Catalytic & Specialty Carbons
Catalytic carbon has its surface chemistry deliberately enriched during production: the surface itself acts as a catalyst, chemically decomposing stubborn molecules such as chloramine. With no foreign chemical loaded, there is no depletion concept — and it is extra safe for food contact.
This family also includes our acid-washed, low-ash carbons for pharmaceutical, food and analytical applications — high purity with a documented heavy metal spectrum.
When to Choose It
- Your network is chloraminated and standard carbon falls short
- You operate sensitive lines such as dialysis or beverage water
- You battle H2S in well water
- You need low-ash, certified purity for pharma or food
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramine capacity | 10+ times standard carbon | — |
| Peroxide number | High catalytic activity | Manufacturer test |
| Iodine number | 950–1100 mg/g | ASTM D4607 |
| Ash (acid-washed grade) | max 3% | ASTM D2866 |
| Food contact | Compliant option available | — |
| Form | Granular 12x40 / 20x50 | ASTM D2862 |
Values are typical production ranges; a batch analysis certificate ships with every order.
Applications
- Dialysis water preparation lines
- Beer and soft drink process water
- POU/POE filters on chloraminated networks
- H2S oxidation in well water
- Purification in pharmaceutical production (acid-washed grade)
- Analytical and laboratory applications
Three checks when purchasing
- For chloramine duty look at the peroxide number, not the iodine number; they measure different abilities.
- On critical lines such as dialysis, make the batch analysis certificate a hard requirement.
- For pharma use, request the heavy metal spectrum together with the ash value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between catalytic and impregnated carbon?
Impregnation loads a chemical that depletes over time; in catalytic carbon the surface itself is reactive and is not consumed. Catalytic is the tool for chloramine; impregnated for targeted jobs like mercury and H2S.
How much better is it on chloramine?
Under identical conditions catalytic carbon shows more than ten times the chloramine capacity of standard carbon; bed size and changeout frequency shrink accordingly.
What jobs call for acid-washed carbon?
Pharmaceutical, food additive and analytical applications requiring low ash and low heavy metals. Gold circuits also prefer it for elution efficiency.
