Abstract

BackgroundX-ray methods have proven to be reliable, accurate and sensitive techniques to study activated carbons in order to define its porous structure and functionality groups.MethodsFor the first time, the characterization of the exhaustion level of granular activated carbon (GAC) used in rum production applying methods based on X-ray technology has been explored. In this work, the exhaustion degree of GAC from a target rum “filter” using X-ray radiography is evaluated. Digital processing techniques on X-ray radiography images from eight consecutive GAC layers of the industrial rum filter have been assessed.ResultsThe exhaustion profile for the rum “filter” applying X-ray radiography images processing is correlated with thermal desorption – gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) chromatograms. The total of pixel detected in the radiographic X-ray images (grey-scale) is related with the total amount of organic adsorbed compounds in the exhausted GAC.ConclusionThe proposed method opens possibilities for the rum producers to improve the management and economical use of the activated carbon at industrial scale. The proposed technique can be applied in the assessment of other adsorption systems such as: determining the poisoning level of catalyst material, the GAC exhaustion level in organic polluted water treatments, and the GAC regeneration degree and exhaustion studies on hemo-perfusion GAC cartridges.

Highlights

  • X-ray methods have proven to be reliable, accurate and sensitive techniques to study activated carbons in order to define its porous structure and functionality groups

  • It can be stated that digital image processing by X-ray digital radiography proved to be a suitable and sensitive tool to determine the granular activated carbon (GAC) exhaustion degree

  • In comparison with the other methods already applied for characterizing the exhaustion level of GAC samples, the digital image processing by X-ray digital radiography method requires no reactants to be performed and allows the digital cleaning of possible samples impurities

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Summary

Introduction

X-ray methods have proven to be reliable, accurate and sensitive techniques to study activated carbons in order to define its porous structure and functionality groups. The ageing process (maturation) results in changes of the aguardiente: a light amber color appears; taste softens and a pleasant aroma is produced (Queris 2007). During this stage, these sensorial changes are obtained by complex chemical reactions between the Puente Torres et al Journal of Analytical Science and Technology (2018) 9:1. Cuban rum (Queris 2007; Reazin 1981; Nabeta et al 1983; Otzuka and Morinaga 1965). GAC is used to remove/balance some organic compounds that affect the sensorial quality and organoleptic characteristics in the final product (Queris 2007; Reazin 1981; Nabeta et al 1983; Otzuka and Morinaga 1965)

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