Process for regenerating contaminated activated carbon

Abstract

Process for regenerating activated carbon particles contaminated by oxidizable impurities. An electrolysis cell is divided by a liquid-permeable membrane to define an anodic chamber and a cathode chamber therein both filled in operation with an electrolyte. Recycling conduits communicate with the anode chamber and a recirculating pump to establish a fluid circuit therewith. A suspension of particles of activated carbon contaminated by oxidizable impurities suspended in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte is loaded into the fluid circuit and circulated therethrough. A voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrolysis cell develops an electrolysis reaction in the aqueous solution of the electrolyte and atomic oxygen is liberated at the surface of the anode electrode. As particles of the activated carbon flow through the anode cell they contact the anode electrode and atomic oxygen is liberated at their surfaces which oxidizes impurities adsorbed by the particles. After the carbon particles have been circulated for a sufficient time to oxidize all of the impurities thereon, the regenerated particles of activated carbon and the aqueous solution of the electrolyte are discharged from the recirculating circuit.