458 Activated Carbon Char inlet be Activated carbon Figure 9.3. Schematic representation of a rotary kiln (Rodrfgue7-Reinoso, 2002). LD) ruege Charinet | Steam : Steam : : Air Gas Steam 4 ae : Air Gas ‘Activated carbon Figure 9.4. Schematic representation of a multiple-hearth furnace (Rodrfguez-Reinoso, 2002), 9.1.4 Furnaces Although several types of furnaces are described in the literature, three are the most com- monly used by producers of activated carbon, that is rotary kilns, multiple hearth furnaces and, to a lesser extent, fluidized bed furnaces, It is to be understood that carbonization can be carried out in any of these furnaces. Rotary kilns are the most popular among the pro- ducers because, in general terms, they produce activated carbons with a more controlled porous structure. The residence time is greater than for other furnaces, and because their length is large, several bumers and gas supply lines (natural gas, propane, or the gases from the carbonization unit) are distributed along the kiln in order to improve the control of the temperature and the temperature profile (Figure 9.3). The lifters placed along the interior of the kiln improve the mixing of the material thus providing a more homogeneous ga: cation. The rate of production is defined by the rotation speed, the angle of the kiln, the steam injection, and the rate of carbon dosage and withdrawal. It is generally admitted that more microporous carbons, with lower proportion of mesopores, can be manufac~ tured using rotary kilns. Multiple hearth furnaces are used as activating furnaces (Figure 9.4). There is a central ver- tical axis moving the rotary arms of the stationary floor on each stage, and the material is transported downwards falling alternatively near to the axis on one stage and near to the