The European standard "EN 12903 Products for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Powdered activated carbon" describes the requirements for powdered activated carbon used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption. This standard describes the properties of powdered activated carbon and specifies the requirements and relevant test methods for powdered activated carbon. It also provides information on its use in water treatment.
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in the standard “EN 12901 Products for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Inorganic supporting and filter materials - Definitions” apply.
The chemical name for powdered activated carbon is carbon. It is also called activated charcoal or activated carbon. Powdered activated carbon is available in many grades that differ in adsorption properties, porosity, particle size, and purity. Physically, it appears as a black powder. It must have a mass fraction of at least 95% with a particle size smaller than 150 µm. Other values may be required for some applications. The particle size distribution is generally specified as a mass fraction smaller than 95% of a given particle size. The particle size distribution should be within the values declared by the manufacturer. The ratio of large and small particles should be within the values declared by the manufacturer. The bulk density of the packaged carbon should be within plus/minus 10% of the value specified by the manufacturer or supplier. The bulk density in which powdered activated carbon is packaged is typically between 200 kg/m³ and 750 kg/m³.
Powdered activated carbon is produced by controlled oxidation of carbonaceous raw materials such as coconut, wood, peat or coal by means of steam or chemicals. The raw materials must be specified by the manufacturer. High internal porosity results in adsorptive properties and can have acid or basic properties depending on the raw material and the production process. It is a reducing agent with catalytic properties. Activated carbon can react with oxidants to form carbon dioxide. The carbon content of the commercial product does not affect the adsorption properties.
This European standard specifies the minimum purity requirements for powdered activated carbon used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption. Limits are given for impurities commonly found in the product. Depending on the raw material and the production process, other impurities may be present and, if present, must be reported to the user and, if necessary, to the relevant authorities.
Users of this product should check national regulations to clarify whether the raw water quality is of suitable purity for the treatment of water intended for human consumption, taking into account the content of other impurities and additives used in the product not specified in the product standard.
Limits are given for impurities and chemical parameters that are likely to be present in significant quantities in the current production process and raw materials. If the production process or raw materials lead to the presence of significant amounts of impurities, by-products or additives, this must be reported to the user.
In terms of impurities and main by-products, the product must comply with the requirements in the table given in the standard. For example, the mass fraction limit for ash must be no more than 15 percent, water (during packaging) no more than 5 percent, water-soluble matter no more than 3 percent and zinc no more than 0,002 percent.
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