Activated Carbon

When it comes to removing odours and unwanted contaminants in both airstreams and water, there are few products as effective or more widely used than Activated Carbon.

Activated carbon is a versatile product used across several industries, from water purification, air filtration, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial and healthcare sectors alike, just to name a few!

Its unique ability to adsorb impurities makes it indispensable in many applications. Click here to learn more about Activated Carbon and how it can be used to remove contaminants from water or gas sustainably.

Spent Carbon Reactivation

For Nova Q, the leading supplier of Activated Carbon and related products in Ireland, developing the supply chain for activated carbon with an environmental focus is a priority.

New for 2025, we have teamed up with CPL Puragen’s award-winning facilities in the UK and introduced a recycling option whereby spent Activated Carbon can be returned through licenced channels and reactivated. This reactivation is environmentally sound and more financially sustainable than sending spent carbon to hazardous incineration.

Product Range

Whilst activated carbon is available in various forms, Nova Q specialises in carbon sourced from coal, coconut, and wood, which is offered in pellets, powder, and granules. The carbon comes in several kinds: virgin, reactivated, impregnated, acid-washed, and water-wetted. Nova Q supplies carbon in packaging options of 500g, 1kg, 20kg, 25kg, and 500kg, depending on specific customer needs.

In addition to the activated carbon products, we have expanded our rental filter offering, with liquid and vapour phase filters ranging from 180 litres to the massive 24m3 high flow units.

Services

Local Stockholding in Dublin

We have expanded our Activated Carbon product range and stock levels in response to market demand. Many products are stocked locally in bulk in our Dublin facilities, ensuring faster delivery services and carbon exchange. We also do small packs for domestic and niche applications.

Filter Rental fleet

With our longstanding Activated Carbon partner, we have a wide range of filter units available to rent for both vapour and liquid phase applications. Thanks to our local stockholding, these units are subject to quick carbon exchange and delivery. These units will arrive to you pre-loaded and can be taken on short-term and long-term rents.

Technical Support

Our technical support goes beyond the standard advice on the best carbon for a particular application. Instead, we look to understand the job, evaluate the product performance, and consider reactivation options as a more sustainable alternative.

Carbon Sampling

Avail of our sampling service, where regular sampling and lab analysis to assess expected life and validate performance and suitability. We issue reports to accompany sample results, demonstrating that the client is in control of their site emissions and the performance of their carbon filter performance.

Selection Advice

We are happy to help clients select the appropriate grade for specific conditions. We offer a wide variety of carbon grades to meet diverse needs. We support a robust evaluation process where the needs are unclear to ensure suitable carbon is ultimately deployed. We have over 15 years of experience supporting Irish clients in industrial, pharmaceutical, food, remediation, and municipal environments. Additionally, we have the support of the technical teams at CPL Puragen/Activated Carbons when needed.

Turnkey Services

Working closely with our licenced partners, we can offer complete turnkey services for the supply, changeover and removal/disposal of spent Activated Carbon. This service includes TFS preparation and transit storage pending lab testing of samples to ensure they meet the acceptance criteria for return to the reactivation facilities.

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What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon, also known as Active Carbon or Activated Charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon. Its porous structure makes it an excellent adsorbent, effectively removing contaminants and odours by trapping them on its extensive surface.

Adsorption refers to the process in which liquid or gas particles are captured on a surface, distinguishing it from absorption, where particles are dissolved in a liquid. Activated carbon offers a sustainable method for pollutant removal, aligning with Nova Q’s core value of providing top-notch environmental sustainability solutions to our customers.

Most Activated Carbon is derived from coal or coconut shells. It can be manufactured in various forms, including granular, pellet, or powder. Additionally, different combinations of chemical catalysts (known as impregnants) can be added to enhance its effectiveness in removing specific contaminants under varying moisture and oxygen conditions.

Nova Q offers guidance on selecting the best type of Activated Carbon from our extensive range, ensuring suitability for your specific needs. Read on to learn more or contact one of our friendly specialists for assistance.