Thermal Reactivation Series: A Sustainable And Feasible Solution For Utilities Using GAC

Granular activated carbon (GAC) has long been a cornerstone of municipal water treatment, particularly in removing harmful PFAS contaminants. However, with new EPA regulations setting PFAS limits in the low parts per trillion (ppt), GAC usage is surging, leading to increased operational costs and supply chain strain. A promising solution to these challenges is thermal reactivation of "spent" GAC, which can significantly cut costs, alleviate supply issues, and reduce environmental impact by minimizing landfill waste and lowering the demand for virgin GAC production.

Reactivated GAC offers utilities potential cost savings of up to 50% compared to new GAC, which now approaches $2.00 per pound. Despite these benefits, ensuring the reactivated product performs as effectively as virgin GAC is crucial. This is where Rapid Small-Scale Column Testing (RSSCT) plays a vital role. RSSCT provides quick and reliable data on the performance of reactivated GAC, allowing utilities to determine the optimal blend of reactivated and virgin GAC for maximum efficiency at minimal cost. Unlike full-scale testing, which can take months, RSSCT delivers results within days, making it a practical tool for optimizing water treatment systems.

By leveraging RSSCT, utilities can fine-tune their GAC strategies, maintain consistent contaminant removal, and achieve significant cost reductions. This approach ensures sustainable water treatment while addressing the increasing demand for PFAS removal in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.