Dec. 1995. Web. 1 Apr. 2017. adsorption [2]. [2] DeSilva, Frank. "Activated Carbon Filtration." Activated Carbon Filtration. 1 2 3 Water Quality Products Magazine, Jan. 2000. Web. 1 Apr. 2017..