Granular Activated Carbon: Awwa Standard

American Water Works Association
ANSI/AWWA B604-96
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA B604-90)
AWWA STANDARD
FOR
GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON
Effective date: Mar. 1, 1997.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 28, 1974.
This edition approved June 23, 1996.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Nov. 27, 1996.
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually con-
tain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
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approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA publi-
cation of the official notice.
American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
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Copyright © 1997 by American Water Works Association

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ii
Committee Personnel
The Subcommittee on Granular Activated Carbon as a Filter Medium, which

assisted in developing this revision, had the following personnel at the time:
B.H. Kornegay, Chair
Consumer Members
J.A. Bella
D.J. Hartman
General Interest Members

S.L. Bishop
C.R. James
B.H. Kornegay
Producer Members
R.W. Farmer
J.R. Hedger
Bob Thomas
The Filtering Materials Subcommittee on Granular Activated Carbon, which

assisted in developing this revision, had the following personnel at the time:
S.L. Bishop, Chair
Consumer Members
R.H. Meyer
F.W. Pogge

S.L. Bishop
E.A. Bryant
P.H. Kraft
K.J. Roberts
Producer Members
R.P. Beverly
S.L. Butterworth
iii
The AWWA Standards Committee on Activated Carbon, Powdered and Granu-
lar, which developed this standard, had the following personnel at the time of approval:
Joseph A. Bella, Chair

Billy H. Kornegay, Vice-Chair
Consumer Members
D.G. Ballou, City Utilities of Springfield, Springfield, Mo. (AWWA)

J.A. Bella, Passaic Valley Water Commission, Little Falls, N.J. (AWWA)
D.J. Hartman, Cincinnati Water Works, Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
A.F. Hess, Regional Water Authority, New Haven, Conn. (AWWA)
W.R. Inhoffer,* Passaic Valley Water Commission, Clifton, N.J. (AWWA)
E.D. Mullen, Elizabethtown Water Company, Bound Brook, N.J. (AWWA)
M.J. Pickel, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia, Pa. (AWWA)
H.L. Plowman Jr., Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, Media, Pa. (AWWA)
C.E. Stringer, Dallas Water Utilities, Dallas, Texas (AWWA)
F.S. Cannon, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (AWWA)

Phillipe Charles, Lyonnaise des Eaux, Le Pecq, France (AWWA)
J.C. Crittenden, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich. (AWWA)
Laura Cummings, Montgomery Watson Americas Inc., Pasadena, Calif. (AWWA)
J.E. Dyksen,† Council Liaison, Malcolm Pirnie Inc., Mahweh, N.J. (AWWA)
L.L. Harms, Black & Veatch Engineers, Kansas City, Mo. (AWWA)
C.R. James, Montgomery Watson Inc., Walnut Creek, Calif. (AWWA)
B.H. Kornegay, Parsons Engineering-Science Inc., Fairfax, Va. (AWWA)
Wolfgang Kuhn, Universitat Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany (AWWA)
R.G. Lee, American Water Works Service Company Inc., Belleville, Ill. (AWWA)
S.J. Medlar, Camp, Dresser & McKee Inc., Edison, N.J. (NEWWA)
J.L. Oxenford, AWWA Research Foundation, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
R.G. Saterdal, Consultant, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
Paul Schorr, State of New Jersey, Trenton, N.J. (AWWA)
T.F. Speth, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
I.H. Suffet, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
R.S. Summers, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (AWWA)
W.J. Weber Jr., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. (AWWA)
J.H. Wilber,† Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
*Alternate
†Liaison, nonvoting
iv
Producer Members
D.A. Ainsworth, Cameron Carbon Inc., Baltimore, Md. (AWWA)

S.L. Butterworth,* Calgon Carbon Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa. (AWWA)
R.W. Farmer, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa. (AWWA)
J.R. Graham, Westates Carbon Inc., Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)
J.B. Hedger, Elf Atochem NA Inc., Pryor, Okla. (AWWA)
D.C. Ivey,* Elf Atochem NA Inc., Pryor, Okla. (AWWA)
W.B. Leedy, Westvaco Chemical Division, Covington, Va. (AWWA)
T.N. McFerrin,* Consultant, Dunnellon, Fla. (AWWA)
G.B. Parker, Acticarb, Tyrone, Pa. (AWWA)
D.O. Rester, Norit Americas Inc., Marshall, Texas (AWWA)
Bob Thomas,* Norit Americas Inc., Atlanta, Ga. (AWWA)
Carl Tobias, Envirotrol Inc., Sewickley, Pa. (AWWA)
*Alternate
This page intentionally blank.
Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may
be found in a particular standard.
SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE
Foreword 6 Delivery
6.1 Marking............................................. 15
I Introduction........................................ ix
6.2 Packaging and Shipping .................. 15
I.A Background ........................................ ix
6.3 Affidavit of Compliance.................... 16
I.B History................................................ ix
I.C Acceptance.......................................... ix
7 Placing GAC Filter Material
II Special Issues...................................... x
II.A Handling and Storage ........................ x 7.1 Preparation ....................................... 16
II.B Filter Media ....................................... xi 7.2 Placement of Support Media ........... 16
II.C GAC Size Distribution....................... xi 7.3 Placement of GAC ............................ 17
II.D Adsorptive Capacity ......................... xii 7.4 Top Surface Elevation ...................... 18
II.E Abrasion Resistance ....................... xiii 7.5 Contamination .................................. 18
II.F Reactivation .................................... xiii
III Use of This Standard ..................... xiii 8 Preparation of Filter for
Service
III.A Purchaser Options
and Alternatives........................... xiii 8.1 Backwashing ..................................... 18
III.B Modification to Standard ................ xiv 8.2 Scraping ............................................ 19
IV Major Revisions ............................... xiv 8.3 Disinfection ....................................... 19
V Comments ........................................ xiv 8.4 Cleaning ............................................ 19
8.5 Safety................................................. 20
Standard
Appendixes
1 General
A Bibliography................................... 21
1.1 Scope.................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose................................................ 1 B Adsorptive Capacity Tests
1.3 Application .......................................... 1
B.1 Tannin Adsorption Test .................... 25
B.2 Phenol Adsorption Test .................... 26
2 References......................................... 1
3 Definitions ........................................ 2 Figures

1 Apparent Density Apparatus............. 6
4 Requirements ................................... 3
2 Stirring Abrasion Unit ....................... 9
4.1 Physical Requirements....................... 3 3 Testing Pan Assembly for Ro-Tap
4.2 Performance Criteria.......................... 3 Abrasion Test ................................. 11
4.3 Impurities............................................ 4 4 Abrasion Testing Pan for Ro-Tap
Abrasion Test ................................. 11
5 Verification
5.1 Sampling ............................................. 4 Tables
5.2 Test Procedures................................... 5 F.1 Typical Characteristics for a Range
5.3 Rejection ............................................ 14 of GAC Products ............................ xii
1 Sampling of Bagged Media................ 5
vii
2 US Standard Sieves and Opening 5 Di Values for Ro-Tap Abrasion
Sizes .................................................. 7 Test.................................................. 14
3 Sieving Apparatus Required for B.1 Standard Curve of Tannin
Stirring Abrasion Test ..................... 9 Dilution........................................... 27
4 Recommended Particle Sieve
Sizes ................................................ 12
viii
Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA B604.
I. Introduction
I.A. Background. Activated carbon is a form of carbon that is produced by a
carefully controlled oxidation process to develop a porous carbon structure with a
surface area greater than 500 m2/g. This surface area gives the activated carbon the
capacity to adsorb dissolved organic materials, many of which are taste- and odor-
causing substances in water.
The major raw materials used in the manufacture of granular activated car-
bons (GAC) include, but are not limited to, peat, bituminous coal, coconut shells,
wood, and lignite. During activation, the raw materials are either reacted at high
temperatures in the presence of steam or at more moderate temperatures in the
presence of certain activation chemicals. These activation processes carbonize the
raw materials and develop the extensive internal pore structure required to obtain
appreciable adsorption. Subsequent processing may include crushing, screening,
grading, and packaging.
Water treatment with granular activated carbon is accomplished by percolating
the water to be treated through fixed-adsorption beds of granular activated carbon.
The granular activated carbon may be crushed and screened to any particle size, but
typical sizes used for water treatment range from No. 8 to No. 50 US standard sieve
sizes.
I.A.1 Source of supply. Activated carbon to be used in water treatment should
be obtained from manufacturers regularly engaged in the production of activated
carbon found satisfactory for service in the water treatment field.
I.B. History. The first edition of ANSI/AWWA B604, Standard for Granular
Activated Carbon, was approved by the AWWA Board of Directors on Jan. 28, 1974.
The first revision of ANSI/AWWA B604 was approved on June 17, 1990. This is the
second revision. This edition was approved by the AWWA Board of Directors on
June 23, 1996.
ANSI/AWWA B604 provides information on preparing specifications for granu-
lar activated carbon used as an adsorption medium and filtration/adsorption me-
dium for the treatment of municipal and industrial water supplies. Powdered
activated carbon is covered in ANSI/AWWA B600, and other filtering materials are
covered in ANSI/AWWA B100.
This standard does not cover the design of carbon-handling facilities or adsorp-
tion processes. Design information may be found in Journal AWWA and in other
publications, some of which are listed in the bibliography (appendix A) to this standard.
I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF Inter-
national (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a certifica-
tion program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other members of
the original consortium included the American Water Works Association Research
Foundation (AWWARF) and the Conference of State Health and Environmental
Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the As-
sociation of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.
ix
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSI†/NSF‡ 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals—Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components—Health Effects.
4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,§ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 60. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Appendix A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” to ANSI/NSF 60
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for sub-
stances not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The
MALs of an unspecified list of “unregulated contaminants” are based on toxicity
testing guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcino-
gens). Use of appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the
certifier.
AWWA B604-96 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction in
order to
1. Determine additives requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify prod-
ucts for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues
II.A. Handling and Storage. Wet activated carbon will readily adsorb oxygen
from the air, creating an acute oxygen depletion hazard in confined areas. Appropri-
ate safety measures for oxygen-deficient atmospheres should be strictly adhered to
when entering enclosed or partially enclosed areas containing activated carbon.
In storing activated carbon, precautions must be taken to avoid direct contact
with strong oxidizing agents, such as chlorine, hypochlorites, potassium permanga-
nate, ozone, and peroxide.
*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
†American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
‡NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
§Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.
x
Mixing carbon with hydrocarbons (such as oils, gasoline, diesel fuel, grease,
paint thinners, and so forth) may cause spontaneous combustion. Therefore, acti-
vated carbon must be kept separated from hydrocarbon storage or spills.
Activated carbon dusts are classified as “nuisance particulates” and the appli-
cable Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) should be followed.*
II.B. Filter Media. Filter media are those portions of the filter bed that re-
move particulate matter from the water during the filtration process. This standard
covers granular activated carbon which serves as both an adsorbent and filter me-
dium. Properties of other filter media such as sand, anthracite, and filter media
support such as gravel are contained in ANSI/AWWA B100.
II.C. GAC Size Distribution. The selection of the type, size, and bed depth of
GAC in any particular application is site specific and depends on the raw water
quality, pretreatment provided, and water quality objectives. These are site-specific
design criteria and must be determined by the design engineer.
In general, for a given pretreatment of raw water and a given filtration rate,
coarse media will permit longer filtration runs, but the rate of adsorption is slower.
The organic removal and filtration efficiency will normally decrease as the particle
size is increased. However, the head loss will also increase with decreasing particle
size, and, as a result, the filter runs may be shorter. The uniformity coefficient (UC)
of GAC used as a filter medium may be less than the UC of GAC used as an adsorb-
ent. Experience indicates that a more uniform media results in greater filtration
efficiency.
Dual- or multi-media GAC filters have been used in lieu of a single medium in
standard filter-adsorbers for water treatment. The dual or multi-media are selected
to provide a coarse layer of GAC in the upper filter with the smaller and more dense
sand in the lower layers. This coarse-to-fine grading combines longer filter runs with
the superior filtration characteristics of finer media. Obviously, the larger media
must be lighter than the smaller media to provide the desired gradation, and the
relative sizes of the various media should be selected on the basis of the desired
backwash properties. Therefore, the relative size depends on the density and shape
of the media, as well as particle size. It should also be noted that intermixing sand
with GAC may introduce reactivation problems.
Since granular activated carbon is normally used as a filter medium due to the
adsorption characteristics, the adsorption properties of the material must be consid-
ered. Efficient adsorption requires that the adsorption wave front of the GAC be
maintained during the backwash/filtration cycle. Excessive intermixing of the GAC
will reduce the adsorption capacity of the filter bed material and increase the cost of
operation. Maintaining a stratified bed is more difficult with GAC than with other
media such as sand or anthracite. As the activated carbon granules in the upper
portion of the bed adsorb organic materials, the density increases and the particles
settle to a lower portion of the bed. To assist in the maintenance of bed stratifica-
tion, the adsorption wave front, and efficient adsorption, GAC is typically produced
to be as nonuniform as possible. That is, the GAC is produced as non-uniform as
possible without reaching the transport velocity of the smallest particles prior to
achieving expansion of the largest fraction. This normally occurs at a uniformity
coefficient of approximately 2.1. Where filtration is the primary function of the GAC,
*American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 6500 Glenway Ave., Bldg.

D-7, Cincinnati, OH 45211-4438.
xi
more uniform carbons may be warranted. The design engineer must balance the
adsorption performance with the filtration requirements.
In specifying the size of granular activated carbon, it is normal to express the
effective size of the particle and maximum allowable uniformity coefficient, or the
average particle size and maximum uniformity coefficient. An oversize and undersize
allowance may also be specified on the mesh sizes that incorporate the desired car-
bon gradation. For example, when specifying an 8 × 30 mesh size, the maximum
amount that is retained on the 8 mesh (oversize) and the maximum percent that
passes the 30-mesh screen (undersize) may also be specified. Commonly manufac-
tured size ranges for granular activated carbon are expressed in US standard sieve
sizes that include, but are not limited to, 8 × 16, 8 × 20, 8 × 30, 10 × 30, 12 × 40, 14
× 40, 20 × 40, and 20 × 50, with effective size ranges from 0.35 mm to 2.0 mm.
Extruded carbons are also produced in various size ranges. The typical properties of
the more standard GAC products are shown in Table F.1.
II.D. Adsorptive Capacity. The optimum method for determining the effective-
ness of a granular activated carbon is by using water from the particular plant in
question for the test. These methods may include testing for removal of a specific
challenge compound. Various surrogate tests have been developed that give an indi-
cation of a granular activated carbon’s performance under specific conditions. These
Table F.1 Typical characteristics for a range of GAC products*
Standard US Mesh Size Uniformity Effective Size Apparent Density

Coefficient (mm) lb/ft3
Bituminous Coal-Based GAC
12 × 40 ≤1.9 0.55–0.75 27–41
10 × 20 ≤1.6 0.8–1.1 28–39
8 × 30 ≤2.1 0.7–1.0 28–41
8 × 20 ≤1.5 1.0–1.2 29–39
8 × 16 ≤1.5 1.2–1.5 29–39
6 × 14 ≤1.5 1.7–1.9 31–39
Lignite Coal-Based Carbons
20 × 50 ≤1.6 0.3–0.5 22–26
20 × 40 ≤1.5 0.45–0.65 22–26
12 × 40 ≤1.8 0.55–0.8 22–26
10 × 30 ≤1.6 0.7–0.9 22–26
12 × 20 ≤1.7 0.7–1.0 22–26
8 × 30 ≤1.8 0.7–1.0 22–26
8 × 16 ≤1.5 1.2–1.5 22–26
Wood-Based Granular Activated Carbons
14 × 35 ≤1.5 0.6–0.8 16–19
10 × 25 ≤1.5 1.0–1.3 15–18
4 × 14 ≤1.5 1.6–2.0 14–17
*
The characteristics shown above represent a range of GAC products and not a specific grade and mesh
size. Manufacturer’s product data bulletins should be consulted for information on specific grades and
particle sizes.
xii
tests use a very high concentration of adsorbate to reduce the amount of time re-
quired to run the test. Sampling tubes may be added to the GAC vessel to aid in
determining the adsorptive wavefront. Various producers of activated carbon suggest
different adsorbates to give an index of a carbon’s performance. Examples are phe-
nol, tannin, iodine, and molasses. Phenol adsorption is an index of a carbon’s ability
to remove some types of chemical taste and odor; tannin is representative of organic
compounds added to water by decayed vegetation; and iodine adsorption is an index
of the total surface area of a carbon. Iodine and molasses adsorption are often used
to show the degree of carbon activation. An iodine adsorption test is included in this
standard. Information on tannin and phenol adsorptive capacity tests may be found
in appendix B to this standard for those purchasers who want to include these re-
quirements in their specifications. An American Water Works Association Research
Foundation (AWWARF) protocol has also been developed for the evaluation of granu-
lar activated carbons. (See appendix A.)
II.E. Abrasion Resistance. Granular activated carbons used for municipal
water treatment are exposed to a variety of external forces during shipping, loading
into adsorption beds, backwashing, and reactivation. These forces can cause acti-
vated carbon granule crushing on impact, granule-to-granule abrasion, and the gen-
eration of undesirable fines. Because of the difficulty in devising a test that
simulates the various handling conditions that may be encountered, the industry
has not yet agreed on any one standard test for predicting activated carbon durability.
Two tests, the stirring abrasion test and the Ro-Tap abrasion test, have been
included in this standard for measuring granular activated carbon durability. It is
recognized that differences in bulk density and other physical properties of the vari-
ous manufactured activated carbons, which might not be related to durability, influ-
ence the results obtained in using these tests. For this reason, it is current practice
to use the stirring abrasion test for lignite-based granular activated carbons and the
Ro-Tap abrasion test for bituminous-based granular activated carbons.
II.F. Reactivation. The characteristics of granular activated carbon have an
impact on the physical and adsorptive losses during reactivation and must, there-
fore, be considered. Resistance to abrasion and the operating conditions required to
restore the adsorptive capacity are significant factors in carbon losses and cost. A
separate standard is being developed for reactivated GAC.
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability or
compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions are suitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be cov-
ered in the purchaser’s specifications:
1. Standard used—that is, ANSI/AWWA B604, Standard for Granular
Activated Carbon, of latest revision.
2. Quantity of granular activated carbon to be purchased. Activated carbon
intended for immediate placement in an adsorption bed is typically purchased by
volume, and is backwashed, drained, and in place. Makeup activated carbon or acti-
vated carbon intended for subsequent placement is purchased on a volume or weight
basis.
3. Whether an affidavit of compliance is required (Sec. 6.3).
4. Whether this is a supply contract or a supply and installation contract
(Sec. 7).
xiii
5. Whether the purchaser requires additional adsorptive capacity tests
(Sec. 4.2.2).
6. When requested, a representative sample of the granular activated carbon
shall be submitted to the purchaser for acceptance before shipment. The sample
must be submitted in clean, vaporproof containers, clearly marked with the address
of the supplier, and identified with the lot number of the contents. A duplicate sam-
ple shall be tested by the supplier and a certified test report shall be submitted to
the purchaser with the purchaser’s sample, showing compliance with the require-
ments of the purchaser’s specifications, along with a statement certifying that the
material for shipment is equal in quality to the sample submitted.
7. The purchaser may elect to accept the granular activated carbon on the
basis of (1) the supplier’s certified test report and an accompanying affidavit of com-
pliance indicating the product proposed for use complies with this standard and with
the purchaser’s specifications with no exceptions; (2) the supplier’s certified test re-
port completed by a qualified third-party testing laboratory approved by the pur-
chaser and an accompanying affidavit of compliance; (3) the purchaser’s own testing
of the reference sample submitted by the supplier and the required affidavit of com-
pliance; or (4) the purchaser’s own testing of the representative sample, collected
according to Sec. 5.1 after receipt of shipment, showing compliance with this stand-
ard and the purchaser’s specifications. (See note in Sec. 4.1.1.)
8. Particle-size range, effective size, and uniformity coefficient, if other than
that specified (Sec. 4.1).
9. Special adsorptive capacity tests (Sec. 4.2.1 and Sec. 4.2.2).
10. Provisions for reaching agreement on sampling technique (Sec. 5.1.1).
11. Method of packaging and shipping (Sec. 6.2).
12. If shipment is to be in bulk: type of railcar or hopper truck (Sec. 6.2.4);
and whether bulk shipments are to be accompanied by weight certificates of certified
weighers (Sec. 6.2.5).
13. The purchaser may authorize shipment on the basis of the supplier’s certi-
fication of quality, or may test the reference sample submitted by the supplier to
confirm compliance before shipment is authorized.
14. The purchaser may elect to collect a representative sample of the material
after delivery. The procedure used shall be in accordance with Sec. 5.1. One of the
three sample portions taken may be tested to determine compliance with the pur-
chaser’s specifications.
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification to the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. Major changes made to the standard in this revision
include the following:
1. The format has been changed to AWWA standard style.
2. Parameters required to specify GAC as a filter/adsorber, as well as an ad-
sorbent, have been included.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Standards and Materials Development Department, (303) 794-
7711 ext. 6283, FAX (303) 795-1440, or write to the department at 6666 W. Quincy
Ave., Denver, CO 80235.
xiv
American Water Works Association
ANSI/AWWA B604-96
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA B604-90)
AWWA STANDARD FOR

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers the use of granular and extruded activated carbons as a
filter medium and adsorbent in water treatment. It involves the selection, place-
ment, and use of granular activated carbon (GAC) in filter-adsorbers where the GAC
must function as both a filter medium and adsorbent, as well as those systems
where the primary function is adsorption.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose
The main purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for
granular activated carbon, including physical, testing, packing, and shipping
requirements.
Sec. 1.3 Application

This standard can be referenced in specifications for purchasing and receiving
granular activated carbon and can be used as a guide for testing the physical prop-
erties of granular activated carbon samples. The stipulations of this standard apply
when this document has been referenced and then only to granular activated carbon
used in water supply service applications.
SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions,
these documents form a part of this standard to the extent specified in this stand-
ard. In any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
1
2 AWWA B604-96
ANSI*/AWWA B100—Standard for Filtering Materials.

ANSI/AWWA B600—Standard for Powdered Activated Carbon.
ANSI/AWWA C653—Standard for Disinfection of Water Treatment Plants.
ASTM D4607—Standard Test Method for Determination of Iodine Number of
Activated Carbon.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. APHA,†
AWWA, WEF.‡ Washington, D.C. (19th ed., 1995).
SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
1. Activated carbon: A family of carbonaceous substances manufactured by
processes that develop internal porosity, thereby creating adsorptive properties.
2. Adsorption: A process in which fluid molecules are concentrated on a sur-
face by chemical forces, physical forces, or both.
3. Bag: A plastic, paper, or woven container that may contain approximately
2.0 ft3 of GAC.
4. Bulk containers: These are typically specially constructed trucks that may
contain 20,000 lb to 40,000 lb of GAC.
5. Effective size: That size opening that will just pass 10 percent of a repre-
sentative sample of a filter material; that is, if the size distribution of the particles
is such that 10 percent of a sample is finer than 0.45 mm, the filter material has an
effective size of 0.45 mm.
6. Extruded activated carbon: A form of granular activated carbon in which
the particles are uniform cylinders or cylindrical pellets. Effective size and uniform-
ity coefficient are not applicable for extruded carbons. The diameter is normally
specified.
7. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces mate-
rials or products.
8. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any mate-
rials or work to be performed.
9. Supplier: The party that supplies materials or services. A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.
10. Uniformity coefficient: A ratio of the size opening that will just pass 60 per-
cent of a representative sample of the filter material divided by that opening that
will just pass 10 percent of the same sample.
11. Semibulk container: A large plastic or woven bulk container that may con-
tain 800 lb to 2,000 lb of GAC.
12. Support media: For the definitions and shipment requirements of gravel,
sand, and associated support media, see ANSI/AWWA B100.
*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
†American Public Health Association, 1015 15th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
‡Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1994.
GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON 3
SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Physical Requirements
4.1.1 Moisture. The moisture content of granular activated carbon shall not
exceed 8 percent, by weight, of the listed container contents as packaged or at the
time of shipment by the supplier in the case of a bulk shipment. The moisture
content shall be determined according to Sec. 5.2.3.
NOTE: Because ambient conditions may be beyond the control of the supplier,
the moisture content of activated carbon may increase during bulk shipment. A
moisture content exceeding 8 percent is permitted in the reference sample that is
collected after receipt of shipment (Sec. III.A(5) and Sec. 5.3.1).
4.1.2 Apparent density. The apparent density of the activated carbon shall be
not less than 0.25 g/cc as determined according to Sec. 5.2.4.
4.1.3 Particle-size distribution. Particle-size distribution shall be determined
in accordance with Sec. 5.2.5. The particle-size range of the granular activated car-
bon shall be as specified by the purchaser. Not more than 15 percent of the activated
carbon shall be retained on the maximum-size sieve,* and not more than 5 percent
of the activated carbon shall pass the minimum-size sieve.
4.1.4 Effective size. The effective size of the granular activated carbon shall be
within the limits specified by the purchaser. A range from 0.30 mm to 2.0 mm is
available. This parameter does not apply to extruded carbons where the cylindrical
diameter is typically specified.
4.1.5 Uniformity coefficient. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser,
granular activated carbon shall have a uniformity coefficient not greater than 2.1.
This parameter does not apply to extruded carbons. More uniform carbons may be
specified where desirable for filtration performance.
4.1.6 Abrasion resistance. The retention of average particle size of granular
activated carbon shall not be less than 70 percent as determined by either the stir-
ring abrasion test or the Ro-Tap abrasion test, according to Sec. 5.2.6.
4.1.7 Water-soluble ash. The water-soluble ash shall not exceed 4 percent as
determined according to Sec. 5.2.8, Water Extractables Test.
Sec. 4.2 Performance Criteria
4.2.1 Adsorptive capacity—iodine number. The iodine number of the granular
activated carbon shall not be less than 500 mg/g carbon as determined according to
Sec. 5.2.7. If desired, a higher iodine number may be specified. (See foreword,
Sec. II.D, for discussion of other tests to determine special adsorptive characteristics
for color, taste, and odor and specific organics removal. These special test procedures
should be specified, if deemed advisable, and the purchaser’s specifications should
allow adequate time to complete testing and confirmation analysis.)
4.2.2 Additional adsorptive capacity tests. If the purchaser desires to use ad-
ditional adsorptive capacity tests to measure adsorptive capacity, the purchaser shall
*All sieve numbers referred to in this standard are US Standard Sieve Series numbers, as
specified in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Designation
E11, Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes, available from ASTM, 100 Barr
Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
4 AWWA B604-96
notify the supplier of which type of shipment sampling will be required

(Sec. III.A(5)).
Sec. 4.3 Impurities*
4.3.1 General impurities. The granular activated carbon supplied according to
this standard shall contain no substances in quantities capable of producing delete-
rious or injurious effects on the health of those consuming water that has been
properly treated with granular activated carbon.
4.3.2 Specific impurity limits. The granular activated carbon shall not contain
specific impurities in excess of the limits listed in the Food Chemicals Codex.† and
should comply with ANSI/NSF‡ Standard 61, Drinking Water System Components—
Health Effects.
SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Sampling
5.1.1 Sampling location. If the purchaser elects to accept the material on the
basis as required in Sec. III.A(5), samples shall be taken at the point of destination.
The technique of sample collection shall be agreed on by both the supplier and the
purchaser before shipment.
5.1.2 Mechanical sampling. If the granular activated carbon is handled by
conveyor or elevator or shipped in bulk, a mechanical sampling arrangement may be
used.
5.1.3 Package sampling. When material is shipped to the jobsite in bags, rep-
resentative samples shall be collected using a core sampler. The representative sam-
ples from each bag shall be combined to produce the required composite sample. The
minimum size sample shall be 10 lb (4.5 kg) and the number of bags to be sampled
is indicated in Table 1.
5.1.4 Sampling tube. Carbon may be sampled, by the use of a sampling tube
of at least 3⁄4 in. (19 mm)§ diameter, from bulk carload shipments or from packages.
When taking samples from packages, the sampling tube shall be extended the full
length of the package to obtain a representative sample. It should be noted that it is
virtually impossible to avoid particle fracture when using a sampling tube. Extreme
care should be taken to minimize the effect of this on particle-size distribution. Sam-
pling bulk shipping containers after shipment from the manufacturer will be subject
to error caused by stratification and compaction during shipment. Extreme care
should be exercised in sampling bulk shipping containers after shipment.
*See Sec. I.C of the foreword.
†Available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington,
DC 20418.
‡NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
§Metric conversions given in this standard are direct conversions of US customary units
and are not those specified in International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
standards.
Table 1 Sampling of bagged media*
Lot Size Minimum Sample Size

(number of bags shipped) (number of bags sampled)
2–8 2
9–15 3
16–25 5
26–50 8
51–90 13
91–150 20
151–280 32
281–500 50
501–1,200 80
1,201–3,200 125
3,201–10,000 200
10,001–35,000 315
35,001–150,000 500
*
Refer to Military Standard MIL-STD-105D (1963), Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes.
5.1.5 Sample size. The gross sample of approximately 10 lb shall be sealed in

vaporproof containers. Each sample container shall be labeled to identify it, and the
label shall be signed by the sampler. The gross sample shall be divided using one of
the following methods:
1. Mix thoroughly and divide the sample to provide three 1-lb (0.45-kg) samples.
2. Pour through a sample riffler. Repeat as necessary using the split portions
to provide three 1-lb (0.45-kg) samples.
Sec. 5.2 Test Procedures

5.2.1 Samples. If the purchaser elects to accept the material on the basis
specified in Sec. III.A(5), samples shall be taken from each shipment of granular
activated carbon according to Sec. 5.1. The sample delivered to the laboratory shall
be divided to provide approximately 1 lb (454 g). After thorough mixing, this sample
should be stored in a vaporproof container and weighed out of it rapidly to avoid
change in moisture content.
5.2.2 Testing period. The laboratory examination of a sample shall be com-
plete in time to meet the requirements of Sec. 5.3.1 for notification of the supplier in
the event that tests reveal that the material does not comply with this standard or
the purchaser’s specifications.
5.2.3 Moisture.
5.2.3.1 Procedure. In a tared weighing bottle, accurately weigh approximately
2 g of the sample. Dry in a drying oven at 140°C for 2 h or 110°C for 3 h; then cool
in a desiccator and weigh rapidly.
5.2.3.2 Calculation.
loss of weight
× 100 = % moisture
weight of sample
6 AWWA B604-96
5.2.4 Apparent density.

5.2.4.1 General. The apparent density of a carbon is the weight in grams per
cubic centimeters (g/cc) of the carbon in air. Carbons should have the density deter-
mined on an “as-received” basis with corrections made for moisture content.
5.2.4.2 Apparatus. The testing apparatus shall be as shown in Figure 1. Res-
ervoir and feed funnels are glass or metal. The metal vibrator is 26-gauge galva-
nized sheet metal. A balance with a sensitivity of 0.1 g is required.
5.2.4.3 Procedure.
1. Carefully place a representative sample of the carbon into the reservoir
funnel. If the material prematurely flows into the graduated cylinder, return the
material to the reservoir funnel.
2. Add the sample to the cylinder by the vibrator feeder at a uniform rate of
not less than 0.75 mL/s nor greater than 1.0 mL/s up to the 100-mL mark. Adjust
the rate by changing the slope of the metal vibrator or raising or lowering the reser-
voir funnel, or both, or by using a variable autotransformer to vary the current to
the buzzer transformer.
3. Transfer the contents from the cylinder to a balance pan and weigh to the
nearest 0.1 g.
5.2.4.4 Calculation. Calculate the apparent density in grams/millilitre on the
dry basis:
(weight of carbon) × (100 − % moisture)

apparent density =
10,000
Ring Stand
Reservoir Funnel 76.2 mm 68.9 mm
Clamped to Ring Stand
Metal Vibrator
120.7 mm 101.6 mm
Door Bell "Buzzer" 82.6 mm
(For 10-V, 60-Hz Service) 38.1 mm
Feed Funnel
Clamped to Ring Stand 41.3 mm 23.8 mm
Switch Reservoir Funnel Feed Funnel
([SPST] Bat-Handle Toggle)
100-mL ASTM Graduated 12.7-mm Diameter Rod

Cylinder 19.1 mm
mm
Transformer .9
44.5 mm 88
(Not to Scale) Primary Volts 115
Assembly of Apparatus Volt Ampere 10 Metal Vibrator
Secondary Volts 6/12/18
Frequency 50–60 Hz
Figure 1 Apparent density apparatus
5.2.5 Particle-size distribution.

5.2.5.1 General. Determine the particle-size distribution of granular activated
carbon by mechanically shaking a weighed amount of material through a series of
US standard sieves and then determining the quantity retained on or passing
through each sieve.
5.2.5.2 Apparatus.
• Sample splitter—similar to Jones riffler
• Sieve shaker, electrically driven, equipped with automatic timer similar to
Ro-Tap
• Sieves—US standard sieves, 8 in. diameter and 2 in. high
• Bottom receiver pan—8 in. diameter and 2 in. high
• Top sieve cover—8 in. diameter
• Balance—top loader with sensitivity of 0.1 g
• Brush—soft brass-wire brush
5.2.5.3 Procedure.
1. Assemble the sieves to be used on the bottom receiver pan in order of
increasing sieve opening size from bottom to top. The smallest and largest opening
size sieves should correspond to the limiting sizes for the grade of carbon specified;
for example, for 12 × 40 carbon, use sieve numbers 12, 14, 16, 20, 30, and 40. US
standard sieves and opening sizes are tabulated in Table 2.
2. Mix the sample by passing the material through the riffle and recombining
twice.
3. Carefully reduce the mixed sample by repeated passes through the riffle to
obtain a test sample of 100 ± 5 g. No more than 5.0 g of activated carbon may be
added or taken from the test sample without additional riffling.
4. Transfer the weighed sample to the top sieve. Install the sieve cover and
sieve shaker cover and place the assembly on the sieve shaker.
5. Allow the sieve assembly to shake for 3 min ± 3 s with the hammer
operating.
Table 2 US standard sieves and opening sizes
US Standard Sieve Opening

Sieve Number mm
8 2.36
10 2.00
12 1.70
14 1.40
16 1.18
18 1.00
20 0.850
25 0.710
30 0.600
35 0.500
40 0.425
45 0.355
50 0.300
8 AWWA B604-96
6. Remove the sieve assembly from the sieve shaker and quantitatively
transfer the activated carbon retained on the top sieve to a tared balance pan and
weigh to the nearest 0.1 g. Repeat this procedure for material retained on each sub-
sequent sieve and the bottom receiver pan. Lightly brush the material from each
sieve to free particles held in the screen.
7. Add the weights of each sieve fraction; if the sum deviates more than 2.0 g
from the test sample weight, repeat the analyses.
5.2.5.4 Percentage retained on each sieve.
(sieve fraction weight) (100)

= % retained on each sieve
(sum of sieve fraction weights)
5.2.5.5 Effective size and uniformity coefficient.

a. From the percentage retained on each sieve, calculate the cumulative per-
centage passing each sieve. The cumulative percentage passing a sieve is the sum of
all the percentages retained on subsequent (smaller) sieves plus the percentage re-
tained on the pan.
b. Using probability × logarithmic paper, plot the sieve opening in millime-
tres on the ordinate or vertical scale versus the cumulative percentage passing each
sieve on the abscissa or horizontal scale.
c. The effective size is the sieve opening in millimetres at which 10 percent of
the material passes on the cumulative percentage passing scale.
d. The uniformity coefficient is determined by dividing the millimetre open-
ing at which 60 percent passes by the millimetre opening at which 10 percent passes.
5.2.6 Abrasion resistance.
5.2.6.1 General. Determine abrasion resistance either by the stirring abrasion
test or by the Ro-Tap abrasion test as follows.
5.2.6.2 Stirring abrasion test. The stirring abrasion test measures percentage
retention of the average particle size in the carbon after abrading the carbon by the
action of a T-shaped stirrer in a specially fabricated abrasion unit. This test is used
to measure abrasion resistance of lignite- and petroleum-coke-based granular activated
carbons.
5.2.6.2.1 Sieving apparatus—stirring abrasion test.
• Sieve shaker, electrically driven, equipped with automatic timer—similar to
Ro-Tap
• Sieves—US standard sieves, 8-in. diameter and 2-in. high; Table 3 indi-
cates sieves that are required
• Bottom receiver pan—8-in. diameter, full height
• Top sieve cover—8-in. diameter
5.2.6.2.2 Stirring abrasion unit. The abrasion unit is detailed in Figure 2. The
apparatus includes a T-shaped stirrer made from 1⁄2-in. metal rod that is driven at
855 ± 15 rpm. The stirrer and cylinder may be made of any suitable material; for
example, steel, stainless steel, or brass. The absence of burrs and rough welds is
absolutely necessary. The T-bar stirrer should be replaced when the length of the
cross bar is 0.02 in. less than the designed size or when the hemispherical ends
show signs of serious wear; that is, when the length of the cross bar is more than
0.025 in. from the designed size. Such wear will show on the leading edge of the
T-bar stirrer.
5.2.6.2.3 Procedure—stirring abrasion test.

1. Place a No. 8 sieve on top of a No. 70 sieve on the sieve shaker. Screen
sufficient granular activated carbon sample to obtain 250 mL–300 mL of 8 × 70
mesh carbon by shaking portions of the activated carbon on the sieve shaker for
exactly 3 min ±2 s with the hammer operating. Discard the material retained on the
No. 8 sieve and the material passing the No. 70 sieve.
2. Place the 250-mL–300-mL portion of granular activated carbon on the top
screen of a nest of US standard sieves, numbers 12, 16, 20, 40, 50, and 70; and
shake on the sieve shaker for 15 min ±10 s with the hammer operating.
3. Remove the sieve assembly from the sieve shaker and quantitatively
transfer the carbon retained on the top sieve to a tared balance pan and weigh to
the nearest 0.1 g. Repeat this procedure for material retained on each subsequent
Table 3 Sieving apparatus required for stirring abrasion test
US Standard Sieve Opening Average Opening

Sieve Number mm mm (Di)
8 2.36 —
12 1.70 2.03
16 1.18 1.44
20 0.850 1.02
40 0.425 0.64
50 0.300 0.36
70 0.212 0.26
pan — 0.15
4-in. V-Pulley
Thick-Walled Brass Tubing

About 4 in.
1 1/2-in. OD × 1/4 in. Wall

Ball Bearings
(New Departure Silver Soldered
77R8)
Supporting Frame
Slotted for Belt-
Tension Adjustment
1/
2-in.
Shaft 1/ -in.
2
About 6 in.
Brass Plate
Ends
Turned Brass Tubing
Silver
True 4-in. ID
Solder
Clearance,
Bottom and Ends
0.500 ± 0.010 in.
Figure 2 Stirring abrasion unit
10 AWWA B604-96
sieve and the bottom receiver pan. The material should be lightly brushed from each
sieve to free particles held in the screen. Record the weight of each sieve fraction
and the total weight of carbon recovered.
4. Recombine and blend by tumbling the sieve fractions very gently in a
quart fruit jar or similar container and place the carbon in the abrasion unit.
Operate the abrasion unit for 1 h ± 1 min.
5. Remove the carbon from the abrasion unit and repeat the screening on a
nest of US standard sieves, numbers 12, 16, 20, 40, 50, and 70, as in step 2. Use the
same sieve shaker as was used for the initial sieve analysis. Record the weight of
each sieve fraction and the total weight of carbon recovered.
5.2.6.2.4 Calculations—stirring abrasion test. Calculate the average particle
size before and after stirring by using the following equation:
summation of (Wi × Di)

Davg =
summation of (Wi)
Where:
Davg = the average particle size, in millimetres
Wi = the weight of a sieve fraction, in grams
Di = the opening in millimetres that corresponds to the average of the
openings in the two sieves that enclose that mesh fraction (see Table 3)
Calculate the percentage retention of average particle size; adjust to 1 mm
original particle size by using the following equation:
 (original Davg − final Davg) 

% retention / millimetre = (100) 1 − 
 (original Davg)2 
Report the value obtained as the percentage retention of particle size from the
stirring abrasion test.
5.2.6.3 Ro-Tap abrasion test. The Ro-Tap abrasion test measures the percent-
age retention of original average particle size by the resistance of the particles to
the action of steel balls in the Ro-Tap machine. This test is used to measure abra-
sion resistance of bituminous coal and petroleum-coke-based granular activated
carbons.
5.2.6.3.1 Sieving apparatus—Ro-Tap abrasion test.
• Sample splitter—similar to Jones riffler
• Ro-Tap—sieve shaker, electrically driven, equipped with automatic timer
• Sieves—US standard sieves, 8-in. diameter and 2-in. high
• Bottom receiver pan—8-in. diameter, full height
• Top sieve cover—8-in. diameter
5.2.6.3.2 Testing pan assembly. The abrasion pan assembly is detailed in Fig-
ure 3. The assembly consists of a Ro-Tap lid with cork insert, a half-height blank
pan, a specially fabricated abrasion testing pan, and a bottom receiver pan. The
abrasion testing pan is detailed in Figure 4. Ten 1⁄2-in. (12.7-mm) diameter and ten
3⁄4-in. (19-mm) diameter smooth steel balls will also be required. The steel balls will
be placed in the testing pan together with the carbon sample to be tested for the
abrasion test.
Cork
Lid
Half-Height Blank Pan
Abrasion Testing Pan
Bottom Receiver Pan
Figure 3 Testing pan assembly for Ro-Tap abrasion test (not to scale)
8 in.
43-in. Radius
111/ in. 14-Gauge Sheet Brass
2 in. 16 Brown and Sharp Standard
3/ Solder
16 in. 1/
5/ 2 in.
16 in. 8 in.
Figure 4 Abrasion testing pan for Ro-Tap abrasion test (not to scale)
12 AWWA B604-96
5.2.6.3.3 Procedure—Ro-Tap abrasion test.

1. Assemble the sieves to be used on the bottom receiver pan in order of
increasing sieve opening from bottom to top. Suggested sieve sizes to be used with
various particle-size ranges are given in Table 4.
2. Mix the sample by passing the material through the riffle and recombining
twice.
3. Carefully reduce the mixed sample by repeated passes through the riffle so
as to obtain a test sample of 100 ± 5 g. Do not add to or take from the sample more
than 5.0 g of carbon without additional riffling.
4. Transfer the weighed sample to the top sieve.
5. Install the sieve cover and Ro-Tap cover and place the assembly on the
Ro-Tap sieve shaker.
6. Allow the sieve assembly to shake for 10 min ± 10 s with the hammer
operating.
7. Prepare the abrasion testing pan and count the steel balls to ensure that
ten ⁄2-in. (12.7-mm) and ten 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) diameter smooth steel balls are con-
1
tained in the pan.
8. Remove the sieve assembly from the Ro-Tap and quantitatively transfer
the carbon retained on the top sieve to a tared balance pan. Weigh the carbon to the
nearest 0.1 g, then transfer it to the abrasion testing pan. Repeat this procedure for
material retained on each subsequent sieve and the bottom receiver pan. The mate-
rial should be lightly brushed from each sieve to free particles held in the screen.
Record the weight of each sieve fraction and the total weight of carbon recovered.
9. After the sieve fractions have been weighed and recombined in the abra-
sion testing pan, place the testing pan assembly on the Ro-Tap sieve shaker. The
testing pan assembly must be level and fit snugly on the Ro-Tap.
10. Allow the testing pan assembly to shake for 20 min ± 2 s with the hammer
operating. The time is critical; if the automatic timer is not capable of the specified
accuracy, the sieve shaker should be manually controlled and timed with a
stopwatch.
11. Remove the abrasion pan from the Ro-Tap and quantitatively transfer the
contents to the original set of sieves. A large-opening sieve may be temporarily
nested into the top sieve to remove the steel balls from the carbon, or the balls may
be removed by hand.
12. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 8 using the same Ro-Tap as was used for the initial
sieve analysis. However, after this second sieve analysis, discard the individual
Table 4 Recommended particle sieve sizes
Particle-Size Range US Standard Sieve Sizes

8 × 16 8, 12, 16, pan
8 × 20 8, 12, 16, 20, pan
8 × 30 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, pan
10 × 30 10, 12, 16, 20, 30, pan
12 × 40 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, pan
14 × 40 14, 16, 20, 30, 40, pan
20 × 40 20, 30, 40, pan
20 × 50 20, 30, 40, 50, pan
screen fractions after weighing. Repeat the analysis if the sum of either sieve analy-
sis deviates by more than 2.0 g from the test sample weight.
5.2.6.3.4 Calculations—Ro-Tap abrasion test.
(a) Calculate the original and final average particle size by using the follow-
ing equation:
summation of (Wi × Di)

Davg =
summation of (Wi)
Where:
Davg = the average particle size, in millimetres
Wi = the weight of a sieve fraction, in grams
Di = the opening in millimetres that corresponds to the average of the
openings in the two sieves that enclose that mesh fraction
Material caught on the pan is not considered in calculating the average particle
diameter. Values for Di are given in Table 5.
(b) Calculate average particle size; example calculation using a 12 × 30 mesh
material.
US Standard Sieve No. Retained Average Opening Average*

percent Di
mm
+12 1.5 2.03† 3.0
12 × 16 25.0 1.44 36.0
16 × 20 50.0 1.02 51.0
20 × 30 22.5 0.725 16.3
+30 1.0 0.00 0.0
100.0 106.3
*
Weighted.
†
The 2.03 factor was used for material remaining on the No. 12 sieve because it was assumed that this material would pass
through a No. 8 sieve (generally the next larger sieve in the square root of two series).
106.3
Davg = = 1.063
100.0
(c ) Calculate the percentage retention of average particle size by using the

following equation:
final Davg
retention, percentage = × 100
original Davg
Report the value obtained as the percentage retention of average particle size
from the Ro-Tap abrasion test.
5.2.7 Test method for iodine number. The procedure for determining the iodine
number of activated carbon is ASTM D4607, Standard Test Method for Determina-
tion of Iodine Number of Activated Carbon.
14 AWWA B604-96
Table 5 Di values for Ro-Tap abrasion test
US Standard Sieve Numbers Average Opening

(Di)
mm
6 × 8 2.86
8 × 10 2.18
8 × 12 2.03
10 × 12 1.85
12 × 14 1.55
12 × 16 1.44
14 × 16 1.29
16 × 20 1.02
20 × 30 0.725
30 × 40 0.513
40 × 50 0.360
5.2.8 Water extractables test. The method used for determining the water ex-
tractable content of activated carbon is found in the Food Chemicals Codex proce-
dures, under the category of Carbon, Activated.
Sec. 5.3 Rejection

5.3.1 Notice of nonconformance. If the granular activated carbon delivered
does not meet the requirements of this standard or the purchaser’s specifications, a
notice of nonconformance must be provided by the purchaser to the supplier within
15 working days* after receipt of the shipment at the point of destination. The
results of the purchaser’s test shall prevail unless the supplier notifies the pur-
chaser within five working days of the notice of nonconformance that a retest is
desired. On receipt of the request for a retest, the purchaser shall forward to the
supplier one of the sealed samples taken according to Sec. 5.1. In the event that the
results obtained by the supplier on retesting do not agree with the test results
obtained by the purchaser, the other sealed sample shall be forwarded, unopened,
for analysis to a referee laboratory agreed upon by both parties. The results of the
referee’s analysis shall be accepted as final.
*If testing for the removal of a specific challenge compound is required by the purchaser’s
specifications, adequate time must be allowed for conformance testing.
SECTION 6: DELIVERY*
Sec. 6.1 Marking
Each shipment of the material shall carry with it some means of identification.
6.1.1 Packaged material. Each container of granular activated carbon shall
have marked legibly on it the net weight of the contents, the name of the manufac-
turer, the lot number, a brand name, if any, and shall bear other markings as re-
quired by applicable regulations and laws.†
6.1.2 Bulk material. When shipped in bulk, the information required in
Sec. 6.1.1 for packaged material shall accompany the bill of lading.
6.1.3 Conformance with standard (optional). Containers may bear the state-
ment: “This material meets the requirements of AWWA B604, Standard for Granular
Activated Carbon,” provided that the requirements of this standard are met, and the
material is not of a different quality in separate agreement between the supplier
and the purchaser.
Sec. 6.2 Packaging and Shipping
6.2.1 Containers. Granular activated carbon shall be shipped in packages ac-
ceptable to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). Individual paper bags
shall contain from 35 lb (16 kg) to 150 lb (68 kg) each and semibulk containers shall
contain 800 lb (363 kg) to 2,000 lb (908 kg), or other quantity as agreed upon by the
purchaser and supplier.
6.2.2 Package shipments. Paper bag packages used in shipments of activated
carbon in less than carload lots shall be protected by an outer package of a resistant
nature, to avoid tearing the bags. Complete protection from weather shall be pro-
vided for the individual packages or by the conveyance.
6.2.3 Tolerances. The net dry weight of the packages shall not deviate from
the recorded weight by more than ± 5 percent. Objections to the weight of the mate-
rial received shall be based on a certified unit weight of not less than 10 percent of
the packages shipped, which are selected at random from the entire shipment.
6.2.4 Bulk shipments. Bulk shipments of activated carbon shall be in clean
cars or trucks with tight closures to avoid loss and contamination of the material in
transit. The interior of the cars or trucks shall be clean and free from dirt, corrosion-
scale, and other sources of contamination. Shipments in open-top hopper bottom
cars are acceptable only with adequate provisions for covering the material and
keeping it contained and protected during shipment. The type of railcar or hopper
truck shall be agreed on by the supplier and the purchaser before shipment. The
criteria for choosing a car or truck are the type of handling equipment and the
unloading facilities at the destination. Caution is advised in unloading bulk contain-
ers since particle stratification may occur during shipment. If the entire bulk ship-
ment is used to fill a single contactor or filter, no special precautions are required.
*Governmental marking, packaging, and shipping references reflect US requirements.

Users of AWWA B604 in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should verify
applicable local and national regulatory requirements.
†Because of frequent changes in these regulations, their specific provisions should not be
included in the purchaser’s specifications.
16 AWWA B604-96
Where the bulk shipment will be divided between or among contactors or filters,
different bays should be used to fill the various units or GAC additions should be
rotated among various contactors or filters.
6.2.5 Weight certification (bulk). Bulk shipments shall be accompanied by
weight certificates of certified weighers, if specified by the purchaser, or the weights
may be checked by certified weighers for the purchaser on delivery.
Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance
When requested by the purchaser, the supplier shall provide an affidavit of
compliance stating that the activated carbon furnished complies with the applicable
provisions of this standard and the purchaser’s specifications.
SECTION 7: PLACING GAC FILTER MATERIAL

Sec. 7.1 Preparation
7.1.1 Cleaning. Each filter cell shall be cleaned thoroughly before any filter
materials are placed. Each cell shall be kept clean throughout placement operations.
7.1.2 Marking each layer. Before any materials are placed, the top elevation of
each layer shall be marked by a level line on the inside of the filter cell.
7.1.3 Storage and handling of materials. Filter materials shall be kept clean.
Bulk materials shall be stored on a clean, hard, dry surface and covered to prevent
contamination during storage. Materials shipped in bags or semibulk containers
shall be covered with a durable, opaque material to block sunlight and provide pro-
tection from weather. Bags and semibulk containers shall be stored separately.
When materials are shipped in bags or semibulk containers, under no circumstances
shall the material be removed from the bags or semibulk containers prior to place-
ment in the filter, except for sampling.
Sec. 7.2 Placement of Support Media

7.2.1 Caution in installing material. The bottom layer of gravel shall be care-
fully placed to avoid damage to the filter underdrain system. For materials smaller
than 1⁄2 in., workers shall not stand or walk directly on the gravel but shall walk on
boards or plywood that will support their weight without displacing the material.
7.2.2 Placement of layers. Each layer shall be completed before beginning
placement of the layer above. Each layer of filter material shall be deposited in a
uniform thickness, with the top surface screeded and brought to a true level plane
using backwash water. Care shall be exercised in placing each layer to avoid dis-
turbing the surface of the layer beneath.
7.2.3 Alternate material placement. Bulk materials may be placed dry by us-
ing a chute or conveyor to discharge the materials onto a platform, from which they
may be distributed with a hand shovel. Alternatively, bulk materials may be placed
hydraulically by pump or ejector.
For filter sand placed using the wet method, the materials shall be added
through the water and then backwashed for leveling.
7.2.4 Placement of materials from bags or semibulk containers. When filter
material is shipped in bags or semibulk containers and hydraulic placement is not
used, the bags or semibulk containers shall be placed in the filter and the material
distributed directly from them. To provide for initial expansion of the bed due to
segregation of particle sizes, the elevation of the top surface, before the initial wash-
ing, shall be approximately 10 percent of the final bed thickness below the finish
elevation.
7.2.5 Layer elevation. The elevation of the top surface of each layer shall be
checked by filling the filter with water to the level line previously marked on the
inside of the filter cell (Sec. 4.4.1.2).
7.2.6 Washing gravel layer. After all filter gravel is placed, and before any
filter sand and GAC are placed, the filter should be washed for 5 min at the maxi-
mum available rate, not to exceed 25 gpm/ft2 of filter area. This step may be elimi-
nated if fines or contaminants are not apparent to the purchaser. Any gravel that
becomes intermixed after placement with another material or size shall be removed
and replaced with clean material of the proper type and size.
7.2.7 Washing other material. With a dual- or multiple-media filter bed, each
filter material shall be washed and scraped or skimmed as deemed necessary to
remove excess fine materials before the next material is installed.
7.2.8 Disinfection of filter. Prior to installation of GAC, the filter shall be dis-
infected with chlorine according to ANSI/AWWA C653 or as otherwise specified. Dis-
infection shall be performed after the filter underdrain has been added and the
support gravel and sand have been added and leveled.
Sec. 7.3 Placement of GAC
7.3.1 Slurry transport. To avoid dust in the filter area, it is recommended that
all GAC be added hydraulically through an eductor, slurry pump, blow case, or di-
rectly from specially built bulk trucks. Where bags, bulk boxes, or other bulk con-
tainers are used, the construction of an eduction system is recommended. Although
the volatiles have been removed from the GAC during the activation step and the
carbon dust is not an explosive hazard, it is a nuisance dust and should be pre-
vented or precluded by a slurry addition. This will also provide an opportunity for
the GAC to become wetted. Since GAC is filled with internal pores, it is vitally
important for it to become thoroughly wetted before backwashing to prevent the
undue loss of materials.
7.3.2 Placing GAC. The filter box should be filled with water prior to adding
carbon. The water level should be approximately one-third of the GAC filter medium
volume. In filling the filter box with GAC, care should be taken to avoid disruption
of the supporting gravel or sand layer. The GAC slurry delivery hose should be
directed to various locations in the filter to provide as uniform a distribution as
possible. If the delivery is made in large bulk trucks, it is also advisable to rotate
the addition of carbon among filters to avoid any differences in particle size that
may result from the stratification of the media during transport. Any graded media
can stratify during bulk transport and care must be taken to ensure that the mate-
rials placed in the filter beds are uniform.
GAC should be added to the filter box to bring the carbon level to approxi-
mately 85 percent of the final volume. A permanent expansion of approximately
15 percent will occur as the GAC medium is backwashed due to stratification of the
bed. Since the uniformity coefficient of GAC is typically larger than that of sand or
anthracite, the permanent expansion will be greater. The actual amount of the per-
manent expansion will depend on the uniformity of the GAC, the effectiveness of the
backwash system, and the control of the backwash sequence.
7.3.3 Backwashing and leveling. After placing GAC into the filter box to pro-
vide approximately 85 percent of the filter volume, the carbon should be leveled by
18 AWWA B604-96
backwashing. If the carbon was added via a slurry transport system, backwashing
may be accomplished at a controlled rate within 4 hours. If the carbon was placed
dry, the bed should be allowed to set for approximately 24 hours in a completely
submerged condition to allow the carbon pores to fill with water. Otherwise, the
reduced density of the GAC due to air in the pores may result in excessive backwash
losses.
After ensuring that the GAC is completely wetted, it should be backwashed at
a reduced rate (<5 gpm/ft2) to remove the carbon fines. As the fines are removed and
the granular medium is clearly visible, the backwash rate should be increased to
provide at least 30 percent expansion for approximately 10 min to allow the GAC
bed to thoroughly stratify by particle size. The bed should be backwashed twice to
ensure that the particles are completely stratified. The bed level should then be
noted and additional carbon added with subsequent backwashing to reach the final
desired level. Bags of GAC can be added to control the final fill elevation. Care
should be taken to avoid overfilling the filter. The removal of material from the top
of a GAC bed to achieve the final depth will remove the top layer and change the
particle size distribution in the filter. Neither air backwash nor surface sweeps
should be operated during this filling procedure. The backwash curves provided by
the supplier should be used as guidance, if available.
Sec. 7.4 Top Surface Elevation
GAC should be added with periodic backwashing until the final surface eleva-
tion is achieved after a normal backwash cycle and the bed is allowed to settle. It
should be noted that any graded filter media, including GAC, will compact during
the filtration cycle causing the surface elevation to be reduced. The surface of GAC
should not be scraped.
Sec. 7.5 Contamination

Granular activated carbon is manufactured at high temperatures and packaged
or stored directly following production. Therefore, it should be free from contamina-
tion and care should be exercised to ensure that it does not become contaminated
during transport, filling, or the backwash process. Should contamination occur, the
contaminated materials should be removed and replaced with virgin GAC.
SECTION 8: PREPARATION OF FILTER FOR SERVICE

Sec. 8.1 Backwashing
8.1.1 Backwash controls. Since GAC serves as both a filter medium and ad-
sorbent in filtration systems, it is imperative that an effective backwash system be
in place. This should include a backwash control system that gradually increases the
backwash rate to provide for the expulsion of entrapped air and ensures that the
filter expands from the top downward. Surface sweeps and air backwash systems
should be turned off before backwash water reaches the overflow trough to avoid
loss of GAC. Air scour should be turned off as the water level reaches the bottom of
the trough to allow air to be purged prior to overflow. To promote stratification of
the GAC bed, improve adsorption efficiency, and reduce cost, the backwash rate
should be decreased gradually over a period of 3 min to 5 min at the end of the
backwash cycle. The backwash rate can be calibrated by comparing the rise rate in
the filter box with the recorded flow rate.
8.1.2 Backwash procedures. When the GAC filter is initially placed in service,
or after it has been idle, it should be backwashed before being placed in operation.
The water level in filters should be maintained above the GAC level when the filters
are out of service to prevent oxygen adsorption, and new carbon beds should be
flooded to ensure wetting for 24 h unless the carbon has just been hydraulically
transported. The backwash shall then be commenced at an initial flow rate not to
exceed 5 gpm/ft2. The flow rate should be gradually increased to provide the desired
expansion.
8.1.3 Backwash rate. During each backwash, the water shall be applied in an
upward direction at an initial rate not to exceed 5 gpm/ft2. The upflow rate should
then be increased gradually over a period of several minutes until the desired ex-
pansion is achieved. The expansion and backwash rate should be based on the
manufacturer’s recommendations and the backwash rate should be adjusted to com-
pensate for changes in temperature. The density and viscosity of water can have a
significant influence on the expansion properties of GAC and carbon losses because
both vary with temperature. Surface sweeps and air washes should be turned off
before the backwash water begins to flow over the wash water trough to prevent
GAC losses.
8.1.4 GAC filter bed stratification. Since the maintenance of a stratified bed
and adsorption wave front is vital to providing an efficient adsorption process and
reducing operating costs, the backwash flow should always be turned off gradually.
This will promote stratification and adsorption efficiency. Quick opening or quick
closing valves should not be used on any granular media filter, including GAC ad-
sorption systems.
Sec. 8.2 Scraping
GAC filters should not be scraped because (1) the fines will be removed during
the extended backwash period; (2) the materials as manufactured are clean, and
since GAC cannot be disinfected with chlorine, it is advisable to not risk contamina-
tion by working on the surface; (3) GAC is friable, and movement on the surface can
generate more fines while fines are being removed. However, should undue head loss
develop as a result of fines, the filters can be scraped to restore capacity.
Sec. 8.3 Disinfection

Chlorine will be rapidly removed by the GAC through an oxidation-reduction
reaction. Thus, a residual chlorine concentration cannot be provided throughout the
filter. Disinfection is not effective and should not be practiced. However, backwash-
ing with a chlorinated backwash water will assist in controlling biological growth,
but will not completely disinfect the filter. Microbial testing of the filter should be
conducted before placing the filter in service.
Sec. 8.4 Cleaning
GAC systems will remove dirt and debris similar to other filter media and
must be periodically cleaned. This can be accomplished by backwashing the GAC
bed with water or an air–water wash. The particle density of GAC is appreciably
less than sand so care must be exercised during the backwash procedure. In addi-
tion, the water backwash should be slowly increased when initiating the backwash
to prevent the carbon from rising as a plug and should be turned off slowly at the
20 AWWA B604-96
conclusion of the backwash cycle to promote GAC bed stratification, improve the
adsorption process, and reduce operating costs.
Sec. 8.5 Safety
8.5.1 Fire. Although activated carbon is not an explosive hazard, it does burn
and will react with strong oxidizing agents. Therefore, it should be stored away from
oxidizing agents and potential sources of heat and ignition.
8.5.2 Oxygen depletion. Wet granular activated carbon will rapidly adsorb
oxygen and create an oxygen-deficient condition. Idle filters should be covered with
water and workers should follow all safety precautions when entering enclosed
spaces containing wet activated carbon.
8.5.3 Proper disposal. The only two spent granular activated carbons specifi-
cally listed as hazardous are those GACs used in the treatment of munitions waste
and those used in veterinary medicines. However, any spent GAC can be hazardous
if it meets certain criteria under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). Therefore,
the user should refer to TSCA, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and
the latest edition of other applicable state, provincial, and federal laws before dis-
posing of any spent granular activated carbons. Manufacturers will often accept
spent GAC for regeneration and reuse.
APPENDIX A
Bibliography
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA B604.
ASCE & AWWA. 1990. Water Treatment Plant Design. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill
Book Company.
Carpenter, F.G. 1957. Development of a New Test for the Abrasion Hardness of Bone Char.
Proc. 5th Tech. Sess. Bone Char. National Bureau of Standards Supplement to Miscella-
neous Publication 240 (Apr. 3, 1967).
Cheremisinoff, P.N., and F. Ellerbusch. 1978. Carbon Adsorption Handbook. Ann Arbor, Mich.:
Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc.
Clark, R.M. 1987. Modeling TOC Removal by GAC. The General Logistic Function. Jour.
AWWA, 79:33–37.
Coughlin, R.W., and F.S. Ezra. 1968. Role of Surface Acidity in the Adsorption of Organic
Pollutants on the Surface of Carbon. Enviro. Sci. Technol., 2:4:291–297.
Crittenden, J.C., D.W. Hand, H. Arora, and B.W. Lykins Jr. 1987. Design Considerations for
GAC Treatment of Organic Chemicals. Jour. AWWA, 79:1:74–82.
Crittenden, J.C., P.J. Luft, D.W. Hand, and G. Friedman. 1987. Prediction of Fixed-Bed Adsor-
ber Removal of Organics in Unknown Mixtures. Jour. Envir. Engrg. Div., ASCE,
113:3:486–498.
Crittenden, J.C., et al. 1989. Prediction of GAC Performance Using Rapid Small Scale Col-
umn Tests. Denver, Colo.: AWWA Research Foundation and AWWA.
1989. Design and Use of Granular Activated Carbon—Practical Aspects, Proceedings. AWWA
Research Foundation. Proc. AWWA Annual Conference.
Dobbs, R.A., and J.M. Cohen. 1980. Carbon Adsorption Isotherms for Toxic Organics. EPA
Rpt. EPA—600/8-80-023. Cincinnati, Ohio: USEPA.
———. 1983. Treatments of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water. EPA Rpt. EPA—600/8-83-
019. Cincinnati, Ohio: USEPA.
National Academy of Sciences. 1988. Food Chemicals Codex. Washington, D.C.: Com. on Speci-
fications, Food Chemicals Codex; Com. on Food Protection, Nat. Res. Council. Nat. Acad.
Press.
Grase, L.S., V.L. Snoeyink, and R.G. Lee. 1987. GAC Filter Adsorbers. Denver, Colo.: AWWA
Research Foundation and AWWA.
Hashimoto, K., K. Miura, F. Yoshikawa, and I. Imai. 1979. Change in Pore Structure of Carbo-
naceous Materials During Activation and Adsorption Performance of Activated Carbon.
Ind. Engrg. Chem. Process Dec. Dev., 18:1:72–80.
Hassler, J.W. 1967. Activated Carbon. London: Leonard Hill.
———. 1963. Activated Carbon. New York, N.Y.: Chem. Publ. Co.
———. 1941. The History of Taste and Odor Control. Jour. AWWA, 33:2124–2152.
Herzing, D.R., V.L. Snoeyink, and N.F. Wood. 1977. Activated Carbon Adsorption of the Odor-
ous Compounds 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin. Jour. AWWA, 69:4:223–228.
Mallevialle, J., ed. 1987. Identification and Treatment of Taste and Odor in Drinking Water.
Denver, Colo.: AWWA Research Foundation and AWWA.
21
22 AWWA B604-96
Juhola, A.J. 1977. Manufacture, Pore Structure and Application of Activated Carbons Part 1.
Kemia-Kemi, 11:543–551.
———. 1975. Iodine Adsorption and Structure of Activated Carbons. Carbon, 13:437–442.
Juntgen, H. 1976a. Manufacture and Properties of Activated Carbon. In: Translation of Re-
ports on Special Problems of Water Technology, EPA Rpt. EPA—600/9-76-030, Ofce. Res.
Devel. Cincinnati, Ohio: USEPA.
Kim, B.R., and V.L. Snoeyink. 1980a. The Monochloramine-Activated Carbon Reaction: A
Mathematical Model Solved Using the Orthogonal Collocation Method on Finite Ele-
ments. In: Activated Carbon Adsorption of Organics from the Aqueous Phase, Vol. 1. I.H.
Suffet and M.J. McGuire, eds. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc.
———. 1980b. The Monochloramine-GAC Reaction in Adsorption Systems. Jour. AWWA,
72:488.
Kim, B.R., V.L. Snoeyink, and R.A. Schmitz. 1978a. Removal of Dichloramine and Ammonia
by Granular Carbon. Jour. Wtr. Pollution Control Federation, 50:122–133.
KIWA–AWWARF. 1983. Activated Carbon in Drinking Water Technology. Denver, Colo.: AWWA
Research Foundation.
Mantell, C.L. 1951. Adsorption. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
McGuire, M.J. 1977. The Optimization of Water Treatment Unit Processes for Removal of
Trace Organic Compounds with an Emphasis on the Adsorption Mechanism. Ph.D. the-
sis. Philadelphia, Pa.: Drexel University.
McGuire, M.J., and I.H. Suffet. 1980. Activated Carbon Adsorption of Organics From the
Aqueous Phase. 2 vols. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc.
———. 1983. Treatment of Water by Granular Activated Carbon. Advances in Chemistry
Series, no. 202. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society.
Malaiyandi, M., ed. 1987. Organic Pollutants in Water: Sampling, Analysis and Toxicity Test-
ing. Advances in Chemistry Series, no. 214. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Soci-
ety.
Robeck, G.G., K.A. Dostal, J.M. Cohen, and J.F. Kreissl. 1965. Effectiveness of Water Treat-
ment Processes in Pesticide Removal. Jour. AWWA, 57:2:181–200.
Snoeyink, V.L., and M.T. Suidan. 1975. Dechlorination by Activated Carbon and Other Reduc-
ing Agents. In: Disinfection of Water and Wastewater, J.D. Johnson, ed. Ann Arbor, Mich.:
Ann Arbor Sci. Publ. Inc.
Suidan, M.T., K.A. Chacey, and W.H. Cross. 1978. Pulsating Bed Activated Carbon Dechlorina-
tion, Jour. Envir. Engrg. Div., ASCE, 104:1223.
Suidan, M.T., V.L. Snoeyink, and R.A. Schmitz. 1977a. Reduction of Aqueous Free Chlorine
With Granular Activated Carbon—pH and Temperature Effects. Envir. Sci. Technol.,
11:785.
———. 1977b. Reduction of Aqueous HOCl With Activated Carbon. Jour. Envir. Engrg. Div.,
ASCE, 103:677.
Summers, R.S., F. Fuchs, and H. Sontheimer. 1988b. The Fate and Removal of Radioactive
Iodine in the Aquatic Environment. In: Influences of Aquatic Humic Substances on Fate
and Treatment of Pollutants. P. MacCarthy and I.H. Suffet, eds. Advances in Chemistry
Series no. 219. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society.
Summers, R.S. 1986. Activated Carbon Adsorption of Humic Substances: Effect of Molecular
Size and Heterodispersity. Ph.D. dissertation. Stanford, Calif.: Dept. of Civil Engineer-
ing, Stanford University.
Summers, R.S., et al. 1992. Standardized Protocol for the Evaluation of GAC. Denver, Colo.:
AWWA Research Foundation and AWWA.
Weber, W.J. Jr. 1972. Physiochemical Processes for Water Quality Control. New York, N.Y.:
Wiley Inter-Science.
White, G.C. 1972. Handbook of Chlorination. Cincinnati, Ohio: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co.
APPENDIX B
Adsorptive Capacity Tests
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA B604.
These tests were added because they are referred to in Sec. II.D, Adsorptive
Capacity, of the foreword, and can aid in the analysis of granular carbon used for
water treatment.
SECTION B.1 TANNIN ADSORPTION TEST

Sec. B.1.1 Stock Tannic Acid Solution—500 mg/L
Dissolve exactly 1.0 g of NF-grade tannic acid in distilled water and dilute to
2 L in a volumetric flask. Use tannic acid similar to Merck & Company, NF catalog
number 04541 or equivalent.
Sec. B.1.2 Test Procedure

A piece of 0.75-in. (19-mm) inside diameter (ID) tubing* (glass or acrylic) ap-
proximately 7-in. (175-mm) long is fitted at the bottom with a one-hole rubber stop-
per, a short piece of rubber tubing, and an adjustable hose clamp. A piece of 80-mesh
screen is used in the bottom of the tube to support the carbon. The tube is marked
to indicate a carbon volume of 32 mL. A weighed amount of granular carbon is
added to the tube to approximately the 32-mL mark, then gently washed upflow to
remove any fines. If needed, additional carbon is added to the 32-mL mark, and the
column is backwashed again. After backwashing, the water level is allowed to fill to
the top of the carbon bed. Care should be taken so the carbon in the column is
completely submerged at all times; otherwise, channeling will occur through the
center of the bed.
One litre of 500-mg/L tannic acid solution is passed downflow through the col-
umn at the rate of 15 mL/min (assuming 0.75-in. [19-mm] tubing is used), and the
entire effluent is collected in a receiving flask. If a suitable pump is not available,
the tannic acid solution can be fed from a separatory funnel held above the column
by adjusting the stopcock to give a flow of 15 mL/min.
The effluent is mixed and the concentration of tannin remaining is determined
by either ultraviolet (UV) absorbance at 275 mµm by evaporation of a portion of the
mixed filtrate or by the standard AWWA color method (see Sec. B.1.3.3) for the tan-
nin analysis.
Sec. B.1.3 Determination of Tannin in Effluent
B.1.3.1 UV absorbance. A sample of mixed effluent and of the original
500-mg/L tannin feed is read on a UV spectrophotometer at 275 mµm (maximum
absorbance peak). Samples are diluted with distilled water until a direct instrument
*A larger diameter tube can be used with appropriate adjustments of carbon volume, flow
rate, and total volume of tannic acid solution used.
25
26 AWWA B604-96
scale reading can be obtained and corrected for dilution. A standard curve is pre-
pared by diluting the 500-mg/L tannin feed as follows in Table B.1.
The optical density of each dilution given in Table B.1 at 275 mµm is plotted
against milligrams per litre tannin. From the standard curve, the milligrams per
litre tannin in each effluent sample is determined.
Calculation:
 effluent tannin (in milligrams per litre) 

percentage tannin adsorbed = 100 1 −
 influent tannin (in milligrams per litre) 
weight tannin adsorbed (in grams)

100 g carbon
percentage tannin adsorbed × 5 g × litres used

= × 100
weight carbon in column (in grams)
B.1.3.2 Evaporation of mixed effluent. Exactly 200 g of mixed effluent and a

200-g feed sample are evaporated in a 100°C convection oven to dryness and each
residue is weighed on an analytical balance to the nearest milligram.
Calculation:
 effluent residue (in grams) 

percentage tannin adsorbed = 100 1 − 
 influent residue (in grams) 
weight tannin adsorbed (in grams)

100 g carbon
percentage tannin adsorbed × 5 g × litres used

= × 100
B.1.3.3 AWWA-APHA-WPCF method. The residual mg/L tannin is determined

colorimetrically for the mixed effluent and feed using the AWWA-APHA-WPCF
method for tannin and lignin. Reagents and apparatus required are given in method
number 5550, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.*
Calculations are made in the same manner as previously described.
SECTION B.2 PHENOL ADSORPTION TEST

Sec. B.2.1 Reagents
a. Stock phenol solution—5,000 mg/L. Dissolve 5.0 g of reagent-grade phenol
in distilled water and dilute to 1 L. Phenol should be weighed in a glass weighing
dish. Rinse the dish several times with distilled water to ensure the transfer of all
phenol from the dish into the solution. Standardize the solution. If the concentration
of phenol is more than ± 200 mg/L, either dilute with distilled water or add more
*Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, APHA, AWWA, WPCF,
Denver (17th ed., 1989).
Table B.1 Standard curve of tannin dilution
500 mg/L
Tannin Tannin Distilled Water
mg/L mL mL
5 1 99
25 5 95
50 10 90
100 20 80
200 40 60
300 60 40
400 80 20
phenol to get the desired concentration. After two weeks, this solution should be
discarded and fresh solution prepared. (Reagent-grade phenol should be stored in a
refrigerator.)
b. Sodium thiosulfate solution—0.1N. Dissolve 25 g of reagent-grade sodium
thiosulfate and 1.0 g of reagent-grade sodium carbonate (as a preservative) in boiled
distilled water and make up to 1 L. Store in a brown bottle. Standardize the
solution.
c. Potassium bromate–bromide solution—0.1N. Dissolve 2.784 g of reagent-
grade potassium bromate and 10.0 g of reagent-grade potassium bromide (bromate-
free) in distilled water and make up to 1 L. Store in a brown bottle.
d. Potassium biniodate solution—0.1N. Dissolve 3.2499 g of potassium binio-
date, primary standard, in distilled water and make up to 1 L.
e. Potassium iodide solution—12.5 percent. Dissolve 25 g of reagent-grade po-
tassium iodide in 175 mL of distilled water. Store in a brown bottle. (Discard when
it develops a yellow color.)
f. Starch solution. Dissolve 5.0 g of soluble potato powder starch and 1.25 g of
reagent-grade salicylic acid in 50 mL of distilled water. Add the dissolved starch and
salicylic acid slowly, while stirring, to 950 mL of boiling distilled water. Rinse the
beaker with some of the hot starch solution to ensure removal of all the starch.
Sec. B.2.2 Standardization of Reagents
a. Sodium thiosulfate solution. Add 100 mL of distilled water; 4 mL of con-
centrated, reagent-grade hydrochloric acid; and 8 mL of 12.5 percent potassium io-
dide solution to a 500-mL iodine flask and mix. Rinse down sides of the flask with
distilled water. Using a transfer pipette, add 25 mL of 0.1N potassium biniodate
solution to the flask. Mix and allow to stand for 3 min. Titrate with the 0.1N sodium
thiosulfate solution using starch solution as the indicator.
Calculation:
phenol concentration (in grams per litre)
(millilitres bromate−bromide × NF) (millilitres thiosulfate × NF)

= × 15.685
millilitres phenol solution titrated
28 AWWA B604-96
b. Stock phenol solution. Pipette 25 mL of stock phenol solution into a 500-

mL iodine flask and add 15 mL of concentrated, reagent-grade hydrochloric acid.
Titrate with the potassium bromate–bromide solution to a slight yellow color. (For
5,000 mg/L phenol concentration, it will require approximately 80 mL–90 mL of so-
lution to produce the yellow color.) Shake the flask and allow it to stand for 3 min.
Add 8 mL of 12.5 percent potassium iodide solution, shake, and allow it to stand for
3 min. Titrate the liberated iodine with the standardized 0.1N sodium thiosulfate
solution, using the starch solution as indicator.
Calculation:
normality sodium thiosulfate solution
millilitres potassium biniodate × NF biniodate

=
millilitres sodium thiosulfate solution used
Sec. B.2.3 Test Procedure

a. Phenol adsorption. A piece of 0.75-in. (19-mm) ID tubing (glass or acrylic)
about 7-in. (175-mm) long is fitted at the bottom with a one-hole rubber stopper, a
short piece of rubber tubing, and an adjustable hose clamp. A piece of 80-mesh
screen is used in the bottom of the tube to support the carbon. The tube is marked
at such a height as to indicate a carbon volume of 32 mL. The granular carbon is
added to the tube to about the 32-mL mark, then gently washed upflow to remove
any fines. If needed, additional carbon is added to the 32-mL mark, and the column
is backwashed again. After backwashing, the water level is allowed to fall to the top
of the carbon bed.
One litre of phenol solution at 5,000 mg/L is passed downflow through the
column at the rate of 15 mL/min, and the entire effluent is collected in a receiving
flask.
The effluent is mixed and the concentration of phenol determined.
b. Determination of phenol in effluent. A 25-mL aliquot of the mixed effluent
is placed in a 500-mL iodine flask. The same procedure and calculation used to
determine the concentration of the stock solution in B.2.2(b) is used to determine
the phenol in effluent.
Calculation:
percentage phenol adsorbed
 effluent phenol (in milligrams per litre) 

= 100 1 −
 influent phenol (in milligrams per litre) 
weight phenol adsorbed (in grams)

100 g carbon
percentage phenol adsorbed × 5 g × litres used

= × 100
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Granular Activated Carbon: Awwa Standard

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American Water Works Association

Effective date: Mar. 1, 1997.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

American National Standard

Copyright © 1997 by American Water Works Association

The Subcommittee on Granular Activated Carbon as a Filter Medium, which

B.H. Kornegay, Chair

General Interest Members

The Filtering Materials Subcommittee on Granular Activated Carbon, which

S.L. Bishop, Chair

General Interest Members

Joseph A. Bella, Chair

D.G. Ballou, City Utilities of Springfield, Springfield, Mo. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

F.S. Cannon, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (AWWA)

D.A. Ainsworth, Cameron Carbon Inc., Baltimore, Md. (AWWA)

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

3 Definitions ........................................ 2 Figures

‡NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

*American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 6500 Glenway Ave., Bldg.

Table F.1 Typical characteristics for a range of GAC products*

Standard US Mesh Size Uniformity Effective Size Apparent Density

AWWA STANDARD FOR

GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON

Sec. 1.3 Application

ANSI*/AWWA B100—Standard for Filtering Materials.

*American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

‡Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1994.

notify the supplier of which type of shipment sampling will be required

*See Sec. I.C of the foreword.

Table 1 Sampling of bagged media*

Lot Size Minimum Sample Size

5.1.5 Sample size. The gross sample of approximately 10 lb shall be sealed in

Sec. 5.2 Test Procedures

5.2.4 Apparent density.

(weight of carbon) × (100 − % moisture)

100-mL ASTM Graduated 12.7-mm Diameter Rod

Figure 1 Apparent density apparatus

5.2.5 Particle-size distribution.

Table 2 US standard sieves and opening sizes

US Standard Sieve Opening

(sieve fraction weight) (100)

5.2.5.5 Effective size and uniformity coefficient.

5.2.6.2.3 Procedure—stirring abrasion test.

Table 3 Sieving apparatus required for stirring abrasion test

US Standard Sieve Opening Average Opening

Thick-Walled Brass Tubing

1 1/2-in. OD × 1/4 in. Wall

Figure 2 Stirring abrasion unit

summation of (Wi × Di)

 (original Davg − final Davg) 

Half-Height Blank Pan

Abrasion Testing Pan

Bottom Receiver Pan

5.2.6.3.3 Procedure—Ro-Tap abrasion test.

Table 4 Recommended particle sieve sizes

Particle-Size Range US Standard Sieve Sizes

summation of (Wi × Di)

US Standard Sieve No. Retained Average Opening Average*

(c ) Calculate the percentage retention of average particle size by using the

Table 5 Di values for Ro-Tap abrasion test

US Standard Sieve Numbers Average Opening

Sec. 5.3 Rejection