PFAS: what it is and Logisticon’s solutions
PFAS is short for Per/poly Fluor Alkyl Substances and is a collective term for anthropogenic (of human origin) fluorinated substances, which are widely used in daily products. The carbon-fluorine chain of PFAS gives the substances unique properties that are desirable for the production of everyday products and use in industry. The substances are water and grease repellent, fire retardant and temperature resistant. Nearly everyone has a PFAS-containing product at home. For example, it’s in the non-stick coating of pans and in waterproof clothing.
Several thousand PFAS are currently known, all of which have specific properties. Substances such as PFOS, PFOA and products from the GenX process are receiving increasing attention due to the possible negative health effects on humans and animals. Removal from the (water) environment is step one.
For removal, various solutions are possible. Logisticon offers the following solutions:
Filtration
Removal by filtration is based on exclusion by molecular size and pore size. Several PFAS are characterized by chain length (or molecular size) and therefore have different retention in filtration techniques. The same applies for removal by IX. In general, larger PFAS are easier removed than small PFAS.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon is known for its powerful adsorption capacity, which makes it suitable for the removal of PFAS. Here applies as well that larger PFAS can be removed easier than small PFAS. Usually, granular activated carbon contactors are placed in series to ensure as much removal as possible.
Flocculation
Bulk removal of PFAS can take place by flocculation and subsequent flotation or sedimentation. These techniques cannot guarantee high removal rates and will therefore only be used as pre-treatment.
More information about the techniques can be found at https://www.logisticon.com/en/solutions/.
Would you like to know more about the removal of PFAS from your water or do you have a different water treatment challenge? Please feel free to contact one of our water treatment specialists.
