The parameters you’ll see on every TDS
Every activated carbon Technical Data Sheet includes a set of standard test parameters. Here’s what each one actually measures — and what it tells you about real-world performance.
Iodine Number (IV)
Measured by the ASTM D4607 method. Reports how many milligrams of iodine are adsorbed per gram of carbon from a standard iodine solution. Range: typically 500–1200 mg/g. Higher = more adsorption capacity. Good general indicator of surface area for liquid-phase applications, but not reliable for gas-phase or gold recovery.
BET Surface Area
Measured using nitrogen gas adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature. Reports total surface area in m²/g, using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. Range: 500–1500 m²/g. The most direct measure of total surface area. More reliable than iodine number for comparing different carbon types.
CTC (Carbon Tetrachloride Activity)
Measures the mass of CCl₄ vapour adsorbed under standard conditions, expressed as a percentage. Range: 20–80%. Best indicator of micropore volume. Important for gas-phase VOC control and gold recovery applications.
Hardness Number
Measured by ball-pan hardness test (ASTM D3802). Percentage of original carbon remaining on a defined screen after a mechanical abrasion procedure. Range: 70–99%. Critical for applications with mechanical stress — column beds, CIL/CIP circuits.
A TDS tells you what the carbon can do under controlled conditions. Actual performance depends on your specific application conditions — temperature, contaminant concentration, flow rate, and contact time. When in doubt, request a sample.
Ash Content
The mineral residue remaining after complete combustion. Lower ash = higher purity = preferred for pharma, food, and high-specification water treatment. Typical range: 2–20%.
Moisture
As-packed moisture content. Lower moisture = higher active carbon per kilogram. Standard grades typically 5–15%. Critical for applications where moisture carry-over is problematic.