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Activated carbon media is used in food and beverage processing to remove undesirable compounds that affect taste color and odor. It is a highly porous form of carbon with a large internal surface area which enables adsorption of organic compounds from liquids. A wide spectrum of pore sizes allows activated carbon to target specific contaminants while maintaining product quality.
The AKS FB portfolio has proven successful across a wide range of food and beverage applications including wine distilled spirits hard seltzers cannabis juice and sweeteners.
What is activated carbon media?
Activated carbon media is an effective method for removing undesirable contaminants across food and beverage applications. Its highly porous structure provides extensive internal surface area that supports adsorption of compounds that can impact product quality.
Activated carbon contains a range of pore structures that contribute to its adsorptive performance:
- Macropores above 50 nanometers
- Mesopores from 2 to 50 nanometers
- Micropores below 2 nanometers
These pore structures allow activated carbon to adsorb a wide spectrum of organic compounds.
How does activated carbon work?
Activated carbon works by adsorbing compounds onto its internal pore structure while allowing the liquid to pass through. While particle removal is achieved through filtration adsorption relies on London dispersion forces between the carbon surface and the adsorbed compound.
These forces act over short distances and depend on the proximity between the carbon surface and the adsorbate molecules.
What challenges are associated with powdered activated carbon processes?
Traditional bulk powdered activated carbon processes introduce several operational challenges in food and beverage production. These challenges can affect efficiency handling and overall process consistency.
Common challenges include:
- Manual handling and dosing of loose powdered activated carbon
- Increased labor and cleaning requirements
- Risk of process interruption
- Disposal of spent carbon which adds operational complexity
Decolorization process involving addition of bulk activated carbon (cleaning steps not shown)
How do sheet based activated carbon solutions address these challenges?
Sheet based activated carbon products help reduce operational complexity and improve process efficiency. By immobilizing activated carbon within a controlled sheet format these solutions eliminate loose powder handling and support more consistent adsorption performance.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced cleaning time and downtime
- Improved process consistency
- Simplified carbon removal from the process
Where is activated carbon media used in food and beverage processing?
Activated carbon media is used across multiple food and beverage markets to improve product quality while maintaining efficient filtration processes.
Applicable markets include
SUPRA AKS FB activated carbon media portfolio
The SUPRA AKS FB portfolio consists of cellulose based filter media that incorporate immobilized activated carbon. These media are designed for food and beverage processes where controlled adsorption improved handling and efficient filtration are required.
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Seitz® AKS FB Sheets
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SUPRAdisc™ AKS FB
Seitz AKS FB sheets incorporate activated carbon immobilized within a matrix of cellulosic fibers. This construction delivers consistent adsorption performance while reducing handling challenges associated with loose powdered activated carbon.
Key points
- Immobilized activated carbon within a cellulose matrix
- Controlled adsorption performance
- Reduced risk of downstream carbon shedding
SUPRAdisc AKS FB lenticular modules incorporate Seitz AKS FB activated carbon sheets in 12 inch and 16 inch formats. These modules are used in SUPRAdisc housings and benefit from a closed system design.
Key points
- Closed system operation
- Free from carbon dust
- Simplified handling and cleaning
- No drip loss
- No oxygen pickup
Features and Benefits of SUPRA AKS FB Media
SUPRA AKS FB immobilized carbon media is designed to address common challenges associated with powdered activated carbon processes in food and beverage filtration.
Key features
- Carbon impregnated media with a homogeneous and consistent matrix
- High adsorption efficiency compared to bulk powdered activated carbon
- Media targeted to food and beverage industry requirements
Resulting benefits
- Free of carbon dust
- Simplified handling and cleaning
- When used with protective paper downstream no further trap filtration is required
- Reduction of overall process time
- Increased product yield
- Good permeability with excellent filtrate quality
- High economic efficiency due to long service life
Need help selecting the right activated carbon media for your process? Contact us on the form provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between powdered activated carbon and immobilized carbon media?
Powdered activated carbon is typically added directly to the process and later removed through filtration. Immobilized carbon media incorporates activated carbon within a stable matrix which eliminates loose powder handling and helps reduce downstream carbon shedding while providing controlled adsorption.
What are the benefits of using sheet based activated carbon media?
Sheet based activated carbon media helps simplify filtration processes by immobilizing carbon within a consistent structure. This format supports improved handling reduced cleaning requirements and more consistent adsorption performance compared to loose powdered activated carbon.
Which food and beverage applications use activated carbon media?
Activated carbon media is used in a range of food and beverage applications where removal of undesirable compounds is required. Common markets include wine distilled spirits hard seltzers and cannabis.
How do SUPRA AKS FB products support food and beverage filtration processes?
SUPRA AKS FB media combines immobilized activated carbon with cellulose based filter structures to support efficient adsorption and filtration. These products are designed to reduce operational complexity improve process consistency and support reliable filtration in food and beverage production.