Supporting its ‘Go Green’ initiative, Jacobi Carbons, Inc. is introducing a refined AddSorb OX-Series, a coconut-shell based replacement for the company’s original coal-based product for hydrogen sulfide removal. Available in two pelletized variations, this innovation is specially formulated for optimal odor control, offering high hydrogen sulfide capacity, while also achieving sustainable manufacturing goals. Jim Knepper, Jacobi Carbons, Inc. president of the Americas, explains how below.
MPT: How did working on a coconut shell-based product come about?
Jim Knepper:The AddSorb OX-Series products represent a solution for a variety of odor control scenarios where hydrogen sulfide, organics, or the presence of both cause issues in meeting emissions requirements. The product is manufactured using a unique process, which establishes the high adsorption capacity without the use of a chemical impregnation being applied to the activated carbon surface. In its place, a reactive surface functionality is established which can convert hydrogen sulfide to sulfur compounds which may be physically adsorbed. In addition, the product retains an appreciable capacity for organic contaminants.
MPT: How does this tie into your company’s “Go Green” strategy?
Jim Knepper:Jacobi Carbon’s “Go Green” is a company-wide effort to improve overall sustainability and a long-term initiative that aims to develop a sustainability-first mindset across the board, which will then translate into tangible improvements in lowering the global warming potential throughout the business, minimizing environmental impact. It involves all stakeholders, from production plants to those working in office-based roles and even the highest levels of management.
MPT: Could you explain a bit on how this product works?
Jim Knepper:With coconut shell as the primary raw material, the global warming potential of the AddSorb OX-Series is significantly less than that of the prior coal-based offering, meaning a more sustainable product for the market.
Also, the AddSorb OX-Series is available as two variants in extruded form only. One, AddSorb OX20, has a minimum hydrogen sulfide loading capacity of 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter (capacity is 40 percent by weight). The other, AddSorb OX30, has an enhanced hydrogen sulfide loading capacity of 0.3 grams per cubic centimeter (capacity is 66 percent by weight).
MPT: What other innovations could you see going forward?
Jim Knepper: It’s an exciting time for Jacobi. With the addition of the AddSorb OX-Series and more sustainable products under development that use other more novel raw materials such as apricot kernels and hazelnut shells, we are well on our way to reaching our sustainability goals.