Processing unit for bio-sourced magnetic activated carbon featured in magnetic separation for water treatment

Important results from the project

MAC concept is low consumption of carbon and maintain constant carbon age in the contact tank in order to avoid unintended break-through of contaminations. The principle is continuous separation and retrieval of the carbon after treatment and re-using a certain amount and adding a corresponding amount of fresh MAC. Water samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the treatment cycle. Data confirmed that the goals for the project were achieved; efficient separation of MAC after treatment, high adsorption of PFAS and verification of industrial scale-up design.

Expected long term effects

In this project, a number of tests were carried out to examine the best separation techniques of MAC from water using a industrial scale electromagnetic separator in series with an ultrafiltration membrane unit. Both systems performed well in separating MAC from the water. This study showed the benefits of using a hybrid separation system consisting of the magnetic separator as the primary separation unit to be followed by UF membrane as the final filter. The bulk of MAC particles were successfully separated in the magnetic separator and thus reduced the MAC loading in the UF.

Approach and implementation

Tests were carried out using an industrial scale electromagnetic separator in series with an ultrafiltration membrane. The magnetic separator used as the primary separation unit followed by UF membrane as the final filter. The water used in the tests were real water polluted with a wide range of inorganic and organic complex substances. MAC demonstrated good results for remediation of PFASs, PAHs, heavy metals, organic acids, and lowering DOC and TOC. Tandem filtration with magnetic separator and ultra filtration achieved almost 100% collection of MAC particles.