Carbon in Filter Bags & Reactivation

[bongarone]

Two questions about GAC.

1. So pound for pound, GAC absorbs misc crap more quickly in a reactor. However, if I have the space in my sump, why can't I just use a very large bag of carbon? It's not like the stuff dissolves over time. I can pull the bag, put it in a bucket of RO DI water, mix it around, and put it back in the sump to get rid of any "dead spots" without getting any carbon dust in the sump. Eventually when it's saturated, it will have taken out as much crap as the carbon in the reactor.

2. How does one reactivate carbon? Is it as simple as heating it up for a certain period of time? I have full access to a ceramic kiln that tops out at 2250F. The power bill to run this kiln at 1750F for an hour or three is WAY cheaper than buying GAC, especially the good stuff.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If the water flows through the GAC, a bag is fine. I use GAC in a canister. I'm not a fan of GAC in a tumbling reactor due to pulverization.

There is not a home way to rejuvenate GAC. Some folks find you can get some utility out of it my microwaving it, but that is only a partial help. Generally, GAC is a use and toss media. In a kiln, unless it is under N2, I'd be concerned that you'll just burn up the carbon and have nothing left.