ASTM D6586-03(2021)

Standard Practice for the Prediction of Contaminant Adsorption on GAC in Aqueous Systems Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Granular activated carbon (GAC) is commonly used to remove contaminants from water. However if not used properly, GAC can not only be expensive but can at times be ineffective. The development of engineering data for the design of full-scale adsorbers often requires time-consuming and expensive pilot plant studies. This rapid standard practice has been developed to predict adsorption in large-scale adsorbers based upon results from small column testing. In contrast to pilot plant studies, the small-scale column test presented in this practice does not allow for a running evaluation of factors that may affect GAC performance over time. Such factors may include, for example, an increased removal of target compounds by bacterial colonizing GAC3 or long-term fouling of GAC caused by inorganic compounds or background organic matter.4 Nevertheless, this practice offers more relevant operational data than isotherm testing without the principal drawbacks of pilot plant studies, namely time and expense; and unlike pilot plant studies, small-scale studies can be performed in a laboratory using water sampled from a remote location.  
5.2 This practice known as the rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) uses empty bed contact time (EBCT) and hydraulic loading to describe the adsorption process. Mean carbon particle diameter is used to scale RSSCT results to predict the performance of a full-scale adsorber.  
5.3 This practice can be used to compare the effectiveness of different activated carbons for the removal of contaminants from a common water stream.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a test method for the evaluation of granular activated carbon (GAC) for the adsorption of soluble pollutants from water. This practice can be used to estimate the operating capacities of virgin and reactivated granular activated carbons. The results obtained from the small-scale column testing can be used to predict the adsorption of target compounds on GAC in a large column or full-scale adsorber application.  
1.2 This practice can be applied to all types of water including synthetically contaminated water (prepared by spiking high-purity water with selected contaminants), potable waters, industrial wastewaters, sanitary wastes, and effluent waters.  
1.3 This practice is useful for the determination of breakthrough curves for specific contaminants in water, the determination of the lengths of the adsorbates mass transfer zones (MTZ), and the prediction of GAC usage rates for larger scale adsorbers.  
1.4 The following safety caveat applies to the procedure section, Section 10, of this practice: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2021
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• ICS: 71.100.80 - Chemicals for purification of water
• Technical Committee: D28 - Activated Carbon
• Drafting Committee: D28.02 - Liquid Phase Evaluation

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2854-09(2014) - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM D2652-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2867-09 - Standard Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2862-97(2009)e1 - Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2862-97(2009) - Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2854-09 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06a - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2652-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2652-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2854-96(2004) - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated Carbon
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2004

Overview

ASTM D6586-03(2021): Standard Practice for the Prediction of Contaminant Adsorption on GAC in Aqueous Systems Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests provides a standardized method for evaluating the adsorption of soluble contaminants from water using granular activated carbon (GAC). This practice, developed by ASTM International, is designed to offer a rapid and cost-effective alternative to pilot plant studies, enabling laboratory-based prediction of contaminant removal efficiency in full-scale GAC systems.

Granular activated carbon is a widely used adsorbent for water treatment, but improper use can incur high costs and inefficiencies. The standard’s rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) offers operational data more relevant to full-scale applications compared to traditional isotherm tests, while avoiding the time and expense associated with pilot-scale testing.

Key Topics

• Rapid Small-Scale Column Test (RSSCT): The core of the standard, RSSCT uses parameters such as empty bed contact time (EBCT), hydraulic loading, and carbon particle size to simulate full-scale GAC performance.
• Predictive Modeling: RSSCT results help predict adsorption processes in large column or full-scale GAC adsorber applications, including performance and carbon usage rates.
• Versatility: The practice is applicable to a broad range of aqueous systems, from potable and industrial wastewaters to sanitary and synthetic contaminated waters.
• Data Generated: The method allows for the development of breakthrough curves, determination of mass transfer zones (MTZ), and calculation of GAC operating capacities.
• Interferences: The standard highlights potential issues such as suspended solids, air bubbles, and the importance of proper column preparation and sample handling.
• Operational Guidance: Includes recommendations on equipment setup, support media, feed water system, and sample collection methods to ensure accurate results.

Applications

ASTM D6586-03(2021) is instrumental for:

• Water Treatment Plant Design: Supporting engineering data for designing large-scale GAC absorbers without extensive pilot studies.
• Performance Comparison: Assessing and comparing the effectiveness of different activated carbons or GAC suppliers for contaminant removal under specific conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting local or international standards for contaminant removal in drinking water or industrial effluents.
• Research and Development: Accelerating the evaluation of new GAC products or adsorptive treatments without the need for full-scale or pilot-scale implementation.
• Cost Estimation: Predicting GAC usage rates and operational costs for full-scale treatment processes based on laboratory test outcomes.
• Quality Assurance: Developing breakthrough curves and estimating MTZ lengths to determine adsorber performance and consistency.

Related Standards

For comprehensive understanding and compliance, users may refer to these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D2652: Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
• ASTM D2854: Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated Carbon
• ASTM D2862: Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon
• ASTM D2867: Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon

Practical Value

This standard offers a practical tool for engineers, water treatment professionals, and researchers seeking efficient and reliable methods for predicting full-scale GAC performance. By utilizing rapid small-scale column tests, organizations can optimize GAC selection, streamline process development, and reduce costs, all while ensuring water quality and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: granular activated carbon, GAC, RSSCT, water treatment, contaminant adsorption, empty bed contact time, ASTM D6586, breakthrough curve, mass transfer zone, water quality, pilot testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6586 − 03 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for the
Prediction of Contaminant Adsorption on GAC in Aqueous
Systems Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6586; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers a test method for the evaluation of
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
granular activated carbon (GAC) for the adsorption of soluble
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
pollutantsfromwater.Thispracticecanbeusedtoestimatethe
D2652Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon
operating capacities of virgin and reactivated granular acti-
D2854Test Method for Apparent Density of Activated
vated carbons. The results obtained from the small-scale
Carbon
column testing can be used to predict the adsorption of target
D2862Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granu-
compounds on GAC in a large column or full-scale adsorber
lar Activated Carbon
application.
D2867Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon
1.2 This practice can be applied to all types of water
3. Terminology
including synthetically contaminated water (prepared by spik-
3.1 Definitions:
ing high-purity water with selected contaminants), potable
3.1.1 For definitions of terms in this practice relating to
waters, industrial wastewaters, sanitary wastes, and effluent
activated carbon, refer to Terminology D2652.
waters.
3.1.2 For definitions of terms in this practice relating to
1.3 This practice is useful for the determination of break-
water, refer to Terminology D1129.
through curves for specific contaminants in water, the deter-
4. Summary of Practice
mination of the lengths of the adsorbates mass transfer zones
(MTZ), and the prediction of GAC usage rates for larger scale
4.1 This practice consists of a method for the rapid deter-
adsorbers.
mination of breakthrough curves and the prediction of GAC
usage rates for the removal of soluble contaminants from
1.4 The following safety caveat applies to the procedure
water.Thisisaccomplishedbypassingthecontaminatedwater
section, Section 10, of this practice: This standard does not
at a constant, controlled rate down flow through a bed of a
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
specially sized granular activated carbon until predetermined
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
levels of breakthrough have occurred.
to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental
4.2 When the assumption is made that conditions of con-
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
stant diffusivity exist within the GAC column, the break-
tions prior to use.
through data obtained from the column test can be used to
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
estimate the size and operational conditions for a full-scale
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
carbon adsorber.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Granular activated carbon (GAC) is commonly used to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
remove contaminants from water. However if not used
properly, GAC can not only be expensive but can at times be
ineffective.Thedevelopmentofengineeringdataforthedesign
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D28 on Activated
Carbon and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D28.02 on Liquid Phase
Evaluation. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6586–03 (2014). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D6586-03R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6586 − 03 (2021)
of full-scale adsorbers often requires time-consuming and EBCT R t
sc sc sc
5 5 (1)
S D
expensive pilot plant studies. This rapid standard practice has EBCT R t
lc lc lc
been developed to predict adsorption in large-scale adsorbers
where: EBCT and EBCT are the empty-bed contact times
sc lc
based upon results from small column testing. In contrast to
forthesmallcolumn(RSSCT)andthelargecolumn(full-scale
pilotplantstudies,thesmall-scalecolumntestpresentedinthis
adsorber), respectively; R and R are the radii of the carbon
sc lc
practice does not allow for a running evaluation of factors that
particlesusedinthesmallandlargecolumns,respectively;and
may affect GAC performance over time. Such factors may
t and t are the elapsed times required to conduct the small-
sc lc
include, for example, an increased removal of target com-
and large-column tests, respectively.The condition of constant
pounds by bacterial colonizing GAC or long-term fouling of
diffusivity also requires the Reynolds numbers for the RSSCT
GAC caused by inorganic compounds or background organic
and the large column be equal. This means the following
matter. Nevertheless, this practice offers more relevant opera-
equation must also be satisfied:
tional data than isotherm testing without the principal draw-
V R
backs of pilot plant studies, namely time and expense; and sc lc
5 (2)
V R
lc rc
unlikepilotplantstudies,small-scalestudiescanbeperformed
in a laboratory using water sampled from a remote location.
where: V and V are the hydraulic loadings in the RSSCT
sc lc
5.2 Thispracticeknownastherapidsmall-scalecolumntest and large columns, respectively. Based upon the above
equations, the operating conditions for the RSSCT can be
(RSSCT) uses empty bed contact time (EBCT) and hydraulic
loading to describe the adsorption process. Mean carbon selected to precisely simulate the desired (specified) operating
conditions for a full-scale adsorber.
particle diameter is used to scale RSSCT results to predict the
performance of a full-scale adsorber.
NOTE 1—There is an important issue relating to RSSCT design using
Eq 2. Sometimes using leads to a design with a high head loss, which
5.3 This practice can be used to compare the effectiveness
increases dramatically with operating time, as the GAC is crushed by a
of different activated carbons for the removal of contaminants
large pressure drop across the RSSCT. This may be avoided by lowering
from a common water stream.
the superficial velocity as long as dispersion does not become the
dominant transport mechanism and intraparticle mass transfer is limiting
6. Summary of Practice
theadsorptionrate.ThePecletnumberbasedondiametercanbeestimated
from the following equation:
6.1 The development of the RSSCT is based on the
Pe 50.334 for160#Re·Sc#40,000
d
dispersed-flow pore surface diffusion model (DFPSDM)
When the velocity is reduced below what is given in EquationA, axial
(Crittenden, et al. ) which takes into account many of the dispersion,whichiscausedbymoleculardiffusion,canbemoreimportant
intheRSSCTthaninthefull-scaleprocess.Consequently,EquationAcan
mechanisms that are known to occur in fixed-bed adsorption.
be used to check whether dispersion becomes important as the velocity of
The following mechanisms which cause the breakthrough
the RSSCT is reduced in an effort to reduce the head loss. Typical Sc
curves for an adsorber to spread out and create the mass
values for SOCs is ~2000; consequently, the Re for the RSSCT must be
transfer zone are included in the DFPSDM: external mass-
kept greater than ~0.1 and the Pe must be kept above 50 for the length of
transfer resistance or film transfer, axial mixing due to the mass transfer zone.
NOTE2—Empty-bedcontacttime(EBCT)isdefinedasthebedvolume
dispersion, and the internal mass-transfer resistances of pore
(in liters) divided by the water flow rate in liters/minute. For example if a
and surface diffusion.
full-scale adsorber holds 20 000 Lof activated carbon and the water flow
rate is 2500 L/min, the EBCT would be equal to 20 000/2500 or 8.0 min.
6.2 To simulate full-scale performance, the amount of
spreading in the breakthrough curve relative to column depth
6.3 The assumption that conditions of constant diffusivity
must be identical for the RSSCT and the full-scale column. To
existwithintheGACcolumndoesnotapplytoallwatersorall
achieve this, the relative contributions of the mechanisms that
targetcompounds.Forexamplethisassumptiondoesnotapply
cause most of the spreading are matched by maintaining
for the decolorization of water and the adsorption of large
similarity as the GAC process is scaled. Studies have shown
molecules, such as humic and fulvic acids. It is recommended
that matching of the spreading of the breakthrough curve can
thatatleastoneRSSCTpilot-columncomparisonbeconducted
beachievedbyequatingthedimensionlessgroupsinPFPSDM
to aid in selecting the RSSCT design variables for a given
(Plug Flow Pore Surface Diffusion Model). Under the condi-
water matrix (Crittenden, et al.). A detailed comparison
tions that intraparticle diffusivities are assumed to be indepen-
between the constant diffusivity and proportional diffusivity
dent of the carbon particle radius, i.e. the condition of constant
approaches and their respective domains of application is
diffusivity, the following equation describes the relationship
beyond the scope of this practice.
between the small and large columns:
6.4 GAC bed volume and preparation methods are impor-
tant design parameters for the RSSCT. The GAC bed volume
usedwilldeterminetherequiredwaterpumpingrateandaffect
Owen, D. M., Chowdhury, Z. K., Summers, R. S., Hooper, S. M., and Solarik,
theamountofwaterneededtocompletethetest.Theminimum
G., “Determination of Technology and Costs for GAC Treatment Using the ICR
Methodology,”AWWAGAC&MembraneWorkshop,March1996,Cincinnati,OH.
Knappe, D., Snoeyink, V., Roche, P., Prados, M., and Bourbigot, M., “The
Effect of Preloading on RSSCT Predictions of Atrazine Removal by GAC Crittenden, J. C., Berrigan, Jr., J. K., Hand, D. W., and Lykins, Jr., B. W.,
Adsorbers,” Water Research, Vol 31, No.11, 1997, pp. 2899–2909. “Design of Rapid Fixed-Bed Adsorption Tests for Non-Constant Diffusivities,”
Crittenden, J. C., Berrigan, Jr., J. K., and Hand, D. W., “Design of Rapid Journal of Environmental Engineering, Vol 113, No. 2, 1987, pp. 243–259.
Small-Scale Adsorption Tests for a Constant Surface Diffusivity,” Journal Water Fried, J. J., Groundwater Pollution, Elsevier Scientific, Amsterdam, The
Pollution Control Federation, Vol 58, No. 4, 1986, pp. 312–319. Netherlands, 1975.
D6586 − 03 (2021)
column diameter needed to avoid channeling should be 50 threaded joints at both ends are most commonly used.
particlediameters.Forthe10-mmdiametercolumncommonly Threaded PTFE end caps with seats for neoprene O-ring seals
used in RSSCT systems, a 60 by 80 mesh carbon should be andtubingconnectorsshouldbeprovidedatthetopandbottom
used. Proper GAC sampling (Practice E300) and preparation of the column for the admission and discharge of water. For
(grinding, classification, and washing) are required for repro- operation at other than room temperature, a means for heating
ducible results. or cooling the columns and the water being treated should be
established.
6.5 Based upon the water feed rate to the column, the time
8.1.2 GAC Support—A column of fine glass wool installed
required to reach the desired breakpoint, and the weight of
to give a flat surface across the diameter of the column can be
carbon used, GAC usage rates for treating the water can be
used for support of the GAC column.Alternatively the carbon
calculated. Breakthrough curves for each contaminant being
bed can be supported on a 100-mesh stainless steel screen
monitored during the column test can also be generated.
placed between two short sleeves made from ⁄2-in. PTFE
tubing (see Fig. 2).The sleeves should be sized to fit tightly in
7. Interferences
the column to prevent any fluid from flowing between the
7.1 Insoluble materials such as oils and greases, suspended
sleeves and the column wall.
solids, and emulsions will interfere with the adsorption of
8.1.3 Feed Pum
...