Hydrocarbons in water

Hydrocarbons come from fossil fuel products such as oils and plastics, so are found in countless everyday products. Wastewater containing hydrocarbons is generated by the manufacture or use of these products, including pesticides, bitumen, foodstuffs, cosmetics, cleaning and degreasing products, and clothing. Rainfall run-off at scrapyards and landfill sites will also contain traces of oil or cooling liquids, including hydrocarbons. 

Activated carbon filters are effective at removing the full range of hydrocarbons, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX), and petroleum. Activated carbon is a flexible technology, capable of handling varying compounds, concentrations, flow rates and other changing parameters. It can work as a standalone treatment, or in combination with complementary technology as a pre-treatment or polishing step. DESOTEC can carry out testing and advise you on the optimal set-up for your requirements. Plus, we handle all filtration waste, sparing your company the hassle.

Activated carbon can treat groundwater or lake sediment at former or current industrial sites that is contaminated by restricted compounds such as the very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB) coal-tar product creosote. If found unexpectedly during construction work, this contamination has the potential to derail complex building projects.

DESOTEC can supply filters rapidly for immediate usage, treating pumped-up ground water or air emissions from excavated soil. Our filters have a small footprint and are supplied on a rental basis, making them ideal for both temporary and longer term usage at crowded sites. 

Activated carbon is a reliable treatment for hydrocarbons in wastewater or groundwater, which are governed by strict legislation on environmental and health grounds. Many are hazardous or bioaccumulative, so must be removed to protect aquatic life and human drinking water and food. Some are toxic or carcinogenic, so are controlled to protect human health. Some countries, such as France, mandate soil remediation if contamination is found during construction. DESOTEC has the expertise and technology to help your company comply with all relevant regulations at all times.

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

For example:

• Where flow rates are intermittent, activated carbon is generally more cost-effective than alternatives.
• If space is tight, e.g. 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.
• 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 or membrane. 

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. Thanks to our circular approach, waste carbon is reactivated wherever possible, cutting your costs and helping you reach your green goals.