AWWA ACE94182

The use of granular activated carbon is likely to increase to comply with the provisions of the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The carbon life in taste and odor systems is so long that efficient carbon removal and regeneration systems are seldom used. However, the design of GAC systems for the removal of VOCs, SOCs, disinfection byproducts, and organic precursors is more complex than those for taste and odor removal. This is not to say that filter/adsorbers will no longer be used, but their utility will be reduced and the design procedures altered. However, many water treatment plants may be required to install deep bed GAC columns to achieve the treatment objectives mandated by the proposed and anticipated regulations. In addition, efficient transport, storage, and regeneration systems will also have to be designed and installed in order to make these systems operationally functional. This presentation will therefore discuss the general process design considerations, detail design considerations, and operational considerations that must be resolved to ensure an efficient adsorption process.