Application and technical analysis of activated carbon in oil decolorization
Activated carbon has become an indispensable decolorization material in oil refining due to its unique pore structure and surface chemical properties. This article systematically analyzes the key technologies of activated carbon in oil decolorization from the mechanism of action, process parameters to industrial practice.
Decolorization mechanism and advantages
Adsorption mechanism
Physical adsorption: Relying on 2-50nm mesopores to capture pigment macromolecules (such as chlorophyll, carotenoids)
Chemical adsorption: Surface carboxyl/phenolic hydroxyl groups combine with polar impurities such as phospholipids and soap stock
Synergistic effect: When used in combination with white clay, the decolorization efficiency is increased by 30-50% (white clay adsorbs small molecule pigments)
Industrial application cases
Case 1: Palm oil refining
Initial red value: 7.5 (Lovibond 5.25″ tank)
Process: activated carbon (0.8%) + acidified clay (1.2%), 90℃/30min
Result: red value dropped to 1.2, acid value only increased by 0.1mgKOH/g
Case 2: Waste lubricating oil regeneration
Processing capacity: 5 tons/hour
Process: three-stage moving bed (activated carbon particle size 1.5-2mm)
Result: transmittance (660nm) increased from 58% to 92%, PAHs removal rate > 85%
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