Powdered Activated Carbon Storage — Slurry Tank Selection for Drinking-Water T&O Control

Storing Powdered Activated Carbon? Start Here

If you're dealing with powdered activated carbon (PAC) for water treatment, you're likely aiming to tackle taste and odor issues or handle synthetic organic chemical (SOC) removal. This fine black powder is a go-to for drinking-water plants, especially during seasonal cyanobacterial blooms or emergency chemical spills. PAC is non-hazardous but can be a dust explosion risk, so proper storage and handling are key.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, you can store PAC in polyethylene tanks. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) are standard choices for slurry tanks. They're durable and handle the abrasive nature of PAC well. Just ensure your system is grounded to prevent static discharge.

Watch out for dust and abrasion

PAC is chemically inert but can be physically abrasive. When handling PAC, especially in dry form, dust control and abrasion resistance are critical. Use abrasion-resistant materials for fittings and ensure proper dust-explosion prevention measures are in place.

The safety that actually matters

• Ensure all storage systems are grounded to prevent static discharge.
• Use abrasion-resistant materials for tanks and fittings.
• Implement dust-explosion prevention measures.

Common questions

What materials are best for PAC storage tanks?

HDPE and XLPE are ideal for slurry tanks due to their durability and abrasion resistance.

How do I prevent dust explosions with PAC?

Ensure proper grounding and use dust-explosion prevention measures as per NFPA guidelines.

Can I use PAC for emergency chemical spill response?

Yes, PAC is effective for rapid contaminant uptake during spill events, often at higher dosing rates.