Manufactured goods

Activated carbon filtration treats a huge range of pollutants found in air emissions from manufacturing, such as: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX); nitrogen oxides (NOx); and sulfur oxides (SOx). All these must be reduced to protect the environment and occupational health – and legislation is generally becoming more stringent. DESOTEC activated carbon filters are in use at many manufacturing sites in Europe and North America, either as standalone treatments or in combination with other technology. 

Several manufacturing processes generate emissions containing odorous molecules that can be removed by activated carbon, e.g. hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and VOCs and solvents such as styrene. For H₂S, commonly emitted in sectors including textile manufacturing and paper processing, impregnated carbon must be used. DESOTEC filters are the answer; in urgent cases, such as odour complaints, they can be delivered fast to start working immediately. 

Industrial wastewater containing H₂S, benzene, NOx, substances of very high concern (SVHC) and adsorbable organic halides (AOX), measured together as chemical oxygen demand (COD), can be treated using activated carbon filtration. This brings down COD concentrations so the water meets wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) acceptance criteria, or is safe for discharge to waterways. Using DESOTEC filters, your company could even purify water for reuse in your industrial processes, boosting sustainability. 

Spills and leaks of chemicals need to be remedied fast – and activated carbon filtration is a straightforward, plug-and-play technology. DESOTEC filters are mobile with a small footprint, and we deliver them rapidly in emergencies. They are supplied on a rental basis, making them suitable for urgent and short-term remediation work.

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 air flow is discontinuous, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives such as thermal oxidisers (RTOs).
• If space is tight, 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.

Activated carbon is a very versatile technology, so there are many ways to optimise set-ups – e.g. placing filters in series, using different carbon grades, or combining filters with complementary technology such as scrubbers.

DESOTEC’s experts carry out testing, advise on set-up design, and offer ongoing support as part of our full-service solution. Our 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 is rapid, minimising costly production downtime. Thanks to our circular approach, waste carbon is reactivated wherever possible, reducing your TCO and your carbon footprint.