Evaluating Field Scale GAC Systems for Drinking Water

This paper analyzes granular activated carbon (GAC) systems under field conditions and compares the various factors affecting operations. A technique for predicting GAC performance is developed. The technique using the Freundlich isotherm and logistic function formulation can be applied directly to data collected from field studies, and the results used to predict fullscale performance. In this paper the logistic function is applied to TOC loading on a GAC bed using data from a field study conducted in Cincinnati, Ohio. Calculations are made to estimate minimum cost design for a full scale plant.