Activated Carbon Filter Pore Structure for High-SV PFAS Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters using activated carbon are inadequate in removing fluorine-containing organic compounds like PFAS at high superficial velocities, despite having sufficient mesopore volumes.

Innovation Solution

The filter incorporates an activated carbon molded body with specific pore volume distributions, including 0.30 cc/g of pores ≤2.0 nm and 0.01 cc/g of pores in the 3.0 to 3.5 nm range, optimized using the QSDFT method to enhance adsorption efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pore volume of mesopores is increased to improve PFAS removal capacity, then the adsorption performance is improved, but the filtration speed decreases at high superficial velocities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePFAS removal performanceVSAvoidfiltration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pore size distribution parameters by controlling the volume of specific pore diameter ranges (0.65-1.0 nm, 1.0-1.5 nm, 1.5-2.0 nm) during activated carbon production. This parameter optimization allows the filter to achieve both high PFAS removal efficiency and maintain effective filtration speed at high superficial velocities by creating an ideal balance between adsorption capacity and fluid flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the pore volume of small pores (≤2.0 nm) is increased to enhance PFAS adsorption, then the removal efficiency is improved, but the water flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePFAS removal efficiencyVSAvoidwater flow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by creating different pore volume distributions in specific pore diameter ranges within the activated carbon structure. By optimizing the pore volume in each range (0.65-1.0 nm, 1.0-1.5 nm, 1.5-2.0 nm) according to different functional requirements, the filter achieves high PFAS adsorption capacity while maintaining adequate water flow characteristics, thus reducing flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite pore structure within the activated carbon that combines multiple pore size ranges with optimized volume ratios. This composite pore system integrates the adsorption advantages of small pores with the flow advantages of larger pores, achieving both high removal efficiency and acceptable flow resistance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The filter maintains high performance in removing PFAS even at high superficial velocities, ensuring effective filtration of fluorine-containing organic compounds.

Implementation Method 1

a technique using a filter containing activated carbon has been proposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4656600A1filter
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UNITIKA LTD
  • EP4656600A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656600A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4656600A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The main objective of the present invention is to provide a filter having excellent performance in removing fluorine-containing organic compounds even when the superficial velocity (SV) of water to be treated is high. A filter according to the present invention includes an activated carbon molded body containing activated carbon. Among pore volumes calculated by a QSDFT method, the activated carbon molded body has a pore volume A(cc/g) of at least 0.30 cc/g of pores having a pore diameter of 2.0 nm or less, and has a pore volume B(cc/g) of at least 0.01 cc/g of pores having a pore diameter of 3.0-3.5 nm.