The main principle on which the filtration of gas molecules is based is the concept of adsorption. Two main processes by which adsorption takes place are physical adsorption and chemisorption.
Physical Adsorption
Physical adsorption is non-specific and adsorption of the gas molecule is by diffusion (Brownian Movement) or adsorption/condensation using Van Der Waals’ forces.
The gas molecules move into an empty area and diffuse into the pore.
Attracted and captured in the space by the Van Der Waals’ force, the molecules penetrate into the pores, impact the walls and are trapped.
The number of pores present in the carbon is vast and therefore the total surface area is extremely large.
The specific surface is a measure of the surface area per unit of weight, which is m2/g.
Depending on the carbon is use and the type of filter, aggregate surface area is in the range if 2000m2/g. This represents a surface area roughly equivalent to about 4 football playing fields.
Chemisorption
The physical process of adsorption is followed by chemical adsorption (chemisorption).
This is a chemical reaction in which the two substances react together and the resultant chemical is trapped on the filter material.
The impregnation of filter media can greatly extend the range of gases that can be removed from the air stream.
Adsorption Efficiency
The ability of a filter to function efficiently depends on a number of factors including temperature, humidity, residence time, filter age, evaporation rate and chemical concentration.
Temperature
The temperature of the gas is very important because the higher the temperature, the lower will be the adsorption capacity, especially for a gas with a low boiling point.
A relatively high temperature can even generate desorption, with the filter releasing previously adsorbed gas molecules.
Generally temperature must be kept below 40°C.
Humidity
Relative humidity is an important factor that can affect the efficiency of the filter.
The molecules of gases with low boiling points will be less adsorbed, because the molecules of the water vapor will be adsorbed in their place, leaving less free surface in the pores for the gas molecules to impact the carbon.
Generally, relative humidity must always be kept below 60%.
Residence Time
Residence time is the time needed by the air to cross the filter, during which it stays in contact with the carbon itself.
This is the time during which gas molecules can be adsorbed by the pores of the carbon before leaving it.
This time should be as long as possible.
To maximize time, filter thickness must be sufficient and the air speed crossing it must be kept to a minimum.
This minimum is influenced by the fact that the air speed across the front opening of the fume cupboard (face velocity) must be kept at a rate sufficient to ensure containment of the fumes within the enclosure.
Filter Age
Normally the filter, if not properly stored before use, becomes less efficient with time because of “poisoning” of the charcoal due to the presence of gasses in the atmosphere, as well as the effect of humidity in the environment.
Evaporation Rate and Concentration
The rate at which the chemical is being evaporated and the concentration of chemical vapors within the enclosure will likewise impact efficiency with the higher evaporation and concentration having a negative impact on efficiency.
Activated carbon filters are not recommended for use:
where very large quantities of contaminates are produced, such as in acid digestions or evaporation of solvents to dryness,
