Application of AAFS50 to Arsenic Removal

For the last twenty-five years, activated alumina has been associated with and has been accepted as the preferred media for arsenic removal from water. We have moved ahead to meet the growing demand for an improved product to comply with new USEPA mandates covering arsenic levels in drinking water, more stringent requirements for allowable levels of arsenic in water supplies in other countries, and to assist in finding the solution to the growing water problems. We have increased the adsorption capacity of our activated alumina to over five times that of standard activated alumina products!

Taking the already successful media and adding a patented, proprietary enhancement, Tramfloc offers AAFS50 the easiest, and most cost-effective, arsenic removal media available today. Tests on systems already in the field have yielded results in which arsenic levels of over 1200 µg/l have been reduced to less than 5 µg/l. AAFS50 has been approved for use in drinking water applications by the NSF.

Historically, regeneration was the accepted route for making activated alumina systems cost-effective. Regeneration, however, has some detriments: disposal of the regeneration effluent, additional processing steps, and the handling and storage of chemicals, not applicable to point-of-use (POU) systems. The high adsorption capability of AAFS-50 makes it cost effective for one-time use and disposal. The material has met USEPA leachability standards (TCLP) and can be landfilled. AAFS50 is a robust material that is easy to handle and will not break down over time causing fouling or pressure drop. It is effective on both Arsenic III and Arsenic V (higher capacity on As V, chlorination enhances performance).

Low arsenic removal media cost, coupled with the simple flow-through design (5-8 minute EBCT), makes AAFS50 the preferred media for the task of arsenic removal in most situations.

The performance of activated alumina and AAFS50 in any application will depend on the water used. The data provided herein is only for guideline purposes. Users are advised to check the performance of the products prior to their adoption into any system.

AAFS50 Activated Alumina is specifically designed for arsenic removal in potable water.

Arsenic commonly occurs in two forms: As(V) (arsenate) and As(III) (arsenite). Maximum arsenic capacity is achieved when dealing with As(V).

AAFS50’s capacity for As(III) adsorption is about 60%-70% its capacity for As(V). Oxidation is recommended to assist with As(III) removal, when possible. For example, simple chlorination may achieve 30%-40% higher As(III) capacities than non-oxidized systems.

AAFS50 can be effective at a wide range of pH levels depending on competing ions present. Where high levels of silica are present, along with a pH level higher than 7.0, an adjustment may be necessary for optimum results of arsenic removal.

The performance of any absorbent is dependent on the water being treated. The data provided is for guideline purposes only. Users are advised to check performance prior to their adoption into a system.

Available in granular form in sizes 28 x 48 mesh, with other sizes being supplied on special request.
Packaged in 907 kg (2,000 lb.) super bags, 158 kg (350 lb.), 45 kg (100 lb.), and 22 kg (50 lbs.) boxes. Other forms of packaging can be considered on special request.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AAFS50
Constituents Weight %
Al2O3 + proprietary additive 83 83
Silicon as SiO2 0.020
Titanium as TiO2 0.002
Loss on Ignition 17
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of AAFS50
Bulk Density (g/cm3) 0.91
BET Area (m2/g) 220
Attrition (%) .3
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