Construction & engineering

Activated carbon is a highly effective treatment for several construction processes that generate contaminated air emissions or wastewater, including remediation. DESOTEC’s air filters remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odours and other components in air emissions, while our water filters bring down chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels and remove harmful components such as phenols in wastewater or rainfall run-off. Our solutions are supplied on a rental basis and are mobile with a small footprint, making them ideal for temporary usage at busy sites.

Activated carbon filters are ideal for the treatment of leaks and spills at both former and current industrial sites. They can remove: phenols/ creosote; persistent organic pollutants (POPs); per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); halogenated hydrocarbons; and chlorinated compounds measured as adsorbable organic halides (AOX). Air filters purify vapours released by the excavation and thermal treatment of soil, while water filters treat extracted groundwater so it is safe for discharge. DESOTEC’s activated carbon filters have a small footprint, making them suitable for busy construction sites, and we can deliver rapidly in urgent situations to ensure complex projects continue without delays. 

Activated carbon filtration can protect health and safety by purifying air emissions and wastewater generated by the manufacture of building materials such as paints, coatings, bitumen roofing, insulation materials, plastics and other goods. Air filters remove VOCs such as benzene and other hazardous compounds, while water filters purify wastewater of chlorinated compounds and traces of chemicals. DESOTEC’s flexible and modular system adapts to changing concentrations and process parameters, ensuring workers are protected and production complies with health and safety legislation. 

Activated carbon is a reliable and effective technology, enabling your company to comply with relevant legislation and meet the terms of your operating licence at all times. DESOTEC filters bring down VOC levels to those specified by odour and air quality regulations, and our water filters reduce COD and AOX to below the legal thresholds. Specific chemicals, such as POPs, are subject to more stringent limits due to their high environmental or health impacts; our filters reduce concentrations of these to below detectable levels. 

DESOTEC’s system is modular – so if legislation becomes more stringent in the future, as is likely, your company will be able to expand your filtration set-up and stay on the right side of the law. Plus, sustainable and compliant filtration waste handling is included in our service, sparing you further hassle. 

Activated carbon filtration is a Best Available Technology (BAT) for many pollution treatment applications, and is often the most cost-effective and sustainable option – but it does depend on various factors.

For example:

• Where production is discontinuous, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives such as thermal oxidisers (RTOs).
• If space is tight, as is generally the case at building sites, DESOTEC filters have a smaller footprint than most alternatives.
• For short-term usage, our filters are mobile and rental – unlike more permanent installations such as RTOs.
• If treatment is needed immediately, our filters can be delivered fast and are plug-and-play – some alternatives have a lengthy lead-in time.
• If your needs might change in the future, our systems are modular – other technology might be less adaptable.

DESOTEC is keen to help customers find the best treatment for their needs, and our experts will tell you if they think an alternative technology might be more suitable than activated carbon.

There are many ways to optimise activated carbon filtration set-ups – e.g. placing filters in series, using different carbon grades, or combining filters with complementary technology such as scrubbers. DESOTEC works with engineering consultants to optimise design and set-up during construction work or while facilities are running, ensuring maximum productivity.

DESOTEC’s activated carbon filtration solutions have a low total cost of ownership (TCO): they have minimal capex costs, and our service includes maintenance, upgrading, and sustainable carbon waste handling. Installation and exchange of our filters are rapid, minimising costly downtime. Thanks to our circular approach, waste carbon is reactivated wherever possible, reducing your TCO and your carbon footprint.