ODOR

CONTROL WITH
DARCO H2S

DARCO H2S

8 WAYS DARCO H2S ACTIVATED CARBON IS

THE BEST SOLUTION FOR ELIMINATING ODORS
1. DARCO H2S unique physical properties

DARCO H2S ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE

1. Unique physical properties
2. High loading capacity
3. Low density for reduced volumetric cost
4. Most cost effective
 igh loading capacity without
5. H
impregnants or additives
6. Reduced risk of exotherms
and process upsets

DARCO H2S is an activated carbon specifically developed for

removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from air streams and eliminating
sewage odors. It is produced from a proprietary process to
increase pore volume and induce catalytic surface properties
necessary for the removal of H2S and other odor compounds.
The proprietary process used to activate DARCO H2S creates
an activated carbon with approximately twice the mesopore
and macropore volume of traditional odor control carbons. As a
result, diffusion of odor causing impurities is rapid (see Figure
1) and more internal pore volume is available to even the largest
molecules that need to be removed to eliminate odor.

Figure 1

7. Outperforms the competition 300%

Large
Molecules

8. Norit backs you 100%

Medium
Molecules

Carbon Pore Structure

H2S

Gas

O2

H+ HSWater
Layer

OH
S

Carbon
Surface

O2
Dissolve

HSO
O O

Small
Molecules

H2S is classified as an acid gas and the removal of H2S is a

catalytic process. There are a number of reaction pathways for
H2S, however, in the presence of excess oxygen and moisture,
the removal of H2S is optimized (see water layer graphic at
left). DARCO H2S is very hydrophilic, allowing it to work well in
environments with a wide range of relative humidity. DARCO H2S
is most effective in gas streams with relative humidity from 30%
to 100% (saturated) but will still offer capacity in low humidity
environments as well.
The majority of competitive products perform by inducing a high
conversion to sulfates, which form sulfate slats on the carbon
surface. These salts can solidify the carbon bed drastically
increasing pressure drop and increasing service costs for media
change out. DARCO H2S removes sulfur with a very low sulfate
conversion, thus eliminating bed solidification and maintaining a
consistent pressure drop throughout its life cycle.

2. DARCO H2S high loading capacity

Multiple independent laboratories have measured the minimum

hydrogen sulfide loading capacity of several lots of DARCO H2S
using the ASTM D-6646 test method. This test method is used to
measure the weight of hydrogen sulfide loading per unit volume of
carbon. In addition, the weight of hydrogen sulfide loading per unit
weight of carbon was calculated using the vibrating feed apparent
densities (VFAD) measured by Cabot Figure 2 compares the DARCO
H2S test results to the following odor control carbons:

Midas OCM (Siemens Water Technologies)

CENTAUR HSV (Calgon Carbon)

IVP (Calgon Carbon)

NORIT ROZ 3 (Cabot)

untreated bituminous coal carbon

untreated coconut carbon

DARCO H2S activated carbon is

the most cost effective carbon
based solution available for the
removal of nuisance odors.

Figure 2 - H 2 S Loading Capacity Survey using ASTM D-6646

0.7
Measured g/g

0.6

Measured g/cc

H 2 S Loading

0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
DARCO
H 2S

MIDAS

NORIT
ROZ 3

CENTAUR
(regenerated)

IVP

CENTAUR

GENERAL
CAUSTIC
IMPREGNATED

COCONUT

BITUMINOUS

DARCO H2S

3. DARCO H2S low density for reduced volumetric cost

The density of DARCO H2S is lower (see Table 1) than any other
carbon product used for odor control. As a result, fewer pounds
of DARCO H2S are required to fill the adsorber vessel. The
density advantage of DARCO H2S provides direct cost savings
since fewer pounds of activated carbon are purchased. This
advantage translates to an immediate cost savings of 10-40%
on pounds alone.

Table 1. Weight Required to Fill

a 470 ft 3 Dual Bed Vessel
Activated Carbon Name

Density

Relative
Carbon
Volume

DARCO H 2S

25 lb/ft 3

11,750 lb

Midas

28 lb/ft 3

13,160 lb

NORIT ROZ 3

29 lb/ft

13,630 lb

Calgon Carbon IVP

35 lb/ft3

16,450 lb

Calgon Carbon CENTAUR HSV

34 lb/ft3

15,980 lb

General Caustic Impregnated

31 lb/ft

14,570 lb

Coconut Carbon,
non-impregnated

28 lb/ft 3

13,160 lb

Bituminous,
non-impregnated

31 lb/ft

14,570 lb

4. DARCO H2S most cost effective

DARCO H2S is a revolutionary non-impregnated activated

carbon with a minimum hydrogen sulfide loading capacity
of 0.2 g/cm3 as confirmed by three independent laboratories
and Cabots lab facility. The unique raw material used for
production of DARCO H2S does not require expensive
additives to the activation process to create the H2S capacity
of 0.2 g/c m3. DARCO H2S costs nearly the same as other nonimpregnated activated carbons used for hydrogen sulfide
removal and has 4-10 times the loading capacity. Other high
capacity carbons are 2 to 4 times the price of DARCO H2S.
The cost effectiveness of DARCO H2S is illustrated in Figure
3. This graph shows the relative cost for each carbon type to
remove a pound of H2S from air. The cost calculation
is based on the price per pound of carbon and the H2S
capacity for each carbon type. The illustration in Figure 3 is
based on the following assumptions:
Treatment of a 10,000 cfm air stream containing 10 ppm of H2S
Dual bed vessel containing 470 ft3 of carbon
Vessel is 10 ft in diameter with 3 ft of bed depth in each bed
Calculations based on lowest referenced carbon price

(please contact your supplier for current pricing on your

carbon system)
All information obtained from public bids and product
datasheets published by the suppliers
DARCO H2S cost effectiveness is evident from the example
summarized by Figure 3. The second best performer is Midas
OCM, which has a 1.3 times greater cost per pound of H2S
removed. In addition, the carbon with the lowest price per
pound (bituminous based) has the highest annual cost for H2S
removal due to its low adsorptive capacity. When purchase
decisions are based on cost performance, DARCO H2S is the clear
choice! Cabot has developed a Cost Calculator to estimate the
annual costs for odor control systems. You can enter your actual
operating conditions into the Cabot Cost Calculator spreadsheet
to determine your carbon cost. Please visit our website at www.
cabotcorp.com to use the Cost Calculator.

5. DARCO H2S high loading capacity without

impregnants or additives

considered regenerable by re-application of the strong base.

However, these regenerations have diminishing returns and
the overall risks with the handling of these chemicals far
outweigh the benefits.

DARCO H2S is a revolutionary activated carbon made without

additives or the use of post-activation impregnants. Cabot tests
each lot of DARCO H2S to ensure the minimum hydrogen sulfide
capacity for this unique carbon is 0.2 g/cm3. On a volume basis,
DARCO H2S has 4 to 10 times the loading capacity for hydrogen
sulfide than other non-impregnated activated carbons.

6. DARCO H2S consistent performance with a

low risk of process upsets
DARCO H2S is a unique product that exhibits low sulfate
conversion compared to other high capacity products.
Over time, the build-up of sulfate salts in most H2S removal
products will solidify the media bed, gradually increasing
pressure drop during operation. As a result, additional
man hours and equipment are necessary to remove the
spent media. The low sulfate conversion of DARCO H2S and
its reduced risk of bed fire means consistent and reliable
operation can be expected for the duration of its useful life.

Impregnated carbons are those to which a solid or liquid

chemical has been mixed with the carbon substrate before,
during, or after activation. The main chemicals used as
impregnants are magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium bicarbonate
(NaHCO3), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium iodide (KI), and
potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Mixtures of these chemicals
are sometimes used. Strong base impregnated carbons are

Table 2.
Specified H2S Capacity Conversion to H2S04 at Elemental Sulfur Total Sulfur Loading on
(ASTM D6646)
800 ppm H2S inlet
loading on Carbon Carbon including H2S04
(%)
(g/mL)
(mass%)
(mass%)
DARCO H 2S

0.20

4.3

30

31

Centaur

0.09

47

5.2

10

Midas

0.30

17

10

12

Figure 3 - H 2 S Removal Cost

12.0

9.6
10.8

Cost Multiplier Per Pound of H 2 S Removed

10.0

8.2

8.0
6.0

5.3
4.0
2.0

1.0

2.2

2.9

3.2

3.9

1.3

0
DARCO H 2 S

MIDAS

GENERAL
CAUSTIC
IMPREGNATED

IVP

CENTAUR
HSV
(regenerated)

COCONUT

CENTAUR
HSV

NORIT
ROZ 3

BITUMINOUS

DARCO H2S

7. DARCO H2S - outperforms the competition 300%

Wastewater Facility, Central Connecticut

Challenge: Reduce the risk of odor breakthrough, minimize
activated carbon change-out frequency, and lower overall costs.
Results: The 30 MGD wastewater plant compared DARCO H2S
to a competitive bituminous coal-based carbon. Their evaluation
found that by using DARCO H2S the facility extended its carbon
filter bed life by 450% (from 4 months to more than 18 months).
Over a five-year period, using DARCO H2S eliminates more than 12
change-outs and saves more than $360,000 in direct costs. In
addition to direct cost savings, odor testing costs were reduced
by nearly 50%, as were the man-hours needed and the frustration
associated with testing. The plant manager is very pleased with
the results, stating, Since installing DARCO H2S, we have not
had any odor complaints. We are very pleased with the product
performance and the run life has exceeded our expectations.
Wastewater Facility, Orange County, California
Challenge: Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) conducted
an experimental research operation to determine the H2S
and odor removal efficiency of an activated carbon adsorber
manufactured by Daniel Company. The research was conducted
over an eleven month period in 2009 at the Sunflower Pump
Station located inside OCSDs Reclamation Treatment Plant No.
1 in Fountain Valley, California. Inlet H2S concentrations ranged
from 0-50 ppm.
Results: DARCO H2S eliminated the nuisance odor at OCSDs
Sunflower Pump Station based on exit gas testing using
continuous Odalog monitors. Lab testing confirmed most spot
samples showed over 99%. Bed life was estimated to be at
least two years based on the characteristics of the foul air and
remaining adsorptive capacity of the DARCO H2S.
Asphalt Terminal, Fernley, Nevada
Challenge: Paramount Nevada Asphalt Company operates
a 100,000 ton per year asphalt terminal located in a pristine
environment, requiring complete elimination of odor from
thiols, VOCs and various aromatic hydrocarbons, and also the
reduction of smoke
Results: DARCO H2S completely eliminated odors measured at
the discharge of the AC unit. Change-outs were extended from
every 4 months to 20 months, saving $42,000 per year in direct
costs compared to the bituminous AC they were previously
using. Rick Bird, general manager at Paramount noted, You can
put your nose right up to the AC units discharge, and not smell
anything. Our neighbors actually like us.

Wastewater Facility, City of Grapevine, Texas

Challenge: Reduce H2S, ammonia and mercaptan odors, and lower
overall cost
Results: The 5.7 mgd wastewater facility installed 1000 lb of DARCO
H2S, (filling the beds with approximately half the design bed depth)
in the existing odor control unit located near the headworks. At
start-up, the airflow was approximately 1100 cfm with an inlet
H2S concentration measured at 20 ppmv. The discharged effluent
air from the carbon unit contained no detectable H2S or other
odors. DARCO H2S continued to perform over time, and change
outs were extended from 3 months to 20 months. The chief plant
operator was very pleased with the results, stating, I just wanted
to thank you for all . . . that you have done for my plant . . . the
smell that is usually associated with the headworks area of my
plant is completely gone. Even when the odor control system was
first installed there was always an odor at the headworks. Even
my operators have noticed the absence of the odor since the
installation of your product.

8. Cabot backs you 100%

DARCO H2S is produced at our Marshall, TX facility making it
readily available to the North American market. Combined with
Cabots European operation we are considered the worlds most
complete source for activated carbons, carbon installation
assistance, and technical support for the effective use of
activated carbon.
Cabots engineers have expertise in the design and supply of
carbon vessels, ductwork, blowers, and portable self-contained
carbon treatment units. Our Engineering and Technical Service
groups can provide assistance with design, operation, process
analysis, system leasing, troubleshooting, testing, and piloting
of your process for odor control. We can also coordinate and
conduct the service to install or change-out your carbon bed,
including the disposal or reactivation of your spent carbon.
Cabot, combined with the worlds largest selection of carbon
grades, will give you the best performance and the most
cost-effective solution for your odor control application.

TECHNICAL TIPS FROM CABOT

EQUIPMENT
The corrosive nature of H2S requires appropriate materials of construction for the treatment equipment. Fiber reinforced plastic
(FRP) vessels and ducts are common. Some equipment suppliers use FRP coated blowers and impellers, especially when the
blower is put before the activated carbon bed. Odor control activated carbon beds typically run in up-flow mode at a few inches
of water column pressure. Beds designed to run by vacuum tend to be short and wide. For systems designed to operate under
pressure, the beds are relatively deep (3- 4).

BED DESIGN
Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT) of 3 - 6 seconds
Linear Velocity of 10 - 60 ft/min (5 - 30 cm/s)
Minimum Bed Depth ~2 ft
Oxygen is required for effective performance (more than 4 times the H2S concentration on a molar basis is normally sufficient).
Moisture is required to achieve high loading on DARCO H2S. A minimum relative humidity of 30% (preferably higher)

is recommended.

SPENT CARBON DISPOSAL

DARCO H2S that has become loaded with hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans is not considered a hazardous material for the purpose
of handling and disposal. Unique circumstances can exist, such as bacterial growth or the adsorption of a hazardous material,
that will cause the spent carbon to be classified as a hazardous material. This is true not only of DARCO H2S, but for all activated
carbons. Cabot strongly recommends you contact a Cabot representative before handling your spent carbon. Adding water or
chemicals to change the characteristics of the carbon may in fact cause the spent carbon to be considered hazardous. Please
contact your Cabot representative for consultation before proceeding with any treatment.

Cabot purification for life

Founded in 1918, Cabot Norit Activated
Carbon is the worlds largest and most
experienced producer of activated
carbon which is used to remove
pollutants, contaminants and other
impurities from water, air, food and
beverages, pharmaceutical products
and other liquids and gases in an
efficient and cost-effective manner.
Cabots history of innovation in
purification allows us to develop the

right product solution to meet each

customers needs. We have created
more than 150 different grades of
activated carbon produced from a
variety of raw materials so that our
customers get precise solutions that fit
their applications and work better than
an off the shelf product. In addition to
our unparalleled product portfolio, Cabot
offers a full range of activated carbon
services including rental systems,
carbon reactivation, bulk delivery and
change-out, carbon evaluation, as well

as technical service and support to

help our customers cost effectively
meet their specific purification needs.
Cabot has facilities in seven countries,
and a network of sales and service
centers, business partners, and
distributors serving customers in more
than 100 countries around the world.

Darco H2S B/E 5-2013

Cabot Norit Americas Inc.

P.O. Box 790
Marshall, TX 75671
United States
T 800 641 9245
F 903 938 9701
cabotcorp.com

Cabot Norit Nederland BV

P.O. Box 105
3800 AC Amersfoort
The Netherlands
T +31 33 46 48 911
F +31 33 46 17 429
cabotcorp.com

Cabot Corporation
reserves the right to make
changes in the technical
specifications at any time.

This information is provided as a convenience and is for informational purposes only. This information
may contain inaccuracies, errors or omissions. CABOT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND
IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES FOR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AS
TO (i) SUCH INFORMATION, (ii) ANY PRODUCT AND (iii) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT. In no event
is Cabot responsible for, and Cabot does not accept and hereby disclaims liability for, any damages in
connection with the use of or reliance on this information or any product to which it relates.
Please visit our website to obtain information about your local supplier.