The Evolution of Activated Carbon Manufacturing: How James Cumming & Sons Has Stayed Ahead

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in modern water treatment processes, known for its exceptional ability to absorb impurities, toxins, and other organic compounds. Over the years, the manufacturing and application of Activated Carbon have evolved significantly, driven by technological innovations and increasing environmental awareness. This evolution has positioned companies like James Cumming & Sons at the forefront of the industry, offering cutting-edge solutions like their Purazorb™ Activated Carbon products. This blog explores the journey of activated carbon manufacturing, highlighting James Cumming & Sons’ role in pioneering activated carbon product innovation and sustainability.

Figure1: C & S Brand Australian granular activated carbon (Purazorb).

Activated carbon’s origins can be traced back to ancient times when it was used for medicinal and purification purposes. However, modern manufacturing techniques only began to develop in the early 20th century. Early methods involved charring organic materials such as wood, coconut shells, and coal under low oxygen conditions. These methods produced basic charcoal, which, when activated by high-temperature steam or chemical treatment, increased its porosity and surface area, enhancing its adsorption capabilities​.

The introduction of the steam activation process was a game-changer. By heating carbon-rich materials to temperatures exceeding 1000°C in the presence of steam and under controlled conditions, James Cumming & Sons can create a vast network of micropores within the carbon structure, dramatically increasing its adsorption potential​. This technique set the foundation for the activated carbon products we use today, including the high-performance Purazorb™ line developed by James Cumming & Sons.

Figure 2: C & S Brand Australian powdered activated carbon (Purazorb™)

Leveraging decades of expertise, the company has continually refined its processes to enhance the performance of its carbon products. Their Purazorb™ granular activated carbon, for instance, is manufactured using high-temperature steam activation from select Australian coal. This method ensures a broad pore size distribution, optimizing the carbon for the adsorption of a wide range of dissolved organic compounds​.

In practical applications, such as water treatment, Purazorb™ has demonstrated its superiority. Laboratory and pilot plant testing have shown that it can effectively remove algal-derived taste and odor compounds, such as geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, to below detectable levels. Additionally, it has been proven to reduce harmful toxins like saxitoxin and microcystin-LR from influent levels of 20µg/l to less than 1 nanogram per Liter​. These capabilities make Purazorb™ an ideal choice for municipal and industrial water filtration systems, where the safety and quality of treated water are paramount.

Figure 3: wastewater in a Syndey water treatment plant.

As environmental concerns have grown, so has the focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. James Cumming & Sons has been proactive in addressing these concerns by optimizing its production processes to minimize environmental impact. This includes sourcing raw materials from sustainable, high-quality Australian coal and reducing emissions during the activation process. The company’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its adherence to stringent quality standards, including ISO9001 certification and compliance with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards​. 

James Cumming & Sons’ approach to sustainability also extends to product longevity. The durability and hardness of their activated carbon ensure that it can withstand the rigorous conditions of water treatment systems, including frequent backwashing and air scouring, thereby prolonging the operational life of the carbon and reducing the need for frequent replacements, combined with the superior pore distribution meaning less carbon is needed to treat the same volume of water using our granular and powdered variants when compared to other manufacturers.

Purazorb™ activated carbon is versatile, finding applications in various water treatment processes. It can be used in fixed-bed gravity adsorbers or pressure vessels for both potable and industrial process water treatment. Its high adsorption efficiency makes it effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, pesticides, heavy metals and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

Figure 4: PFAS has been found in potable drinking water across Australia. 

The unique properties of Purazorb™, such as its high iodine number, low ash content, and controlled particle sizing, ensure maximum adsorption efficiency while minimizing head loss in filtration systems​. These characteristics make Purazorb™ suitable for advanced water treatment processes, including the Biological Activated Carbon (BAC) process, where it is used in conjunction with ozone to enhance the removal of dissolved organic matter and improve water quality​.

James Cumming & Sons has maintained its industry leadership by continually pushing the boundaries of what activated carbon can achieve. By investing in research and development, the company has introduced products like Purazorb™, which meet the evolving demands of modern water treatment. Their focus on quality, performance, and sustainability ensures that they remain a trusted partner for municipalities, industries, and environmental agencies worldwide​.

The evolution of activated carbon manufacturing has been marked by significant technological advancements and a growing commitment to sustainability. James Cumming & Sons has played a pivotal role in this evolution, pioneering innovations that have set new standards for the industry. Our Purazorb™ Activated Carbon products represent the culmination of decades of expertise, offering effective, reliable, and environmentally responsible solutions for water treatment and adsorption applications. As the industry continues to evolve, James Cumming & Sons is well-positioned to lead the way, providing high-quality activated carbon that meets the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

To learn more about how Purazorb™ activated carbon can enhance your water treatment processes, contact James Cumming & Sons today or visit our website for detailed product information and expert advice.

Figure 5: C & S Brand Australian powdered activated carbon (Purazorb™) in 500kg bulk bags