JAMES CUMMING & SONS
James Cumming & Sons is a trusted supplier of Acid Washed Activated Carbon, designed to meet the demanding requirements of high-purity applications.
Product description
Our premium activated carbon products undergo specialised acid washing to remove impurities like ash, heavy metals, and other contaminants, ensuring superior performance in sensitive industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.
With over a century of expertise in carbon manufacturing, James Cumming & Sons delivers reliable, high-performance solutions tailored to your needs. Invest in purity and performance with our Acid Washed Activated Carbon.
Specification(s) - Granular, Powdered, or Extruded
Particle Size
Customizable to client specifications
Bulk Density
Customizable to client specifications
Surface Area
900–1200 m²/g
Ash Content
<4% after acid washing
Pore Size Distribution
Microporous/Mesoporous Balance
Hardness
High mechanical durability
What is Acid Washed Activated Carbon?
- Acid Washed Activated Carbon (AWAC) is a high-purity carbon product processed with acid solutions to remove soluble impurities, particularly heavy metals and inorganic compounds. This treatment enhances the carbon’s adsorption capacity and ensures it meets stringent purity standards, making it ideal for applications requiring uncontaminated filtration and adsorption.
Why Choose Acid Washed Activated Carbon?
- Exceptional Purity: Free from harmful impurities like heavy metals and minimal ash.
- Enhanced Performance: Higher adsorption efficiency and reduced leachable content.
- Wide Applicability: Ideal for sensitive applications in food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
- Durable and Reliable: High mechanical strength and consistent particle sizing.
- Meets Industry Standards: Conforms to AWWA, NSF, and other global quality standards.
Applications
Acid Washed Activated Carbon is widely used in:
- Water Treatment: Removal of chlorine, chloramines, and organic contaminants in potable water.
- Food and Beverage: Purification of sugars, edible oils, and beverages.
- Pharmaceuticals: Ensures high-purity solutions for drug production and medical applications.
- Industrial Applications: Suitable for chemical processing and high-purity gas streams.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Used in ultrapure water systems.
Packaging
Our Acid Washed Activated Carbon is available in:
- Bulk Bags: 500kg with bottom discharge spouts and lifting lugs.
- Smaller Bags: 25 kg woven polypropylene sacks, shrink-wrapped for easy handling and storage.
- Custom Packaging: Tailored solutions for export and project-specific requirements.
Product Compliance
At James Cumming & Sons, we source only the highest-quality Acid Washed activated carbon that meets rigorous performance standards. Our Acid Washed Activated Carbons offer exceptional adsorption efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability, making them a trusted choice for diverse industries.
With proven success, our Acid Washed Activated Carbons are an optimised solution for both industrial and municipal applications.
Projects
Sydney Desalination
Plant
In response to declining water levels, Sydney Water obtained approval for a Seawater Desalination Plant. Pilot testing favoured coarse dual-media filtration. We supplied C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal, on time and to exact specification.
Qurayyat Desalination
Plant
This plant is in operation to address water shortages in Muscat, Oman and surrounds. We supplied 2,210 cubic metres of C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal, delivered on time, to exact specifications.
Dungog WTP
This was the first contact filtration plant in Australia to use large effective size media, after pilot plant work by the Hunter Water Corporation. It was also the first to use C & S Brand Australian Filter Coal and remains an industry frontrunner with long-term results, durability and consistency.
Barangaroo Lendlease
Grand Casino
We supplied premium C&S Brand Australian Activated Carbon while transforming a former gas works site into a modern casino and hotel, effectively eliminating odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and adding to Sydney’s evolving skyline.
Mt Crosby
Eastbank
This refurbishment project included converting 20 mono-media sand filters to dual-media filters with C&S Brand Australian Filter Coal. It extended filter run times, reduced backwashing frequency and improved plant performance, surpassing client expectations.
Unlock peak filtration and adsorption performance with Purazorb – Australian Activated Carbon
If you’re keen on upgrading your filtration results with a high-quality, wholly Australian-made Activated Carbon, Purazorb is the superior choice. Backed by over a century of Australian manufacturing expertise, James Cumming & Sons delivers a seamless, end-to-end ordering process tailored to your industry — from precise grading to efficient logistics. Invest in a lasting solution for superior water quality. Contact us to begin a conversation about your filtration or adsorption requirements today.
FAQs
Is acid-washed activated carbon better for drinking water or food applications?
Typically, yes, acid-washed activated carbon is preferred for both drinking water and food-grade applications due to its low ash content and high purity. The acid-washing process removes soluble impurities such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals, making the carbon suitable for potable water treatment, beverage filtration, and food processing.
At James Cumming, we supply acid-washed coconut and coal-based activated carbon that meets stringent quality standards for NSF-61 and AWWAB100 and ISO9001 Quality certified.
Why is activated carbon acid-washed?
Activated carbon is acid-washed to remove soluble mineral impurities such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and ash, which can interfere with filtration performance in sensitive applications. The acid-washing process improves purity, lowers ash content, and enhances adsorption efficiency, making the carbon suitable for drinking water, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceutical use.
At James Cumming & Sons, our acid-washed activated carbon is ideal for high-purity applications across Australia and complies with AWWA B600 and NSF standards.
Where can I buy acid-washed activated carbon in Australia?
At James Cumming, simply contact us and reference a desired specification, we’ll usually be able to get you a delivered quotation within a couple days. Depending on product and location, we’ll lay out delivery timeframes for your project in our formal quotations. We supply a range of locally manufactured, or imported source Activated Carbons for different applications.
What is the difference between acid-washed and non-acid-washed activated carbon?
Acid-washed activated carbon has undergone a cleaning process using acid (typically hydrochloric acid) to remove soluble impurities like iron, calcium, magnesium, and ash. This improves purity and makes it ideal for drinking water, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other high-purity applications.
In contrast, non-acid-washed activated carbon may retain higher levels of residual minerals and is typically used in general industrial processes, gas treatment, or bulk filtration where ultra-low ash content is not critical.
At James Cumming & Sons, we supply both acid-washed and standard grades to meet your specific treatment and compliance needs across Australia.
What industries use acid-washed activated carbon in Australia?
Drinking water treatment – for removing chlorine, PFAS, and organic contaminants in compliance with NSF and AWWA standards.
Food and beverage processing – for decolourisation, odour control, and ingredient purification.
Pharmaceuticals – for refining active compounds and removing impurities.
Aquaculture and aquarium systems – ensuring safe, contaminant-free water.
Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing – where ultra-pure process water is essential.
Chemical processing – for purifying solvents and removing trace metals.
Contact us
for your Filter Coal, Activated Carbon and Carbon additives
Reach us through
James Cumming
319 Parramatta Road,
Auburn NSW 2144 Australia
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