Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Future of this Controversial Technology
Shanghai International Environmental Protection Exhibition (ECOTECH)
December 25, 2024
Honeycomb-activated carbon has been a key player in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) treatment for years, but recent policy debates have sparked questions about its future. Let’s dive into the ongoing discussions, the advantages and disadvantages of this technology, and what it means for the industry.
A Year of Heated Policy Debate
In August 2024, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment proposed a draft policy listing honeycomb-activated carbon without an in-situ regeneration system among technologies to be eliminated. This sparked significant industry concern, as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worried about increased costs and operational challenges.
By September, the proposal was revised, and the technology was retained—but the debate continues. In October, an article titled “Why Can’t We Do ‘Subtraction’ on Honeycomb Activated Carbon at Present” by Lei Jun highlighted the nuances of this issue, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Let’s examine the technology’s strengths and weaknesses to understand the controversy.
The Drawbacks of Honeycomb Activated Carbon
- Limited Adsorption Capacity
While honeycomb-activated carbon offers initial efficiency, its adsorption capacity diminishes over time. Saturation occurs quickly, leading to frequent emissions exceeding regulatory limits. - Short Lifespan and High Replacement Costs
Activated carbon typically requires replacement within 500 hours or three months, depending on usage. This frequent turnover adds to operational expenses. - Fragile Structure with High Loss Rates
The lightweight yet fragile honeycomb structure is prone to breakage during transportation and installation, making recycling or reuse difficult. - Secondary Pollution Concerns
Disposal of spent activated carbon generates hazardous waste, adding environmental risks and costs for enterprises. Improper handling can lead to further pollution. - Mismanagement by SMEs
Many smaller enterprises fail to optimize usage due to inadequate design, insufficient filling, or delayed replacement, resulting in poor treatment outcomes and regulatory violations.
The Case for Honeycomb Activated Carbon
Despite its flaws, honeycomb-activated carbon continues to be widely used for good reason.
- Wide Industry Adoption
For treating low-concentration, high-volume VOCs, honeycomb-activated carbon remains an economical and effective choice. Alternatives like incineration can be prohibitively expensive for SMEs. - Efficiency in Specific Processes
In industries like industrial coating, packaging printing, and oil storage, honeycomb-activated carbon offers reliable performance under certain conditions. - Cost-Effective and Accessible
Compared to granular carbon, honeycomb activated carbon is cheaper, readily available, and easier to install, offering significant operational cost savings. - Potential for Regeneration
Advances in in-situ regeneration technology are expanding its lifespan and reducing waste, making it more sustainable and practical.
What’s Next for the Industry?
The future of honeycomb-activated carbon hinges on continued innovation and regulatory clarity. In-situ regeneration and hybrid systems combining adsorption and catalytic combustion are already paving the way for more sustainable solutions. However, the sudden elimination of the technology without viable alternatives would disrupt SMEs and inflate compliance costs.
Spotlight on Leading Brands
The Shanghai International Environmental Protection Exhibition (ECOTECH) showcased key players driving innovation in activated carbon technology:
- Jingdezhen Jiayuan Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.
Specializing in high-efficiency honeycomb zeolite molecular sieves, the company offers cost-effective solutions for gas and water purification. - Jiangsu Jiashengwang Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
A leader in full-cycle activated carbon services, from production to recycling and hazardous waste management. - Tianneng Carbon (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Known for its diverse range of activated carbon products, Tianneng offers tailored solutions and one-stop recycling services for post-use recovery. - Jiangsu Chengsen Carbon Technology Co., Ltd.
Specializing in R&D and sales, Jiangsu Chengsen produces over 80 varieties of activated carbon, catering to water purification, air filtration, and industrial, medical, and precious metal recovery needs.
Balancing Innovation and Practicality in VOCs Treatment
The discussion around removing honeycomb-activated carbon from the list of proposed eliminations considers its historical significance, practical application, and technical merits.
The Role of VOCs Treatment Technologies
Effective VOCs treatment requires selecting the right technology for the specific conditions. Not all scenarios demand high-end, complex solutions. Over-engineering is akin to “using a cannon to kill a mosquito”—wasting resources and driving up costs unnecessarily. Instead, a scientific approach tailored to the situation ensures the best balance of efficiency and affordability.
Honeycomb-activated carbon technology offers distinct advantages over alternatives like photo-oxidation or plasma treatment. With proper design, upgraded regeneration processes, and timely maintenance, honeycomb carbon can achieve high waste gas treatment efficiency. In contrast, alternatives often underperform due to fragility and lower effectiveness.
Innovating for the Future
Sustainability and regeneration efficiency of honeycomb-activated carbon are key areas of focus. Industry challenges drive the evolution of VOCs treatment technologies, and emerging non-incineration alternatives promise high efficiency at lower costs. However, honeycomb-activated carbon must innovate to remain relevant. Without advancements in technology and broader applications, it risks obsolescence.
Spotlight on Ecotech China 2025
Stay ahead of the curve by attending the 2025 Ecotech China, June 3–5, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. This premier event offers:
- An expansive platform: 180,000㎡ showcasing the latest in waste gas treatment, dust removal, desulfurization, denitrification, and more.
- Networking opportunities: Engage with over 2,300 exhibitors, 90,000 visitors, and 5,000+ international buyers.
- Industry leaders: Renowned brands like Huashijie, Advance, and Kedier are already confirmed.
For businesses with VOCs-related technologies, this is an unparalleled chance to showcase innovations, connect with potential partners, and explore new growth avenues.
Book Your Booth for 2025
Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity. Click to reserve your booth and position your company at the forefront of environmental protection innovation.