Reactivation of Spent Activated Carbon – Sustainable & Cost‑Effective

Reactivating spent activated carbon is an environmentally friendly and economically attractive alternative to disposal. In many cases, the original adsorption capacity can be almost fully restored: a key advantage for sustainable resource use.

Sustainable Reuse Instead of Disposal

At our sites in Germany and Austria, we operate three rotary kilns designed for batch-wise reactivation of granular and extruded activated carbon from a wide range of applications. Whenever possible, reactivation gives the material a second life, saving resources and reducing costs.

How Thermal Reactivation Works

1. Multi‑stage temperature treatment
   The spent activated carbon passes through several temperature zones in the rotary kiln, reaching over 1,000 °C in the final stage.

2. Desorption & pyrolysis
   Adsorbed pollutants are released and thermally decomposed.

3. Steam activation
   The pore structure of the carbon is restored, bringing back its adsorption capacity.

4. Safe treatment of released pollutants
   Pollutants driven off during the process are destroyed in a downstream combustion stage at temperatures up to 1,200 °C, followed by flue‑gas cleaning.

Precise process control tailored to each carbon grade ensures a consistently high‑quality reactivated product.

Quality & Environmental Responsibility

Our reactivation facilities operate in compliance with the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) and all associated permit conditions. Continuous quality monitoring safeguards the performance of the reactivated carbon.

For materials that cannot be reactivated, we offer responsible thermal treatment through certified partners. This closes the loop and contributes to environmental protection.

Three Flexible Service Models

We offer several ways for customers to benefit from our reactivation services:

1. Reactivation for resale
   You deliver spent activated carbon and receive fresh carbon in return. The reactivated product is supplied to other customers.
   

2. Batch‑wise reactivation (dedicated)
   Upon request, we reactivate your material separately, ensuring you receive back your own carbon (with process‑related loss replaced by fresh carbon). No mixing with other sources.
   

3. Pool reactivation
   Similar activated carbons with matching specifications are reactivated together and supplied as a pooled product for new applications.