Carbon Black in Dust Collection and Baghouse Systems
Carbon black is nearly pure carbon in colloidal form, generally produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy hydrocarbons.
Major Applications of Carbon Black
- Reinforcing agent in rubber products - greatly reduces wear and abrasion
- Primary application in pneumatic rubber tires - comprises about 25% of total weight
- Accounts for approximately 90% of total carbon black usage
- Black pigment in paint and ink formulations
- Component of various plastics and protective coatings
- Used in resistor manufacturing
Production Process & Particle Characteristics
Carbon black is usually specified in terms of particle size. The finer grades are used mostly in pigments, and the smaller particles have the greater tinting strength, making it more valuable. The most commonly used process to make carbon black is known as furnace black.
Furnace Black Process
Heavy aromatic oil is atomized and brought into a hot gas stream, where it vaporizes and pyrolyzes to form extremely small particles of elemental carbon. The carbon black thus produced is cooled and conveyed to a dust collector.
Particle Formation
- Initial particles: 15-300 nm (microscopic)
- Particles coalesce to form aggregates
- Aggregates bond to form agglomerates
- Final product size: 1-100 microns
Collection & Handling
- Collectable on fabric filters, pleated filters or cartridges
- Formed into pellets of 100-1000 microns for shipping
- Agglomerates once formed do not break down
BCE Expertise: Our dust collection systems are specifically engineered to handle the unique challenges of carbon black collection, including the fine particle size, tendency to agglomerate, and specific industrial requirements for this valuable material.