ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses elements of good system design and proper approaches to troubleshooting of problems resulting from pretreatment deficiencies such as excessive pressure drop, inadequate bed life, and distributor plugging. Many granular activated carbon adsorption systems treating industrial wastewater are designed similar to ordinary pressure filters. Biological activity is seldom a problem in the industrial wastewater applications because of the nature of the waste, but there is a tendency in a low-oxygen waste to foster anaerobic conditions which can be controlled by the introduction of sufficient sodium nitrate. There are literally hundreds of granular activated carbon adsorption systems performing in a wide variety of industrial process and wastewater applications. A majority of industrial applications employ off-site regeneration for the spent activated carbon. Lining failure often occurs because of separation from the vessel or perforation of the lining.
