Phenol

Phenols are organic substances that derive largely from petrochemicals and are used as a precursor to many important compounds. In industrial wastewater or groundwater, they must be reduced to protect drinking water, the human food chain, and human and animal health. Phenols are found in a huge range of products, including: antiseptics, food and cosmetics preservatives, adhesives, epoxy resins, paper and pulp, building materials, textiles and pesticides. Activated carbon filters are effective at treating water containing phenols so it is safe to be discharged to the environment or sent to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

Activated carbon filtration is a highly effective way to remove phenols in wastewater from condensate, chemical reactions, and cleaning processes. DESOTEC provides activated carbon filtration solutions for companies in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food production and waste management sectors. Our mobile filters are plug-and-play: they are simple and quick to install and exchange, and start working immediately. 

Activated carbon is a very effective treatment for removing phenols, including creosote and other petrochemical substances, from groundwater at former or current industrial sites. DESOTEC mobile filters are supplied on a rental basis, making them an excellent option for temporary usage, and their small footprint means they can be installed even at busy sites. In urgent situations, we can supply them rapidly to start work straight away. 

Activated carbon filtration is a reliable technology to enable your company to comply with phenol regulations and WWTP acceptance criteria. Relevant laws include the EU’s REACH regulations and Water Framework Directive, the UK’s Water Framework Directive, and national and regional legislation. There are also specific controls for certain phenol derivatives. Emissions limits are defined directly through a phenol index under ISO 6439 or are included in chemical oxygen demand (COD) limits. Legislation is likely to become stricter, making it important for companies to have modular, reliable solutions ready to go. 

DESOTEC’s know-how and technology help clients comply with all these regulations at all times. Our activated carbon filters bring down phenol concentration below emissions limits and can be installed rapidly in urgent situations to ensure business continuity. Complaint, safe and sustainable waste management is included in our service. 

Activated carbon is highly effective at removing phenols, and mobile filtration is often the most cost-effective and sustainable option – but it does depend on various factors.

For example:

• Where water flow is 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 reverse osmosis.

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. Our thermal treatment completely destroys phenols, so the problem they present is eliminated rather than just shifted elsewhere.