Granular vs Pellet Activated Carbon: How to Choose for Your Application

What is the difference between granular and pellet activated carbon?

Granular activated carbon (GAC) is produced by crushing and sieving coal, coconut shell or wood char into irregular particle shapes. The particle size is defined by a mesh range, such as 12×40, which means the material passes through a 12-mesh screen and is retained on a 40-mesh screen.

Pelletized activated carbon (PAC, also called extruded carbon) is formed by extruding a carbon paste through a die, then cutting and drying it into cylindrical pellets. Common diameters are 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm. The shape is more uniform than granular carbon.

When to use granular activated carbon

GAC is the standard choice for liquid-phase applications, including:

• Industrial water and wastewater polishing — fixed-bed carbon filters for residual organics, colour, taste and odour.
• Process water treatment — dechlorination, TOC reduction and contaminant removal upstream of sensitive processes.
• Replacement media in existing granular beds — match the incumbent mesh size and vessel screen specification.

The irregular shape allows good contact between water and carbon surface area. Coal-based 12×40 mesh GAC is the most widely used size for industrial fixed-bed systems.

When to use pellet activated carbon

Pellets are preferred for vapor-phase applications, including:

• VOC adsorbers and solvent-recovery units — lower pressure drop reduces blower energy and allows deeper beds.
• Industrial odour control — non-acidic compounds in process vents and waste-gas streams.

The cylindrical shape produces lower and more predictable pressure drop than granular carbon at the same bed depth. This matters in fan-driven systems with tight pressure budgets.

SORBENTRA product scope

SORBENTRA currently offers:

• AC-W1240 — 12×40 mesh coal-based GAC for industrial water.
• AC-A460 — 4 mm coal-based pellets for VOC adsorbers.