BIO Web of Conferences (Jan 2024)
Simulation of the activation process for an activated carbon production plant
Abstract
Charcoal activation is the process by which the pores of the charcoal open. As a result, its absorption capacity is greatly increased. Opening of pores in coal occurs upon contact with a coolant having a high temperature of 800-900 °C. The temperature regimes of the activation process are described by differential heat transfer equations. Mass transfer during activation is described by differential mass transfer equations for coal and the resulting activation gases. Modeling the activation process and designing equipment for coal activation is a complex process that requires many factors to be taken into account. For an energy- and resource-saving continuously operating plant for the production of activated carbon, a zone of coal activation by superheated steam obtained in the process of cooling coal and flue gases has been developed. Water to create steam is separated as a result of mass transfer processes occurring in the activated carbon production unit. An engineering method for calculating a shaft-type activation chamber used for dispersed particles has been developed. A mathematical model of the activation process is presented, which determines the duration of the coal activation process. Quantitative characteristics of superheated steam are calculated from the initial productivity of coal. Relationships are given for calculating the geometric dimensions of the activation chamber in an activated carbon production unit.