Unmasking the Technology: How Activated Carbon Works in Smell-Proof Bags
Activated carbon particles absorb molecules they come in contact with, locking and neutralizing them. This is what makes all of our Discreet Smoker brand bags and cases smell proof.
Place your weed, herb or electronics inside for protection. We recommend adding a Mylar bag, storage sack or ziplock bag for maximum scent suppression and to extend the amount of time before needing to recharge your carbon-lined bag.
How Activated Carbon Works
Unlike other products, our odor-proof bags utilize a special activated carbon lining that neutralizes odors on a molecular level. The activated carbon lining has millions of tiny pores that bind to and absorb odor molecules. These molecules are trapped in the activated carbon pores and neutralized, much like a sponge absorbs water.
This odor-eliminating technology is what makes our Smell proof bags a popular choice for those looking to discreetly store their herbs, vaporizers, and other accessories. This odor-elimination technology is combined with a waterproof outer shell, making our bags a great option for keeping your accessories safe in the rain and while traveling.
It is important to note that the activated carbon lining will eventually need to be recharged. To do so, simply put the bag in the dryer or heat it up with a hair dryer for 10 minutes to reactivate the activated carbon pores. This will extend the life of your bag and increase the amount of time between recharging.
Activated Carbon Materials
Activated carbon is made up of highly porous microparticles that range in size from visible cracks and crevices to molecular dimensions. This makes them highly effective at trapping contaminants in a host material by Van der Waals forces and London dispersion force bonding.
During the activated carbon manufacturing process, the carbon is treated with steam to create a higher surface area and make it more porous. This increased surface area allows for more atoms and molecules to be attached to the carbon particles – resulting in a larger adsorption capacity.
During the process, an additional chemical is added to the carbon to prevent ion exchange reactions and protect the pore structure during the activation phase. This results in a pH-stabilized product that is ideal for gas phase applications such as odor reduction, filtration and respiration masks.
Activated Carbon Production
Activated carbon has become a popular choice for water purification due to its effectiveness, affordability and reliability. It has been known to remove not only odors but heavy metals, radioactive isotopes and other contaminants that other water treatment systems may fail to eliminate.
During production, activated carbon undergoes either a physical or chemical activation process. The bulk carbon material is physically treated to form granules of different sizes, and the pore structure is tuned for specific applications. It is then impregnated with chemicals that enhance its ability to adsorb certain pollutants such as phenol, chloroform, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and heavy metals.
Large granular activated carbons (GAC) are used to treat vapor streams, while smaller PAC granules are suitable for liquid treatments. The pore size and surface area of the carbon particles determine its ability to absorb pollutants. For example, a GAC with an iodine number of 600 or higher will adsorb mercury and chloramines.
Activated Carbon Applications
Activated carbon is used in a wide variety of applications that require the removal of unwanted materials. It is a superior adsorbent material prized for its ability to effectively capture and hold molecules that would otherwise be difficult to remove.
Its huge surface area gives it countless bonding sites making it ideal for adsorption of odors and vapors. It can also be impregnated and/or custom-blended to be a more specific adsorbent for different applications.
One gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 1000 m2 which means that it can contain more than 3000 square meters of pores.
Activated carbon is commonly utilized in treating industrial wastewater. It is able to remove a broad range of organic contaminants including aromatic compounds, hydrocarbons, phenols, and chlorinated solvents. It is also able to reduce the concentration of heavy metals in the effluent wastewater. This treatment upgrades the wastewater so that it can be discharged into municipal wastewater treatment plants.