Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Date Pits by Physical Activation in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

The preparation of activated carnon Irom date pits was experimentally investigated by physical activation with a mi)\1ure of superheated steam and air in a fluidized bed reactor. The effect of different process parameters like particle size of the precursor. temperature of carbonization, time of activation and operating pressure of the fluidizing medium on different physical, chemical and adsorptive characteristics ofthe resultant products were studied. It was thereafter established, that granular activated carbon in 25% yield, of moderate activity in liquid phase and lower Ball Pan Hardness No. (BPH No.), than the desired ASTM Standard was obtained from date pits in particle size of 1.00 - 2.00 mm. The other operational variables optimized through this study were operating pressure of 20 psi in 60 minutes of activation time.

M TAHIR ,T H USMANI ,I SIDDIQUI ,F A PERVEEN ,