Skaalvenn Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 Curious if anyone knows the answer to this. If I have an open bag of dry carbon, will it absorb odors out of the air? Was doing some metal work in the distillery today (grinding and welding) and then realized I forgot to put the carbon into some sealed bags. It's currently in an open plastic bag inside a closed cardboard box. It's not a tremendous amount of carbon to toss out, but I'd rather not waste. At the same time, I'd rather be safe than possibly ruin a batch of vodka. Figure someone here might know for sure one way or another? Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebstauffer Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 More accurately it adsorbs but yes, it does. Don't you have one of these for your office? I'd guess you have plenty of remaining binding sites on the carbon. If you're concerned take some AC, mix a little RO water, decant off the water and taste it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MG Thermal Consulting Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 You can reactivate the carbon by running boiling water through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebstauffer Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 I don't believe that's quite correct. Reactivating carbon requires heat but with temperatures around 600 F (not 212F) in order to thermally destroy the previously adsorbed compounds. I'm sure Google knows the real answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skaalvenn Posted December 24, 2015 Author Share Posted December 24, 2015 Thanks for the replies. I'll probably just buy some new stuff just in case as to avoid MIG flavored vodka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted December 25, 2015 Share Posted December 25, 2015 Come on now! You could make a case for post-harvest terroir. "Fond memories of the garage return with hints of aldehydes, biodiesel and motor oil on the finish"... From my own position, what carbon absorbs from the air is inconsequential, because the amount it absorbs from the air is minute compared to the amount of compounds it will be absorbing when you pass a spirit through it. It does not impart anything it has bound from the air. You can also double-bag your carbon and keep it tightly shut. This is how I store it, and I have never had any issues with strange smell, aside from carbon filtering at too high of a temperature (Which does result in some off flavors). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMechWarrior Posted December 29, 2015 Share Posted December 29, 2015 With respect to the "reactivation" comments while technically Google is correct in the real world you can "regenerate" your carbon via an acid-caustic-acid wash cycle with plenty of rinse water. You'll extend the use of your carbon by years. I was using carbon like this in 6T columns processing a million litres of product per day through 2 columns, each being washed daily with a simple acid clean and as required they's get a full regen cycle. The carbon remained fully functional for years using that technique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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