EP3393646A1

EP3393646A1 - Device and method for modifying porous solid substances

Info

Publication number: EP3393646A1
Application number: EP16781321.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jann-Michael Giebelhausen; Christian Dr. SCHRAGE; Sven Dr. FICHTNER
Original assignee: Bluecher GmbH
Current assignee: Bluecher GmbH
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-10-04
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Also published as: DE202016100318U1; DE102016101213A1; WO2017108219A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive and/or catalytic activity, and to a production installation or an impregnation device for carrying out said method.

Description

Device and method

for modifying porous solids

The present invention relates to the technical field of equipping adsorptive materials with catalytic or reactive properties. In this context, the present invention relates in particular to the technical field of impregnating or finishing activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity or with reactive and / or catalytic properties. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity. Moreover, the present invention relates to a production plant for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping the activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, or in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention.

In this context, the present invention also relates to the use of the production plant according to the invention for the impregnation of an activated carbon, as stated above, or for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Moreover, the present invention also relates to an impregnating apparatus as such, which in particular has an impregnating container, preferably in the form of an impregnating reactor, and which for the purpose of impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, or for Implementation of the method according to the invention can be used.

In this regard, the invention also relates to the use of the impregnating device according to the invention for the impregnation of an activated carbon, as stated above, or for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Finally, the present invention also relates to an impregnated activated carbon as such, which is obtainable by the process according to the invention or which is obtained by the process according to the invention. Activated carbon is the most widely used adsorbent due to its rather unspecific adsorptive properties. Legal requirements, but also the increasing awareness of the responsibility for the environment, lead to an increasing need for activated carbon.

Against this background, there is also an increasing demand for activated carbon with overall improved or tailor-made adsorption properties, in which respect activated carbon should also be provided, which is equipped with a catalytically active or reactive component. In this way, the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon can be increased overall.

Activated carbon can generally be produced from vegetable, animal, mineral or petrochemical substances, it being possible to use as starting materials, for example, wood, peat, nut shells, brown coal or hard coal or various plastics. Activated carbon is generally obtained by carbonation (synonymously also referred to as carbonization, pyrolysis, incineration or the like) and subsequent activation of the carbonaceous starting compounds or starting materials (starting materials), preference being given to starting compounds which lead to economically reasonable yields. For the weight or material losses which occur in particular due to elimination of volatile constituents during the carbonation and the subsequent burnup during the activation are sometimes considerable, which is disadvantageous also in terms of process economics. For further details of the activated carbon production can be referred to H. v. For example. Kienle and E. Bäder, "Activated Carbon and its Industrial Application", Enke Verlag Stuttgart, 1980.

Carbonization generally involves conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock to carbon, i. in other words, the starting material is charred, so to speak. The nature of the activated carbon produced - such as fine or coarse-pored, solid or brittle, etc. - depends largely on the starting material used.

The basic principle of the subsequent activation of the carbonization (synonymously also referred to as pyrolysis or the like) is to selectively decompose or burn off part of the carbon generated during the carbonization under suitable conditions. This creates numerous pores, crevices and cracks, with the mass surface area increasing. During activation, a targeted burnup of the previously carbonized material is thus carried out. Since activation is degraded by carbon (in particular by oxidative processes), a certain loss of substance occurs in this process, which under optimum conditions is equivalent to the increase in porosity and an increase in the internal surface area and thus in the pore volume. Activation generally occurs under selective, or generally controlled, oxidizing conditions.

Activated carbon is used in various forms, such as powdered carbon, chipping coal or coal, coal and since the late 1970s also spherical activated carbon ("ball coal"). Spherical activated carbon has a number of advantages over other forms of activated carbon, which make it particularly valuable or even indispensable for certain applications: Spherical activated carbon is free-flowing, relatively abrasion-resistant and, in this context, also relatively hard. Due to its properties, ball carbon is very interesting for special applications.

Activated carbon, especially in spherical form, is significantly produced by multi-stage and sometimes complex process, with a known method in the production of pellets of coal tar pitch and suitable asphalt-like residues of petroleum chemistry. In the process, the starting material is oxidized, so that it becomes infusible, and subsequently scalded or activated. For example, activated carbon, in particular in spherical form, can also be produced in a multistage process starting from bitumen, these multistage processes being very cost-intensive, and the associated high price of the resulting activated carbon prevents their use in numerous applications.

In this context, WO 98/07655 A1 describes a process for producing activated carbon in spherical form, in which first a mixture comprising a distillation residue from the production of diisocyanate, a carbonaceous processing aid and optionally one or more further additives , is processed into giant-shaped beads and then carbonized the resulting beads and subsequently activated. From the prior art is also the production of activated carbon in spherical form by carbonation and subsequent activation of new or unused or used but ion exchangers, which sometimes contain sulfonic acid groups, or by carbonation of ion exchanger precursors in the presence of sulfuric acid with subsequent Activation known, wherein the sulfonic acid groups or the sulfuric acid have the function of a crosslinker. Such methods are described for example in DE 43 28 219 A1 and in DE 43 04 026 A1 and in DE 196 00 237 A1 including the German additional application DE 196 25 069 A1.

Furthermore, processes are known from the prior art in which the production of activated carbon, in particular ball carbon, by carbonation (carbonization) and subsequent activation of sulfonated divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrenes (ie sulfonated styrene / divinylbenzene copolymers) takes place (see, for example, DE 10 2007 050 971 A1).

In special applications, however, not only the geometry or the external shape of the activated carbon is of decisive importance, but also their porosity, in particular the total pore volume and the adsorption capacity on the one hand and the distribution of the pores, ie the proportion of micro, meso and macropores in Relation to the total pore volume, on the other hand; In particular, the porosity can be selectively controlled by the selection of the starting materials and the process conditions. In the context of the present invention, the term micropores refers to pores having pore diameters of less than 2 nm, whereas the term mesopores refers to pores having pore diameters in the range of 2 nm (ie 2 nm inclusive) to 50 nm inclusive and the term macropores such pores having pore diameters greater than 50 nm (ie> 50 nm). Due to its good adsorptive properties, activated carbon is used for a large number of applications. For example, activated carbon is used in medicine or pharmacy, but also in the food industry. Activated carbon also has wide-ranging applications for filter applications (eg filtration of gases and liquids, removal of undesirable or harmful or toxic gases, etc.). In particular, activated carbon can be used in adsorption filter materials, especially especially in protective materials against poisons, such as chemical and biological warfare agents, such as ABC protective clothing. In particular air and water vapor permeable protective suits against chemical warfare agents are known for this purpose; Such air and water vapor permeable suits often have an activated carbon adsorption filter layer which adsorbs the chemical poisons.

To increase the adsorption capacity, permeable adsorptive filter systems, in particular based on activated carbon, are often equipped with a catalytically active or reactive component by providing the activated carbon, for example, with a biocidal or biostatic catalyst, in particular based on metals or metal compounds , Such a protective material is described, for example, in DE 195 19 869 A1, which contains a multilayer, textile, gas-permeable filter material with an adsorption layer based on activated carbon, in particular in the form of carbonized fibers, containing a catalyst from the group of copper, cadmium , Platinum, palladium, mercury and zinc in amounts of 0.05 to 12 wt .-%, based on the activated carbon material impregnated.

In the state of the art, in principle, such processes are known for equipping activated carbon having reactive or catalytic properties, in which processes are generally carried out in the context of multi-stage processes using or using different apparatuses or apparatuses oriented or adapted for the respective process step becomes.

Thus, the equipment or impregnation of an activated carbon with a reactive or catalytic component is generally carried out such that activated carbon is brought as such in the form of the starting material first in contact with the catalyst component in a separate or separate device. On the other hand, the combination of activated carbon, on the one hand, and the catalyst component, on the other hand, generally takes place in devices or apparatuses specially designed for this purpose, such as stirred kettles or the like. Following the above-mentioned impregnation, drying is generally carried out in a separate or independent drying apparatus or apparatus with concomitant transfer of the moist material to obtain the activated carbon equipped with a corresponding reactive or catalytic activity. Subsequently, an activation of the catalyst component can take place, which in turn takes place in separate activation devices or apparatuses which are capable of enabling a corresponding heating of the material. Again, the material must first be transferred again.

The relevant prior art finishing processes based on a multi-stage process using separate apparatuses or apparatuses oriented for the respective process step are fundamentally associated with the disadvantage that there is a complex or complicated process management overall, which is particularly due to the use several independent apparatuses and the associated difficulties of ensuring optimal process management sometimes lead to reduced yields or to products with not always optimal product properties.

In this context, in the prior art basically stirred tanks are known as such, which are designed exclusively for contacting the activated carbon with a corresponding liquid medium. Due to their special design, stirred tanks of this kind are suitable, in particular, for drying, and not for thermal aftertreatment of solids, in order to ensure thorough mixing.

In addition, so-called solid dryers are used in the prior art for drying purposes of the previously treated with a fluid or liquid medium particulate solid in the form of activated carbon. Depending on the type of heat transfer, a distinction is made between contact, convection and radiation dryers. Such prior art dryers can not be used to suspend solids in fluid media nor to thermally post-treat solids.

In addition, in the prior art for purposes of any thermal aftertreatment of the previously modified solid in the form of the activated carbon specifically designed for this purpose activation devices are used, which should ensure, for example, by oxidative or reductive processes, a possible activation of the catalyst component. In this context, a distinction is generally made depending on the energy source used between directly (ie generation of thermal energy directly on the activation furnace, for example by means of direct electrical heat generation) and indirectly (ie Generation of thermal energy far away from the activation furnace via separate heating systems and supply of a heat-transferring medium to the device, for example by means of a previously heated thermal fluid or the like) heated devices or activation furnaces. Moreover, a distinction is generally made depending on the underlying heat transfer between moving and non-moving (furnace) systems, whereby a distinction can also be made with respect to the atmosphere used in the activation furnace, which is generally an inert or not inert atmosphere can act. However, such activation furnaces are just not suitable for suspending particulate solids in a corresponding liquid medium and also not for drying in this respect, since this required design measures are not present and thus the use of a liquid medium would permanently affect the operation of the plant, up to their destruction. Accordingly, prior art activation furnaces can not be used to suspend fluids or solids.

In addition, the known in the prior art impregnation by the use of separate or separate devices are logistically and energetically complex and thus equally expensive, which is also a large-scale implementation detrimental, especially in this regard, a large space or space required for installation and operation of a corresponding Device exists. Furthermore, the devices used in the prior art are relevant only for a batch or batchwise operation. In addition, any recycling of the components used, in particular with respect to the impregnating agent used, is not always optimally possible.

The product quality of the activated carbons with reactive or catalytic activity obtained on the basis of the prior art is often not optimal due to the impaired controllability of the devices used. In addition, the repeated removal and transfer of the (intermediate) products from or into the respective devices leads to material losses and damage.

In addition, a homogeneous impregnation of the activated carbon does not always result, especially since undesirable incrustations of the impregnating agent on the surface of the activated carbon also sometimes result in view of the previously mentioned impaired controllability, which is also accompanied by a reduction in the adsorption capacity. Last but not least, the maintenance and cleaning of the devices used is increased, which goes hand in hand with a reduced (cost) efficiency.

As far as the impregnating devices used in the prior art are concerned, they are also not optimal insofar as sometimes complete mixing of the components on which the impregnation is based (impregnating agent on the one hand and activated carbon on the other) is ensured. In this context, the devices of the prior art often also have the disadvantage that in particular the activated carbon to be impregnated on the wall above the mixture or the liquid level of the suspension of activated carbon and impregnating agent accumulates by adhering and thus mixing with the impregnating agent and thus a complete impregnation is no longer available, which deteriorates the quality of the resulting impregnated product as a whole, since previously adhering activated carbon can be fed back especially when emptying the activated carbon charge.

In addition, the drying devices used in the prior art do not always lead to optimum drying results, in particular with regard to a satisfactory or complete removal of the liquid carrier medium or solvent on which the impregnating agent is based. In particular, removal of the liquid carrier medium is often possible only with high energy input.

The devices used in the prior art for after treatment or activation of the catalyst component are sometimes not energetically optimal and do not always lead to a uniform heating or to a uniform contact of the previously impregnated activated carbon with any activation media (such as a reactive (ambient) Atmosphere or the like).

Against this background, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a special production system or a device as such, which at least largely avoids or at least attenuates the previously described disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, in the context of the present invention, a simplified method and a simplified production plant or impregnation device are to be provided as such, wherein in particular also the use or the number of equipment or equipment to be used should be reduced.

A further object of the present invention is also to be seen in providing a corresponding method for impregnating an activated carbon or for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, which is optimized with regard to the process control or the process sequence and in which in particular the handling of the materials used, in order to also provide a cost-efficient and high-performance production method on this basis.

Yet another object of the present invention is also to provide a corresponding production plant or an impregnating device as such, in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention, which is less complex in terms of apparatus and which results in an efficient implementation of the method according to the invention In this respect, the use of energy is reduced and the quality of the products obtained in the form of impregnated activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity should be increased. In particular, a corresponding production plant or an associated impregnating apparatus is to be provided, which enables an efficient implementation of the method provided according to the invention for obtaining an impregnated activated carbon according to the invention and which is improved in terms of their performance compared with those of the prior art.

Yet another object of the present invention is also to be seen to provide a corresponding activated carbon as such, which as a result of the application of the method according to the invention or the use of the production plant or impregnation device according to the invention has improved overall properties, in particular as the equipment of the activated carbon As far as the reactive or catalytically active components are concerned.

To achieve the object described above, the present invention thus proposes, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a process for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, according to the independent method claim; Further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims. In addition, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a production plant for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having a reactive or catalytic activity, or for carrying out the process according to the invention, as described in the corresponding US Pat. the production plant according to the invention claim is defined; Further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the production plant according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims. Moreover, the present invention - according to a third aspect of the present invention - also relates to the use of the production plant according to the invention for impregnating an activated carbon or for carrying out the process according to the invention, as defined in the corresponding use claim.

The present invention also relates - according to a fourth aspect of the present invention - also an impregnating apparatus as such, which in particular has at least one impregnation container, for impregnating an activated carbon or for carrying out the method according to the invention, as defined in the corresponding device claim. Further, in particular advantageous embodiments of the impregnating device according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaim.

Moreover, the present invention - according to a fifth aspect of the present invention - also relates to the use of the impregnating device according to the invention for impregnating an activated carbon or for carrying out the method according to the invention, as described in the corresponding independent use according to this aspect Claim is defined. Finally, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the present invention also relates to an impregnated activated carbon as such which is obtainable by the process according to the invention and as defined in the corresponding claim relating to the activated carbon. It goes without saying that in the following description of the present invention, such embodiments, embodiments, advantages, examples or the like, which are subsequently carried out - for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary repetition - only for a single aspect of the invention, of course also apply accordingly in relation to the other aspects of the invention, without the need for an explicit mention.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the case of subsequent statements of values, numbers and ranges, the values, numbers and ranges given in this context are not restrictive; It goes without saying for the person skilled in the art that it is possible to deviate from the specified ranges or details on a case-by-case basis or application-related basis without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, all of the values or parameters specified below or the like can in principle be determined or determined using standardized or explicitly stated determination methods or else otherwise with methods of determination or measurement known per se to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, the underlying values or parameters are determined under standard conditions (i.e., in particular at a temperature of 20 ° C and / or at a pressure of 1 .013,25 hPa and 1, 01325 bar, respectively). Incidentally, it should be noted that in all of the relative or percentage, in particular weight-related quantity information listed below, it is to be selected or to be combined by the person skilled in the art in such a way that in total - if appropriate with consideration of further components or components Ingredients, in particular as defined below - always 100% or 100 wt .-% result. This is understood by the skilled person but by itself.

Given this, the invention will be described in more detail below. The present invention thus - according to a first aspect of the present invention - the method for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive and / or catalytic activity, wherein the activated carbon is subjected to a particular multi-stage impregnation treatment, wherein the impregnation treatment to follow steps (a) to (c), in particular in the sequence specified below, comprises: (A) contacting the activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles, with at least one impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution and / or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating, in particular at least one catalytically active component; then

(B) removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent, in particular by means of drying, preferably under the action of heat and / or heating; subsequently

(c) optionally thermal aftertreatment of the impregnated activated carbon resulting from step (b), in particular for activating and / or further fixing the impregnating component, in particular the catalytically active component, preferably under heat and / or heating;

wherein the impregnation treatment, in particular the steps (a) to (c), in a single and / or common impregnation, in particular impregnation (impregnation reactor) is performed.

A central idea of the present invention is thus to be seen in that all process steps according to the invention for the impregnation of an activated carbon for the purpose of equipping the activated carbon in question with reactive or catalytic activity - namely both the contacting of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent and the removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent or the drying of the impregnated activated carbon and the subsequently optionally provided thermal aftertreatment of the impregnated activated carbon - are carried out in a single or in one and the same impregnating device.

In this context, as mentioned below, in the context of the present invention, a special and the method according to the invention structurally adapted impregnating, which for example have an impregnating container or an impregnating or in the form of an impregnating or impregnating reactor, used. In this regard, the impregnating device used according to the invention, which is also part of the production plant according to the invention, has a special structural design Particular features and embodiments, which make it possible to perform all the steps in this device itself.

A central feature of the present invention is thus that the various basic operations of the process according to the invention with the contacting or suspending the activated carbon in the impregnating agent, the removal of the liquid carrier medium or any excess impregnating agent together with the drying of the impregnated activated carbon and with the optionally provided thermal aftertreatment for purposes of activation of the catalytic or reactive component in a single (common) device performed and thus summarized or combined can be implemented.

As a result of the concept according to the invention, simplified operation or process control is ensured with the method according to the invention and the production plant or impregnation apparatus underlying the method since only a single apparatus is required according to the invention, which also results in a lower susceptibility to errors and improved control the process steps underlying the respective steps. In particular, in the context of the present invention eliminates repeated removal with subsequent transfer of the components used in other devices, which reduces material losses due to a change of apparatus with the associated mechanical stress of the material (friction or pressure). This also leads to an improved product quality (less broken or destroyed activated carbon particles as well as uniform and uniform surface quality of the particles). In the context of the present invention can thus be dispensed with a complex change of the apparatus, along with a better controllability of the apparatus as such and the corresponding process or process parameters or conditions.

In addition, in the context of the present invention, the yield of the product obtained in accordance with the invention in the form of the impregnated activated carbon or in the form of the activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity is also increased insofar as the impregnating device used according to the invention has regard to its construction or structure is further optimized in such a way that an adhesion of activated carbon particles or particles to the wall of the impregnating device during the process is avoided, so that at least substantially no matter with respect to the amount of activated carbon used. loss of material - and this at the same time high or homogeneous equipment of the activated carbon with the reactive or catalytically active component. In addition, in this connection with the production plant according to the invention, the loss of possibly excess impregnating agent is reduced, which also leads to a simpler recycling of the impregnating agent used.

In this connection, the invention also provides a cost-effective method or a related production plant or impregnation device, since on the one hand the energy expenditure arising during the process is reduced and, on the other hand, the purchase and maintenance of further devices or apparatuses is eliminated. In this context, it should also be stated that the space or space requirement for installing the production system provided according to the invention and for carrying out the method according to the invention is significantly reduced, which also enables a large-scale implementation of the method according to the invention in connection with the aforementioned advantages and properties. In particular, it may be provided in this context in the context of the present invention that the production plant is operated semi- or quasi-continuously, which is associated with further procedural advantages. In particular, the production plant according to the invention can also be coupled with a production plant for activated carbon as such or operated in direct connection to such a production plant.

A further advantage associated with the present invention can be seen in the fact that, due to the special process control, namely contacting the activated carbon with the impregnating agent or exposing the impregnating agent to the activated carbon and subsequently removing the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent (Drying of the activated carbon) and the optionally thermal aftertreatment is carried out in a single or common impregnating, overall a higher or more homogeneous impregnation of the resulting activated carbon with less formation of encrustations (ie unwanted deposits of the impregnating agent or the impregnating on the Surface of the activated carbon) results on the activated carbon, which is in particular due to the associated with the use of a single device or apparatus improved controllability of the process parameters. Last but not least, a further advantage of the present invention is the fact that, with regard to the production plant or impregnating device provided according to the invention, the maintenance or cleaning effort is significantly reduced, since only one apparatus or device exists as such and is maintained or cleaned will need.

The wording "contacting the activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles, with at least one impregnating agent" is to be understood very broadly according to the invention. In particular, the abovementioned formulation can be understood to mean that, as part of contacting, the impregnating agent is exposed to the impregnating component on the activated carbon, which is used in particular in the form of a multiplicity of discrete particles or particles. In this context, the contacting or the exposure is accompanied in particular by an at least substantially complete wetting or coating of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent or the impregnating component, in particular as far as the outer and the inner surface of the activated carbon is concerned. In particular, at least substantially complete wetting or coating of the (inner) pore system of the activated carbon and thus of the micropores, meso- and macropores of the activated carbon takes place. Here, in particular, an accumulation or incorporation of the impregnating component into or into the activated carbon takes place, the impregnating component remaining after removal (in particular by drying) of the liquid carrier medium in or on the activated carbon. In this way, a correspondingly homogeneous equipment of the activated carbon with the impregnating component can be obtained with a simultaneously high or controllable loading amount, which leads to activated carbons with excellent reactive or catalytic properties and thus to activated carbons with overall excellent adsorption properties.

According to one preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the impregnating device used for the process may have at least one, in particular, closable impregnating container, preferably in the form of an impregnating vessel (stirred tank).

In addition, the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, can have at least one stirring or mixing device, in particular a stirring or mixing device having a multiplicity of mixing elements (stirring elements). Due to the good mixing of the components used according to the method (impregnation), the use of a stirring or mixing device niermittel on the one hand and activated carbon on the other hand) further improves the contacting of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent. In addition, the removal of the liquid medium or, if appropriate, excess impregnating agent and optionally provided thermal aftertreatment, carried out in the same device, are also improved as a result of the good mixing of the components.

According to a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the impregnation device, in particular the impregnation container, preferably the wall (shell) or the housing of the impregnation container, on the one hand and / or the stirring or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements, on the other hand can be heated be formed. In a preferred manner according to the invention, the method is such that the impregnating container and the stirring or mixing device are designed to be heatable. As a result, uniform heating of the components used according to the invention can be carried out, as it were, from the outside (i.e., in particular through the impregnation container) and from the inside (i.e., in particular, by the mixer). Due to the stirring or mixing device, there is also a good heat distribution in relation to the components used as a result of the mixing with the mixer.

According to the invention, it is possible in particular to use an impregnation container with a specific geometry or shape: In particular, the impregnation container, in particular the upper portion of the impregnation container, can taper in the direction of the upper end of the impregnation container. In this connection, the upper portion of the impregnation container can be frusto-conical or conical. Similarly, the impregnation container, in particular the lower portion of the impregnation container, can taper towards the lower end of the impregnation container. In this context, the lower portion of the impregnation container may be frusto-conical or conical. Accordingly, it may be provided according to the invention, in particular, that the impregnation container is designed to be double conical or double frustoconical or in the form of a double cone or a double truncated cone. This achieves, on the one hand, a further improvement in the mixing of the components in the respective process steps and a reduction in the adhesion, in particular of the activated carbon, to the wall of the impregnation container and improved discharge of the respective components from the impregnation container.

What moreover the Rührbzw used for the method according to the invention. As far as mixing equipment is concerned, it is advantageous according to the invention if it has a multiplicity of mixing elements (stirring elements).

In addition, it has proven to be particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention if the mixing elements are adapted to the geometry of the impregnation container. In this context, the mixing elements can be formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements to the wall or the housing of the impregnation are at least substantially equal spaced or that the ends of the respective mixing elements with the course of the wall or the housing of the impregnation at least substantially constant spacing.

In particular, it can be provided according to the invention that the stirring or mixing device is designed as a (rotary) agitator with an agitator shaft arranged at least substantially parallel or along the longitudinal axis of the impregnating container. The stirring shaft should in this context be arranged or positioned at least substantially centrally in the impregnating container. In this connection, the mixing elements can be arranged or positioned radially extending on the stirring shaft. In particular, the stirring shaft can be designed as a rotation shaft with mixing elements extending radially therefrom.

Overall, therefore, the mixing elements arranged along the agitator shaft or aligned with the longitudinal axis of the impregnation container and extending radially therefrom each have at their respective ends a similar spacing to the (housing) wall of the impregnation container. As a result, the mixing of the components introduced into the impregnating container can be increased in an efficient manner. In particular, the mixing elements can be formed or arranged or positioned along the agitator shaft such that in the operating or application state mixing or transport of the impregnating agent or the activated carbon in the axial and / or radial direction, in particular in the axial and radial directions , is present.

Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the process control according to the invention that such an impregnating device or impregnating container is used which has at least one introduction opening (feed opening), in particular for introducing the impregnating agent or the activated carbon. In this connection, the insertion opening can be arranged or positioned at the upper end or in the region of the upper section of the impregnating container. In addition, the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, can have at least one outlet opening (discharge opening), in particular for removing or draining liquid carrier medium and / or any excess impregnating agent or impregnated activated carbon or an optionally used washing medium. In this connection, the outlet opening can be arranged or positioned at the lower end or in the region of the lower section of the impregnating container.

In addition, the impregnating device, in particular the impregnation container, at least one further outlet opening (discharge opening) in particular for removing in particular gaseous substances or media (such as in particular previously transferred by heating in the gas phase carrier medium of the impregnating agent) or for removing or discharging any Have excess impregnant. In particular, the further outlet opening can be arranged or positioned at the upper end or in the region of the upper section of the impregnation container. In addition, the further outlet opening can have a pipeline extending into the region of the lower section of the impregnating container, which preferably runs along the (inner) wall of the impregnating container, in order to perform the function of the stirring. Mixer not to interfere. By way of the further outlet opening, the carrier medium of the impregnating agent can be removed in the gaseous state, or else generally be sucked off in liquid form, in particular during drying with the associated heating of the components. In particular, any excess impregnating agent can also be removed, in particular by suction. By means of the abovementioned introduction or outlet openings, an efficient filling or charging or an efficient removal or removal of the respective components can be carried out. Moreover, as regards the impregnating agent used according to the invention or the impregnating component as such, the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, may contain at least one metal, in particular in the form of a metal compound. In particular, the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, can have at least one metal in a positive oxidation state, in particular at least one metal cation. In this connection, the oxidation state of the metal may be in the range of + 1 to + VII, in particular in the range of + 1 to + IV, preferably in the range of + 1 to + III, and more preferably + 1 or + II. According to the invention it is equally advantageous if the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal selected from the group of metals of the main and subgroups of the Periodic Table of the Elements and the lanthanides having. In particular, the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal selected from elements of main group IV or subgroups I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VII I of the Periodic Table of the Elements, in particular from elements of the main group IV or subgroups I and II of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Particularly good results with regard to the reactive or catalytic activity of the activated carbon impregnated according to the invention are obtained if the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, contains at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Hg, Sn, Ce, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd and Pt, especially Zn, Ag, Sn, Ni and Cu.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, has at least one metal compound which is soluble or dissociable in the impregnating agent, in particular in the liquid carrier medium, preferably based on at least one previously defined metal. In addition, the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, at least one inorganic or organic metal compound, preferred on the basis of at least one previously defined metal, in particular a metal salt or metal oxide, preferably a metal salt.

The impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, may comprise at least one organic or inorganic metal salt, preferably based on at least one previously defined metal. In this connection, the salt can be selected from the group of halide salts, sulfates, sulfides, sulfites, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, phosphides, phosphites, carbamates, alcohols and carboxylic acid salts, in particular halide salts and carboxylic acid salts. In addition, the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal halide, preferably based on at least one previously defined metal, in particular a fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide, preferably chloride, or a carboxylic acid salt of a metal, in particular acetate.

According to an alternative embodiment, it may be provided in the context of the present invention that the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one acidic or basic compound, in particular based on phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, trimethanolamine, 2-amino-1, 3-propanediol or Sulfur, has.

According to the invention, it is also possible in accordance with a further alternative embodiment that the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, comprises at least one enzymatically active substance (enzyme). The relevant substances are well-known to the person skilled in the art, so that no further explanation is required in this regard.

According to the invention, the amount of the impregnating component in the impregnating agent can vary within wide limits. Particularly good results are obtained when the impregnating the impregnating in an amount of at least 1 wt .-%, in particular at least 2 wt .-%, preferably at least 5 wt .-%, preferably at least 10 wt .-%, based on the liquid Carrier medium of the impregnating agent containing. In particular, the impregnating agent may comprise the impregnating component in an amount in the range of from 1% to 80%, more preferably in the range of from 2% to 70%, preferably in the range of from 5% to 5% 60 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 10 wt .-% to 50% by weight, based on the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent. In addition, it can be provided according to the invention that the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent comprises or consists of an inorganic solvent or that the liquid carrier medium is based on water or comprises water or consists thereof. For example, the liquid carrier medium may comprise or consist of an organic solvent, in particular selected from the group of hydrocarbons, in particular alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and their combinations and / or mixtures, preferably alcohols.

According to the invention, it can generally be provided that in step (a) the impregnating agent is used in a weight-related excess or in a weight-related excess to the activated carbon, preferably in a weight-related excess to the activated carbon. In this context, in the context of the present invention, in particular in the case of a weight-related excess, the procedure can be such that the components are in the form of a suspension having liquid properties in the impregnating device. Equally, the resulting mixture of the components based on the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand, in a so-called earth-moist condition, especially if it is dealt with a corresponding deficit of the impregnating agent. In that regard, the process control according to the invention makes it possible, in particular also due to the special design of the impregnating device or the impregnation ratio, to use large quantitative ranges of the respective components based on the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand. In general, the process according to the invention can thus be carried out as a wet impregnation or as a dry impregnation, preferably wet impregnation.

According to the invention, however, it is advantageous if in step (a) the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand in a weight ratio (impregnating: activated carbon) in the range of 6: 1 to 1: 3, in particular in the range of 5: 1 to 1 : 2, preferably in the range of 4: 1 to 1: 1, preferably in the range of 3: 1 to 1: 1, can be used. In particular, according to the invention it can be provided in this connection that the impregnating component on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand in a weight ratio (impregnating component: activated carbon) in the range from 3: 1 to 1: 6, in particular in the range from 2: 1 to 1: 5 , preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 3.5, are used. In general, in the context of the method according to the invention, the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand, independently of one another, in particular via the at least one insertion opening of the impregnating device, in particular of the impregnating agent, preferably each via separate or separate insertion into the impregnation, in particular in the impregnation, filled or introduced. In particular, the impregnating device or the impregnating container may in this context have an insertion opening for the impregnating agent and a further insertion opening for the activated carbon.

According to the invention, the procedure is generally such that in step (a) the impregnating agent, on the one hand, and the activated carbon, on the other hand, are mixed, in particular to obtain a suspension, in particular a homogeneous suspension. In this regard, in step (a), with the introduction of stirring or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably with the use of the stirring or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular of the impregnating container. In general, it is provided in the context of the present invention that in step (a) at least substantially complete wetting or coating of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent, in particular with the impregnating, in particular both the outer and the inner surfaces, preferably the micro-, meso- and / or macropores, the activated carbon occurs. This allows a homogeneous or uniform equipment of the activated carbon with the catalytically active component.

In the context of the present invention, numerous activated carbons can be used in a wide variety of training. However, particularly good results are achieved if the activated carbon used is a particulate or particulate activated carbon or activated carbon particle, preferably in the form of activated carbon particles in the form of granules ("granular carbon") or spherical form ("spherical carbon").

In this context, the diameter of the activated carbon, in particular the particulate or particulate activated carbon or the activated carbon particles, vary within wide ranges. However, it is advantageous if the diameter of the activated carbon in the range of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.02 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 0.03 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably in the range from 0.05 mm to 2 mm, most preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Similarly, the average diameter, in particular the average diameter D ₅₀ , of the activated carbon, in particular the particulate or particulate activated carbon or the activated carbon particles, in the range of 0.01 mm to 4 mm, in particular in the range of 0.03 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, very particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. The corresponding particle sizes can be determined in particular on the basis of the method according to ASTM D2862-97 / 04. In addition, the aforementioned quantities can be determined using determination methods based on a sieve analysis, on the basis of a sieve analysis, on the basis of X-ray diffraction, laser diffractometry or the like. The respective determination methods are well known to the person skilled in the art, so that no further explanation is required in this regard.

In particular, the activated carbon may be obtainable by carbonization and subsequent activation of a synthetic or non-natural-based starting material, in particular based on organic polymers. As a result, particularly hard and abrasion-resistant activated carbons are obtained, which also have a defined porosity. Such activated carbons are particularly suitable for use in the context of the method according to the invention. This also applies in particular to those activated carbons which are obtained from a starting material based on organic polymers, in particular based on sulfonated organic polymers, preferably based on divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene, preferably based on styrene / divinylbenzene copolymers, in particular by carbonation and subsequent activation of the starting material. In this connection, the content of divinylbenzene in the starting material can be in the range from 1% by weight to 20% by weight, in particular from 1% by weight to 15% by weight, preferably from 1.5% by weight 12.5 wt .-%, preferably 2 wt .-% to 10 wt .-%, based on the starting material, are.

In general, the activated carbons used according to the invention can also be activated carbons which are obtained from a starting material based on an ion exchange resin, in particular of the gel type, containing in particular sulfonated or sulfonic acid groups. In particular, a polymer-based spherical activated carbon (PBSAC, polymer-based Spherical Activated Carbon) can be used as the activated carbon.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the activated carbon has a total pore volume, in particular a total pore volume according to Gurvich, in the range from 0.3 cm ³ / g to 4 cm ³ / g, in particular in the range from 0.4 cm ³ / g to 3 , 5 cm ³ / g, preferably in the range of 0.5 cm ³ / g to 3 cm ³ / g, more preferably in the range of 0.6 cm ³ / g to 2.5 cm ³ / g, most preferably in Range of 0.5 cm ³ / g to 1, 5 cm ³ / g. In particular, it may be provided that at least 65%, in particular at least 70%, preferably at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, of the total pore volume, in particular of the total Gurvich pore volume, of the activated carbon through pores having pore diameters of at most 50 nm, in particular by Micro and / or mesopores are formed. In particular, the activated carbon can be a pore volume formed by pores with pore diameters of at most 2 nm (ie <2 nm), in particular microporous volumes after carbon black, in the range from 0.05 cm ³ / g to 2.5 cm ³ / g, in particular 0.15 cm ³ / g to 2 cm ³ / g, preferably 0.3 cm ³ / g to 1, 5 cm ³ / g.

In particular, the activated carbon may have a BET specific surface area of 600 m ² / g to 4,000 m ² / g, in particular 800 m ² / g to 3,500 m ² / g, preferably from 1, 000 m ² / g to 3,000 m ² / g, more preferably from 1 .200 m ² / g to 2,750 m ² / g, very particularly preferably from 1 .300 m ² / g to 2,500 m ² / g.

As far as the determination of the total pore volume according to Gurvich is concerned, it is a measurement / determination method which is well known per se to a person skilled in the art. For further details regarding the determination of the total pore volume according to Gurvich, reference may be made, for example, to L. Gurvich (1915), J. Phys. Chem. Soc. Soot. 47, 805, as well as on S. Lowell et al., Characterization of Porous Solids and Powders: Pore Size and Density Surface Area, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Article Technology Series, pages 111 et seq. In particular, the pore volume of the activated carbon can be V a rule be determined according to the formula V _P = W _a / pi, where W _{a represents} the adsorbed amount of an underlying adsorbate and pi the density of the adsorbate used (see also formula (8.20) according to page 1 1 1, chapter 8.4. ) by S. Lowell et al.). The carbon black determination method is known per se to the person skilled in the art, and moreover, for further details on the determination of the pore surface and pore volume for carbon black, reference can be made, for example, to RW Magee, Evaluation of the External Surface Area of Carbon Black by Nitrogen Adsorption, Presented at the Meeting of the Rubber Division of the American Chem. Soc., October 1994, z. B. Referenced in: Quantachrome Instruments, AUTOSORB-1, AS1 WinVersion 1.50, Operating Manual, OM, 05061, Quantachrome Instruments 2004, Florida, USA, pages 71 ff. In particular, the relevant evaluation can be done by means of t-plot method.

The determination of the specific surface area according to BET is generally known to the person skilled in the art, so that in this regard no further details need to be carried out. All BET surface area information refers to the determination in accordance with ASTM D6556-04. In the context of the present invention, the so-called MultiPoint BET determination method (MP-BET) is used in a partial pressure range p / p ₀ of 0.05 to 0 for determining the BET surface area, in general and unless expressly stated otherwise. 1 applied. For further details on the determination of the BET surface area or on the BET method, reference may be made to the abovementioned ASTM D6556-04 and Römpp Chemielexikon, 10th edition, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart / New York, keyword: "BET method" including the literature cited therein, and to Winnacker-Kuchler (3rd edition), Volume 7, pages 93 ff. as well as to Z. Anal. Chem. 238, pages 187 to 193 (1968).

Furthermore, in step (a) of the process according to the invention, in particular, the procedure can be such that the contacting is carried out at temperatures above the freezing or solidification temperature of the impregnating agent or below the boiling or decomposition temperature of the impregnating agent. The temperatures stated in this regard are based on atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa or 1, 01325 bar). In general, the contacting provided in step (a) takes place in such a way that, so to speak, the impregnating agent is allowed to penetrate or penetrate with the relevant catalytically active component in relation to the activated carbon used according to the invention, as stated above. In particular, in step (a) the contacting at temperatures in the range of 1 ° C to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 5 ° C to 100 ° C, preferably in the range of 10 ° C to 75 ° C, preferably in the range of 15 ° C to 60 ° C, more preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 50 ° C, most preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 40 ° C, are performed. In this connection, the temperatures provided in step (a) can be achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall or the housing of the impregnating container, and / or by heating the stirring or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring or mixing device Mixing device, can be adjusted.

In particular, in step (a), the contacting for a period of time in the range of 0.01 h to 48 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 24 h, preferably in the range of 0, 1 h to 12 h, preferably in the range from 0.5 h to 10 h, particularly preferably in the range from 1 h to 8 h, very particularly preferably in the range from 2 h to 8 h.

In general, in step (a) below atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure) (1 .013,25 hPa) can be moved.

Furthermore, as far as step (b) of the process according to the invention is concerned, in addition to the removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent, it is also possible to remove any excess impregnating agent as such.

In this context, it is possible in particular to proceed in such a way that in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium or of any excess impregnating agent under pressurization or increased pressure (pressing out of the liquid carrier medium or of the impregnating agent) or under reduced pressure or reduced pressure (Removal of the liquid carrier medium or the impregnating agent) takes place. In particular, however, it is also possible to proceed in step (b) such that the removal of the liquid carrier medium takes place under atmospheric pressure (1 .013.25 hPa) or normal pressure, for example by discharging the liquid media at the outlet opening provided in particular in the region of the lower end which can be equipped for this purpose with a filter unit for the retention of the activated carbon or the like. In particular, in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium or of any excess impregnating agent can thus take place via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for removing the liquid carrier medium or excess impregnating agent (lower outlet opening) and / or via the at least one Outlet opening in particular for the removal of gaseous substances takes place (upper outlet opening).

In the context of the present invention it is provided according to a preferred embodiment according to the invention that in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium or of any excess impregnating agent, preferably the removal of the liquid carrier medium, takes place by evaporation. Removal by evaporation may also be carried out following any removal of the carrier medium or, if appropriate, excess impregnant in liquid form, as described above.

In this connection, the removal of the liquid carrier medium or of any excess impregnating agent should be carried out at temperatures above the boiling point of the liquid carrier medium or of the impregnating agent, in particular of the liquid carrier medium.

For this purpose, in step (b) at temperatures in the range of 1 ° C to 300 ° C, in particular in the range of 10 ° C to 250 ° C, preferably in the range of 15 ° C to 200 ° C, preferably in the range of 20 ° C. up to 175.degree. C., more preferably in the range from 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. In this regard, the temperatures provided in step (b) can likewise be achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall or housing of the impregnating container, and / or by heating the mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring or mixing device. Mixing device to be adjusted.

In particular, in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium or of any excess impregnating agent for a period in the range of 0.01 h to 36 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 20 h, preferably in the range of 0, 1 h to 10 h, preferably in the range of 0.5 h to 8 h, particularly preferably in the range of 1 h to 6 h. Likewise, in step (b), with the introduction of stirring or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably using the stirring or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular of the impregnating container.

In step (b), the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of optionally excess impregnating agent and / or via the further outlet opening, in particular for removal in particular gaseous Substances and / or media and / or for removing and / or draining off any excess impregnating agent.

In this connection, the liquid carrier medium removed in step (b) and / or the optionally excess impregnating agent can be recycled.

In addition, according to the invention, in particular, it is possible to proceed in such a way that in step (b) the impregnated activated carbon has a residual moisture content in the range from 1% by weight to 50% by weight, in particular in the range from 5% by weight to 40% by weight. , preferably in the range from 10% to 30% by weight, based on the impregnated activated carbon.

In this way, thus, the impregnated activated carbon can be obtained. In this connection, in step (b), the removal of the impregnated activated carbon can take place via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for the removal of the impregnated activated carbon.

Furthermore, as far as step (c) is concerned, the optionally provided thermal aftertreatment can be carried out at temperatures above the temperatures set or intended for the drying in step (b). As a result, the catalytic activity can be increased or achieved or obtained if necessary. In addition, the catalytically active component can be further fixed to the activated carbon, optionally with the formation of chemical bonds.

In particular, in step (c) at temperatures in the range of 50 ° C to 800 ° C, in particular in the range of 75 ° C to 500 ° C, preferably in the range of 90 ° C to 300 ° C, are moved. In addition, the temperatures provided in step (c) can be set by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall or the housing of the impregnating container, and / or by heating the stirring or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements. By a preferred simultaneous heating of the impregnation container and the stirring or mixing device, the impregnated activated carbon can be heated particularly effectively and uniformly to the desired temperatures for purposes of activating the impregnating component. In particular, in step (c), the thermal aftertreatment can be carried out under atmospheric pressure or atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa).

In particular, it may be provided in step (c) that the thermal aftertreatment takes place with adjustment of the (activation) atmosphere. In this regard, in step (c) in particular under ambient atmosphere (ambient air), in particular air, or under an inert atmosphere, in particular nitrogen atmosphere, or in particular slightly oxidizing atmosphere, in particular oxygen-containing atmosphere, or in particular slightly reducing atmosphere, in particular hydrogen-containing atmosphere, method.

The skilled person is always able to set the relevant atmospheres and to select and vote in relation to the desired effect. For this purpose, the impregnating device can also be equipped with corresponding openings for the exchange or adjustment of the respective atmosphere.

In step (c), the thermal aftertreatment may be for a period in the range of 0.01 h to 30 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 20 h, preferably in the range of 0, 1 h to 10 h, preferably in the range from 0.5 h to 8 h.

Likewise, in step (c), with the introduction of stirring or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably with the use of the stirring or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular of the impregnating container. Furthermore, in step (c), the removal of the activated impregnated activated carbon can take place via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for the removal of the impregnated activated carbon, in particular after cooling of the resulting impregnated activated carbon.

Moreover, it can be provided according to the invention that after carrying out step (a), in particular between step (a) and step (b), or after carrying out step (b), in particular between step (b) and step (c) or, after carrying out step (c), at least one washing or purifying step is carried out with a washing or purifying of the impregnated activated carbon, if appropriate followed by at least one drying step.

By means of the optionally provided washing step, for example, undesired impurities or any incrustations resulting on the basis of the impregnating agent or the catalytically active component of the impregnating agent, in particular on the surface of the activated carbon, can be effectively removed, which leads to a further improvement of the activated carbon obtained according to the invention, in particular since the access to the pore system of the activated carbon is improved.

In this connection, the washing or purification step can be carried out using at least one in particular liquid washing or purification medium or agent, in particular aqueous-based washing or purification medium, preferably an especially alkaline washing or purification solution.

In particular, the washing or purification medium may contain at least one basic component, in particular at least one alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In this regard, amounts in the range of 1 wt% to 25 wt%, in particular in the range of 2 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably in the range of 5 wt% to 15 wt% , based on the washing and / or purification medium proven. In addition, the washing or purification medium in a weight ratio related to the activated carbon (washing or purification medium: activated carbon) in the range from 5: 1 to 1: 5, in particular in the range from 4: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in the range from 4: 1 to 1: 3, preferably in the range from 3: 1 to 1: 1.

In particular, the washing or purification step can take place at temperatures in the range from 1 ° C. to 150 ° C., in particular in the range from 5 ° C. to 100 ° C., preferably in the range from 10 ° C. to 75 ° C., preferably in the range from 15 ° C to 60 ° C, more preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 50 ° C, most preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 40 ° C, are performed. The temperatures provided in the washing or purification step can be set by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall (shell) or the housing of the impregnating container, or by heating the stirring or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements become.

According to the invention, the washing or purification step can be carried out for a period of time in the range from 0.01 h to 48 h, in particular in the range from 0.05 h to 24 h, preferably in the range from 0.1 h to 12 h, preferably in the range from 0.5 h to 10 h, particularly preferably in the range from 1 h to 8 h, very particularly preferably in the range from 2 h to 8 h. In particular, the washing or purification step can be carried out under atmospheric pressure or atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa).

According to the invention, it can be provided, in particular, that step (a), step (b) and step (c) and, if appropriate, the washing or purification step are carried out in succession or directly following one another, which also results from the use of a common or single Impregnating, in particular impregnation, is made possible. In this way, a further increase in the efficiency of the method according to the invention can be achieved.

In particular, the method according to the invention may be carried out using a production line as defined below or using an impregnating device as defined below.

As far as the method according to the invention is concerned, reference may also be made to the corresponding figure representation according to FIG. 1, which shows a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, according to which the process is carried out with the relevant steps (a) to (c) according to the invention using a production plant P and a common impregnation treatment or impregnation unit 4. The present invention further relates - according to a second aspect of the present invention - also a production plant for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out the previously described method according to the invention, according to which Production plant relevant claim, with further advantageous embodiments of this aspect of the invention is the subject of the corresponding subclaims.

The present invention will be described in particular with reference to the production plant according to the invention with reference to preferred embodiments or exemplary embodiments representing drawings or figure representations, wherein the relevant statements apply equally to the other aspects of the invention and wherein the preferred embodiments are by no means limitative.

In the figure representations shows

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the use of the invention

The process of contacting the activated carbon with the impregnating agent according to step (a), the subsequent removal of the liquid carrier medium or optionally excess impregnating agent according to step (a) b) and the subsequent thermal aftertreatment of the impregnated activated carbon according to step (c) are carried out in a single or common and thus in one and the same impregnating device of the production plant according to the invention;

2A is a schematic representation of a production plant P according to the invention according to a first embodiment of the invention, according to which the impregnation device 4 used for the production plant P is formed on the basis of an impregnation container 6, in which the lower portion 6 "tapers conically to the lower end of the impregnation container 6 and the upper section 6 'of the impregnating holds 6 arched or formed in the manner of a dome lid; 2A also shows an embodiment of the arrangement of a stirring and mixing plant in the impregnating container 6 which is preferred according to the invention, wherein the stirring or mixing unit 8 has a corresponding agitating shaft 10 with mixing elements 9, the mixing elements 9 being adapted to the geometry of the impregnating container 6 are;

2B shows a schematic representation of a production plant P according to the invention according to a further embodiment of the present invention, according to which the impregnating container 6 used for the impregnating device 4 is designed in the form of a double cone and after which the impregnating container 6 tapers conically towards the upper end and the lower end ; According to this preferred embodiment according to the invention, both the lower section 6 'and the upper section 6 "of the impregnating container 6 are thus cone-shaped or truncated-like, and the arrangement of the stirring or mixing unit 8 with a stirring shaft 10 is also in the FIG Impregnating container 6 and the geometry of the impregnation container 6 adapted training of the mixing elements 9 shown.

In the following, the production plant P according to the invention will now be described further with reference to the above-mentioned figure representations: According to the second aspect of the present invention, the present invention thus also relates to the production plant P for impregnation, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having reactive and / or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention described above, the production plant P comprising the following devices 1, 2, 3, 4:

at least one first storage unit 1 for receiving or storing at least one impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating component, in particular at least one catalytically active component;

if appropriate, at least one second storage unit 2 for receiving or storing at least one activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles; at least one impregnating device (impregnating treatment unit) 4 arranged downstream of the first storage unit 1 and the optionally present second storage unit 2, in particular wherein the impregnating device 4 comprises at least one impregnating container (impregnating reactor) 6, wherein the impregnating device 4 is designed such that

(A) contacting and / or mixing, in particular intimate mixing, the activated carbon with the impregnating agent; and

(B) a removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent, in particular by means of drying, preferably under the action of heat or heating; and

(C) optionally a thermal aftertreatment of the resulting impregnated activated carbon, in particular for the activation or further fixing of the impregnating component, preferably under the effect of heat and / or heating;

in the impregnating 4 are feasible or carried out;

- If appropriate, at least one downstream of the impregnating device 4 arranged receiving device 5 for receiving and / or storage of the impregnated activated carbon. In the context of the present invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the production plant P, in particular the impregnating device 4, has at least one, in particular, impregnable impregnating container 6, in particular impregnating vessel (stirred tank) (FIGS. 2A and 2B). As far as the impregnation container 6 is concerned, it may be arranged or aligned, in particular in the operating or application state, at least substantially vertically or upright, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the impregnation container 6. In other words, the impregnation container 6 is preferred operated in a vertical arrangement or positioning with reference to its longitudinal axis L, as illustrated equally in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B.

In this connection, it can thus be provided according to the invention that the impregnation container 6 has an upper and a lower end. In particular, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the impregnation container 6 may have an upper portion 6 'and a lower portion 6 ". In this regard, the term" portion "as used in the invention refers to one The term "section" as used in the invention may also refer to a component as such of the impregnation container 6, in particular wherein the constituents are connected to one another and thus form the impregnation container 6 as a unit.

According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the production plant P has at least one first supply device 3 ', in particular in the form of a pipeline, preferably for feeding or for introducing the impregnating agent into the impregnation container 6, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this connection, the first supply device 3 'can be arranged in particular downstream of the first storage unit 1 or upstream of the impregnation container 6. The first supply device 3 'can also connect the first storage unit 1 and the impregnation container 6 with each other. In addition, the first supply device 3 'at the upper end or the upper portion 6' of the impregnation container 6 can be connected to the impregnation container 6, in particular via a first insertion opening for the impregnation agent 1 1 of the impregnation container 6.

Furthermore, the production plant P can have at least one second feed device 3 ", in particular in the form of a pipeline or a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor, preferably for feeding or for introducing the activated carbon into the impregnation container 6. In this context, the second Feeder 3 "in particular downstream of the second storage unit 2 and upstream of the impregnation container 6 may be arranged. In particular, the second supply device 3 "can connect the first storage unit 1 and the impregnation container 6. In addition, the second supply device 3" can be connected to the impregnation container 6 at the upper end or the upper section 6 'of the impregnation container 6, in particular via an insertion opening for activated carbon 1 1 of the impregnation container. 6

The first supply device 3 'or the second supply device 3 "thus generally serve to charge the impregnating device 4 or the impregnating container 6 with the starting materials in the form of the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon to be treated on the other hand 3 'and the second feeding device 3 ", independently, in particular to be connected to the subsequently described at least one insertion opening 1 1. Furthermore, the production plant P, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, may have at least one first removal device 5 ', in particular in the form of a pipeline, preferably for discharging or discharging the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent or of any excess impregnating agent from the impregnation container 6, have. In this connection, the first discharge device 5 'can be arranged downstream of the impregnation container 6. In particular, the first discharge device 5 'at the lower end or at the lower portion 6', in particular via an outlet opening for the carrier or impregnating agent 12 of the impregnation 6 and / or a filter device 14 of the impregnation 6, or at the upper end or the upper section 6 "of the impregnating container 6 with the impregnating container 6, in particular via a further outlet opening 13 of the impregnating container 6. The arrangement at the lower end or lower section 6 'is particularly suitable when the carrier medium or container is used the excess impregnating agent in the respective liquid form is to be removed from the impregnation container 6. The arrangement of the first removal device 5 'at the upper end or the upper portion 6' is particularly suitable when in particular the previously liquid carrier medium or Impregnating agent in gaseous form, ex For example, by evaporation, to be dissipated. An arrangement at the upper end or the upper portion 6 'is also considered when the liquid carrier medium or impregnating agent is to be aspirated so to speak from above from the impregnation container 6. In particular, the first discharge device 5 'may be in communication with the outlet opening 12 or the further outlet opening 13 which will be described below. For this purpose, reference may also be made to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Finally, it can be provided according to the invention that the production plant P at least a second discharge device 5 ", in particular in the form of a pipe or a conveyor belt or a screw conveyor, preferably in the form of a pipe, preferably for discharging or for discharging the impregnated Activated carbon from the impregnation container 6, in this connection, the second removal device 5 "can be arranged downstream of the impregnation container 6 or upstream of the receiving device 5. In particular, the second discharge device 5 "can connect the impregnation container 6 and the receiving device 5. In particular, the second removal device 5" can be connected to the lower end or the lower portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6 may be connected to the impregnation container 6, in particular via an outlet opening for impregnated activated carbon 12. Reference may also be made to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In particular, the second discharge device 5 "will be in connection with the discharge opening 12 described below.

The targeted use of the feed and discharge devices described above, an efficient operation of the impregnation or the impregnation and thus the production plant P according to the invention can be ensured in total, since the impregnation container with accurate dosage quickly - and so to speak quasi - continuously The starting materials can be charged and also the products obtained and excess components can be completely removed from the impregnation. As far as the impregnation container 6 is concerned, it is provided according to the invention in particular that the impregnation container 6, in particular the upper portion 6 'or the lower portion 6 ", at least substantially rotationally symmetrical and / or at least substantially hollow or by a wall In this context, the longitudinal axis L of the impregnation container 6 represents, in particular, the axis of rotation of the rotation body. The rotationally symmetrical design of the impregnation container with the associated geometry makes it possible, in particular, to optimize the arrangement Subsequently, the stirring or mixing device described in the impregnation be made ratio, which the process implementation in terms of effective mixing and heating in particular for purposes of drying and activation of the impregnation in the container 6 further improved existing components. In this context, the impregnation container 6, in particular the upper portion 6 ', have an at least substantially circular cross-section, preferably a circular or circular cross-section, in particular in the horizontal plane or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the impregnation container 6. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it can be provided in the context of the present invention in particular that the impregnation container 6, in particular the upper portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6, tapers in the direction of the upper end of the impregnation container 6.

In particular, it may be provided in this context that the upper portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6 is frusto-conical or conical, as shown in Fig. 2B. In this context, the angle αι between the base surface and surface line of the upper portion 6 ', in particular of the truncated cone or the cone, in the range of 30 ° to 60 °, in particular in the range of 35 ° to 55 °, preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °, lie. Due to the special conical or frustoconical geometrical design of the upper section 6 ', in particular in the context of the mixing of the components present in the impregnating container 6, excessive adhesion or sticking of the activated carbon to the wall, in particular of the upper section 6' of the impregnating container 6, is prevented. along with improved material yields and a more uniform impregnation over the plurality of activated carbon particles. With regard to the conical or frustoconical design of the upper section 6 'of the impregnating container 6, reference can be made in particular to the illustration according to FIG. 2B, in which this embodiment, which is particularly preferred according to the invention, is represented.

According to the invention, however, it is also possible in principle for the upper section 6 'of the impregnating container 6 to be arched or hemispherical in shape. In this context, the upper portion 6 'may be formed, for example, as a dished lid or basket top. Also in this context, the angle αι between the base and surface line of the upper portion 6 'in the range of 30 ° to 60 °, in particular in the range of 35 ° to 55 °, preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °. In this regard, reference may be made to the corresponding representation according to FIG. 2A.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, in particular, such that the impregnation container 6, in particular the lower portion 6 ", has an at least substantially round cross-section (cross-sectional shape), preferably a circular or circular cross-section, in particular in the horizontal plane or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the impregnation container 6 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). In particular, as shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the impregnation container 6, in particular the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container 6, taper towards the lower end of the impregnation container 6. According to a preferred embodiment according to the invention, it can also be provided that the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container 6 is frusto-conical and / or conical. In this context, the angle ₂ between the base surface and surface line of the lower portion 6 ", in particular of the truncated cone or cone, in the range of 50 ° to 85 °, in particular in the range of 55 ° to 80 °, preferably in the range of 60 ° to 75 °, preferably in the range of 65 ° to 75 °.

In particular, the upper portion 6 'and the lower portion 6 "are each formed in the shape of a straight truncated cone.

As a result of the formation of the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container in the above-mentioned manner, in addition to further improved intermixability of the components contained in the impregnation container 6, improved removal of the components and, in particular, the impregnated activated carbon obtained from the impregnation container 6 can be ensured.

In this context, it is according to the invention in particular such that the lower portion 6 "and the lower cone or truncated cone is less steep than the upper portion 6 'and the upper cone or truncated cone, as αι on the basis of the above angle and Fig. ₂ illustrates.

In this context, the Applicant has found in completely surprising manner that such a vote of the respective sections to each other to overall improved material yields with good impregnation due to an effective mixing of the components is present. In general, it can be provided according to the invention that the upper section 6 'of the impregnation container 6 and the lower section 6 "of the impregnation container 6 have at least substantially surface-identical base surfaces (base surfaces) .This also leads to an optimum fit of the adjoining sections ,

The base surfaces of the upper portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6 and of the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container 6 are in each case material-free or open or formed by the respective jacket material of the upper portion 6' of the impregnation container 6 or of the lower portion 6" of FIG Impregnation container 6 bordered or formed edge. Accordingly, the respective sections 6 'and 6 "are hollow bodies with an open base area or base surface As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to the invention, in particular, the upper section 6' of the impregnation container 6 and the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container 6 in the region of their bases abut each other or are arranged to each other. Consequently, the upper section 6 'and the lower section 6 "form a coherent hollow body, which in particular forms the reaction space, in the form of the impregnating container 6.

According to the invention, provision may be made in particular for the upper section 6 'of the impregnation container 6 and the lower section 6 "of the impregnation container 6 to be connected to each other at the edges in the area of their base surfaces ,

According to the invention, it can also be provided that the ratio of the height hi of the upper portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6 and the height h _{2 of} the lower portion 6 "of the impregnation container 6 (ratio hi: h ₂ ) in the range of 2: 1 to 1: 5, in particular in the range of 1, 5: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 3, preferably in the range of 1: 1, 25 to 1: 2. At the respective heights in particular, it is the distance between the respective top surface of the preferably frusto-conical sections 6 ', 6 "in the perpendicular direction to the respective base surface. According to a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention, which is also shown in FIG. 2B, the impregnation container 6 is designed to be double conical or double frustoconical or in the form of a double cone or a double truncated cone. According to the invention, this is particularly the case in that the impregnation container 6 tapers in the direction of the lower end of the impregnation container 6 and in the direction of the upper end of the impregnation container 6, in particular in the shape of a cone or cone.

According to a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, it can also be provided that the impregnating device 4, in particular the impregnation container 6, preferably the wall (shell) or the housing of the impregnation container 6, can be heated, in particular directly or indirectly heated, preferably indirectly heated , In this connection, it can be provided in particular that the impregnating device 4, in particular the impregnating container 6, has at least one heating device 7, in particular for direct or indirect heating, preferably indirect heating. In this case, the heating device 7 can preferably be positioned or arranged on the outside of the wall or the housing of the impregnating container 6. In particular, the heating device 7 may also be part of the wall or of the housing of the impregnation container 6. In this regard, reference may be made to Figs. 2A and 2B.

In this context, the term "indirect heating", as used according to the invention, is understood in particular such that the heat required for heating the impregnating container 6 is generated, so to speak, directly in the heating device, as is the case, for example, in the case of an electrically operated heating device Case is. Accordingly, the term "indirect heating" as used according to the invention is to be understood as meaning that the heating device 7 or the impregnation container 6 is heated indirectly, in particular by using a heat-transporting heating or thermal medium which heats away from the heating device is and which, for example, supplied via corresponding leads of the heater and is led away via corresponding discharges from the heater for purposes of reheating in a remote from the impregnating device 4 arranged heating system or device. In general, it can be provided according to the invention that the direct heating of the impregnating device 4, in particular of the impregnating container 6, takes place electrically. In particular, the direct heating of the impregnating device 4, in particular of the impregnating container 6, can take place using at least one electric heating device 7, as described above. For example, heating cables or the like may be used.

Furthermore, the indirect heating of the impregnating device 4, in particular of the impregnating container 6, can take place using at least one heating or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid. In particular, the indirect heating of the impregnating device 4, in particular of the impregnating container 6, can take place by using at least one heating device 7 having at least one heating or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid. For example, the heating or thermo-medium-carrying piping systems or casings can be used.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the wall or the housing of the impregnating container 6 is at least partially or double-walled, in particular for receiving the heating device 7 or for receiving or for flowing through at least one heating or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating or thermal fluid, in particular in the resulting space or in the cavity as such. For this purpose, reference may also be made to the illustration according to FIG. 2A and to FIG. 2B.

In order to reduce the heat loss and to better control the heating of the impregnation container 6, it can also be provided according to the invention that the impregnation container 6 is applied at least partially or partially to an outside on the wall or the housing of the impregnation container 6 or positioned thermal insulation device, in particular in the form of a foam or the like. As a result, the energy required for heating energy can be further reduced. In addition, the heating can be better controlled. The impregnating device or the impregnating container 6 may moreover comprise at least one stirring or mixing device 8, in particular an agitating or mixing device 8 arranged or located at least partially or in sections, preferably at least substantially completely in the impregnating container 6, such as for example, in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B.

According to the conception according to the invention, the stirring or mixing device 8 is in particular designed such that it is used for all process steps (a) to (c) and for the optionally provided washing step against the background of ensuring effective mixing and uniform heating Thus, in the context of step (a) of the process according to the invention, the use of a special stirring or mixing device further improves the contacting of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent for the purpose of finishing with the impregnating component. In addition, in step (b) of the method according to the invention, the targeted use of a stirring or mixing device means that the effectiveness of the drying can be increased, in particular because of the mixing and heating, the liquid carrier medium or optionally excess impregnating agent effectively from the impregnated activated carbon can be removed or removed, in particular by evaporation. Finally, the use of a stirring or mixing device in the context of the thermal aftertreatment according to step (c) leads to a more uniform heating due to the mixing of the activated activated carbon, so that an overall improved or homogeneous activation of the material is present. In particular, due to the thorough mixing during the process control according to the invention, dead zones or rest zones in the impregnating device 4, in particular in the impregnating container 6, are avoided in an efficient manner.

For this purpose, it may be provided in the context of the present invention in particular that the stirring or mixing device, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a plurality of mixing elements (stirring elements) 9 has. In this context, the stirring or mixing device 8 at least two mixing elements 9, in particular at least three mixing elements 9, preferably at least four mixing elements 9, preferably at least four mixing elements 9, preferably at least five mixing elements 9, more preferably at least six mixing elements 9, have. In this connection, it can likewise be provided according to the invention that the stirring or mixing device 8 has a total of 2 to 20 mixing elements 9, in particular 3 to 15 mixing elements. te 9, preferably 4 to 12 mixing elements 9, preferably 5 to 10 mixing elements 9, has.

In addition, it can be provided according to the invention that the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, are formed like a shovel, a paddle, a wing, and / or a bar.

In the context of the present invention, particularly good results with respect to thorough mixing are obtained if the mixing elements 9 are formed, independently of one another, straight (straight) or curved, preferably straight (rectilinear), in particular with respect to the longitudinal extent of the mixing elements 9 (cf. 2A and 2B). Similarly, in the context of the present invention it is preferred if the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, have an at least substantially round cross-section (cross-sectional shape), preferably a circular and / or circular cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section, preferably a polygonal cross-section.

According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, have a triangular, quadrilateral or pentagonal shape, preferably a triangular cross section. In particular, the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, can have a cross section in the form of an equilateral or isosceles, in particular equilateral, triangle. According to the invention it is preferred if all mixing elements 9 of Rührbzw. Mixing device, have the same shape or the same cross-section.

In addition to the above-mentioned geometry, in particular also of the cross section, the concrete design of the size of the mixing elements 9 also plays an important role. Thus it can be provided within the scope of the present invention that the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, have a diameter or an edge length on the cross section, in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular 10 mm to 75 mm, preferably 15 mm to 50 mm.

In particular, it may behave in the context of the present invention such that the mixing elements 9, independently of each other, are arranged such that the longest side of the cross section of the mixing elements 9, in particular the Hypotenuse of the cross section of the mixing elements 9 forming triangle, based on the other sides of the cross section of the mixing elements 9, is arranged below or positioned or arranged to the lower end of the impregnation container 6.

In particular, the mixing elements 9, independently of one another, can be arranged at least substantially horizontally or with an angle of attack in the range from 0 ° to 45 °. The angle of attack is defined as the angle between the longest side of the cross section, in particular the lower side of the cross section, the respective mixing element 9 and the horizontal.

In the context of the present invention, it is provided in particular that the mixing elements 9 have at least substantially the same cross-section or that the mixing elements 9 have at least substantially the same cross-sectional area or area or the same angle of attack.

The mixing elements 9 can also be designed in particular such that the ends of the respective mixing elements 9 are at least substantially equal to the wall or the housing of the impregnation container 6. In particular, the mixing elements 9 are formed such that the respective ends of the mixing elements 9 follow the course of the wall or the housing of the impregnation container 6 with at least substantially constant or constant or the same spacing. In other words, in the context of the present invention, it is in particular such that the mixing elements 9 are adapted to the geometry of the impregnation container 6, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Among the above-mentioned ends of the mixing elements 9, in particular, the ends of the mixing elements 9 directed or positioned towards the wall or the housing of the impregnating container 6 are to be understood.

As a result of the concept according to the invention, according to which the distance between the mixing elements and the (inner) wall or the housing of the impregnating container is kept at least substantially constant along the longitudinal extension or the longitudinal axis L of the impregnation container, a particularly effective mixing of the components in the impregnation container is achieved 6 existing components, both in terms of fluid or humid as well as the dried or particulate state of the present in the impregnation container components. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is preferred according to the invention if the stirring or mixing device 8 is designed as an agitator, in particular a rotary agitator. In this connection, the stirring or mixing device 8 may have a stirring shaft (drive shaft) 10, as shown equally in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The stirring shaft 10 may be arranged or positioned at least substantially parallel or along the longitudinal axis L of the impregnating container 6 in the impregnating container 6. In particular, the stirring shaft 10 is arranged or positioned at least substantially centrally in the impregnating container 6. In this way, an optimal mixing and a constant spacing of the mixing elements to the housing wall of the impregnation container is ensured even during (rotary) operation of the stirring or mixing device. In particular, the stirring shaft 10 may be formed as a rotation shaft, which rotates or rotates about its own axis in the application or operating state.

In particular, for this purpose it may be provided according to the invention that the stirring or mixing device 8, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, has at least one drive unit 10 ', in particular for preferably rotating drive of the stirring shaft 10. The drive unit 10 is here in particular outside the impregnation container 6, preferably at the (upper) end of the rotary shaft 10.

As far as the mixing elements 9 are concerned, they may be arranged or positioned radially on the agitator shaft 10, in particular extending radially along the agitator shaft 10 in each case. In particular, the mixing elements 9 can be arranged or positioned along the agitator shaft 10 or the lengths of the mixing elements 9 can be designed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements 9 are at least substantially equidistant from the wall or the housing of the impregnation container 6. For this purpose, reference may also be made to the above statements.

In this context, it may equally be provided that the mixing elements 9 are arranged or positioned along the agitator shaft 10 or that the lengths of the mixing elements 9 are formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements 9 the course of the wall or the housing of Impregnation container 6 with at least substantially constant spacing follow (Figures 2A and 2B). In general, it can be provided according to the invention that the spacing between the ends of the respective mixing elements 9 and the wall or housing of the impregnation container 6 is in the range from 0.2 cm to 15 cm, in particular in the range from 0.5 cm to 10 cm cm, preferably in the range of 1 cm to 8 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 3 cm to 5 cm.

In particular, the spacing of the ends of the respective mixing elements 9 to the wall or the housing of the impregnation 6 in the range of 1/5 to 1/500, in particular in the range of 1/10 to 1/200, preferably in the range of 1 / 20th to 1/100, the maximum inner diameter of the impregnation container 6 are. The above details are, in particular, the clear dimension between the respective mixing element 9 and the (inner) wall or the housing of the impregnation container 6.

As previously stated, as shown equally in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mixing elements 9 may be disposed along the agitator shaft 10. In particular, the mixing elements 9 can be arranged along the agitator shaft 10 with at least substantially the same distance or at least substantially equidistantly from one another (cf. FIGS. 2A and 2B). In addition, the mixing elements 9 succeeding each other along the agitator shaft 10 may be offset in the range of 0 ° to 360 °, in particular in the range of 45 ° to 315 °, preferably in the range of 90 ° to 270 °, preferably in the range of 135 ° to 225 °, in particular with respect to a plane perpendicular to the agitator shaft 10, be arranged or positioned relative to one another. In particular, the mixing elements 9 succeeding each other along the agitator shaft 10 can be arranged with an offset of at least 45 °, in particular of at least 90 °, preferably of at least 135 °, preferably of at least 180 °, in particular with respect to a plane perpendicular to the agitator shaft 10 be positioned. In the context of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the mixing elements 9 are formed or positioned or positioned along the agitator shaft 10 in such a way that mixing or transport of the impregnating agent or the activated carbon in the operating or application state axial or radial direction, in particular in the axial and radial directions, is present or takes place.

According to a preferred embodiment according to the invention, it may also be provided that the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular the mixing elements 9 or the agitator shaft 10, is hollow or present as a hollow body. In particular, the mixing or mixing device 8, in particular the mixing elements 9 or the stirring shaft 10, have or consist of a hollow profile. According to a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention, provision may additionally be made for the mixing or mixing device 8, in particular the mixing elements 9 and / or the stirring shaft 10, preferably the mixing elements 9 and the stirring shaft 10, to be heatable, in particular directly or indirectly heatable, preferably indirectly heated, is or are.

The heatability of the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular of the mixing elements 9 and the agitator shaft 10, is associated with the central advantage that in an appropriate manner an additional heat input into the impregnation 6 for purposes of heating the components located in the impregnation 6 can, so that the material in the impregnation 6 located material is heated so to speak from the inside out. The concomitant homogenization of the heating and the higher input of heat energy, in particular the drying or activation times and the total energy costs can be reduced, which due to the homogeneity of the heating also improved overall impregnation results are obtained, including what the subsequent downstream activation As far as the previously impregnated activated carbon is concerned.

In this connection it can be provided that the stirring or mixing device has at least one heating device, in particular for direct or indirect heating, preferably indirect heating. In particular, the heating device can preferably be positioned on the inside in the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular in the mixing elements 9 and / or the stirring shaft 10 and / or in the cavity of the mixing elements 9 and / or in the cavity of the stirring shaft 10. be arranged.

According to the invention, it may in principle be provided that the direct heating of the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular of the mixing elements 9 or of the stirring shaft 10, takes place electrically. In particular, the direct heating of the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular of the mixing elements 9 or the stirring shaft 10, can take place using at least one electric heating device. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular the mixing elements 9 and the stirring shaft 10, are indirectly heated: In this context, it may be provided according to the invention that the indirect heating of the stirring or Mixing device 8 using at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid takes place. In particular, the indirect heating of the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular of the mixing elements 9 or of the stirring shaft 10, can take place using at least one heating medium or thermal medium. In this context, the heating or thermal medium, in particular the heating or thermal fluid, in the cavity of the stirring or mixing device 8, in particular in the cavity of the mixing elements 9 and the stirring shaft 10, be introduced or flow through this. For this purpose, for example, corresponding external heating devices (such as heating burners or the like) and corresponding supply lines and outlets and corresponding pumping devices can be used.

In the context of the present invention, the impregnation device 4, in particular the impregnation container 6, preferably the wall (shell) or the housing of the impregnation container 6, on the one hand and the stirring or mixing device, in particular, behave like this 8, in particular the mixing elements 9 and the stirring shaft 10, on the other hand heated, in particular directly or indirectly heated, preferably indirectly heated, are formed. For this purpose, reference may also be made to the above statements.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it can also be provided that the impregnating device 4, in particular the impregnating container 6, has at least one insertion opening 11, in particular for introducing the impregnating agent or the activated carbon. The insertion opening 1 1 can be arranged or positioned at the upper end or in the region of the upper portion 6 'of the impregnation container 6. In addition, the impregnation device 4, in particular the impregnation container 6, can have at least one outlet opening 12, in particular for removing or draining liquid carrier medium or any excess impregnating agent or impregnated activated carbon or a washing medium. The outlet opening 12 can be arranged or positioned at the lower end or in the region of the lower section 6 "of the impregnating container 6.

In addition, the impregnating device 4, in particular the impregnating container 6, at least one further outlet opening 13 in particular for removing in particular gaseous substances or media (for example, previously transferred by heating in the gas phase liquid carrier medium) or for removing or discharging liquid carrier medium or any excess impregnating agent. The further outlet opening 13 can be arranged or positioned at the upper end or in the region of the upper section 6 'of the impregnating container 6. In particular, the further outlet opening 13 can have a pipeline extending into the region of the lower section 6 "of the impregnating container 6, in particular for removing, preferably aspirating, any excess impregnating agent This will further reduce the loss of activated carbon.

Similarly, it may be provided according to the invention that the impregnating device 4, in particular the impregnation container 6, at least one particular removable or replaceable or flushable filter device 14 in particular for removing or discharging liquid substances or media with simultaneous retention of the activated carbon. In this context, the filter device 14 may be formed in a sieve. In particular, the filter device 14 may be part of the outlet device 12 or of the further outlet device 13.

For further information on the production plant according to the invention, reference may also be made to the statements on the further aspects of the present invention, which apply accordingly. The following invention also relates, according to a further aspect of the present invention, also to the use of the production plant according to the invention, preferably as defined above, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having a reactive or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out the previously mentioned process according to the invention.

Another object of the present invention is also - according to yet another aspect of the present invention - also an impregnating device as such, which has in particular at least one impregnating reactor, for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, in particular to carry out the method according to the invention described above, as also described in the relevant device claims and reproduced in the relevant figure representations.

In particular, as the respective figure representations according to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show, the impregnating device 4 is in particular designed such that

(A) contacting and / or mixing, in particular intimate mixing, the activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles, with an impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution and / or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating component, in particular at least one catalytically active component; and

(B) a removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent, in particular by means of drying, preferably under the action of heat and / or heating; and

(C) optionally a thermal aftertreatment of the resulting impregnated activated carbon, in particular for the activation and / or further fixing of the impregnating component, preferably under the effect of heat and / or heating;

in the impregnating 4 are feasible and / or performed.

In particular, in this context, the impregnating device 4 has at least one impregnating container 6, in particular as defined above. In this regard, reference may also be made to the comments on the further aspects of the present invention and to the corresponding representations according to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B. In addition, another object of the present invention - according to yet another aspect of the present invention - also the use of the impregnating device according to the invention, as defined above, for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out the previously described method according to the invention.

In particular, reference may also be made to the corresponding figure representations according to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Finally, according to a further aspect of the present invention, the present invention also relates to the impregnated activated carbon obtainable by the process according to the invention described above, in particular activated carbon having reactive or catalytic activity, which is obtained by the process described above is obtained or obtained according to the invention.

As a result of the very special process control, the activated carbon according to the invention has a particularly high loading quantity of the impregnating component or of the catalytically active components with at the same time homogeneous formation of the impregnation. In addition, the activated carbons according to the invention have an improved and more uniform surface structure due to the very special process control, namely, that is, with a single common device, since there is less abrasion or breakage of material due to the lower mechanical stress. Accordingly, the activated carbons according to the invention have outstanding adsorptive properties combined with a uniform geometry, which improves, for example, the flow through behavior in filter applications or the like.

Overall, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a production plant or a device within the scope of the process according to the invention which is capable of producing the porous solids in the form of activated carbon, which in particular is in suspension within the scope of the process according to the invention Base of the activated carbon on the one hand and the impregnating agent On the other hand, not only to impregnate, but also to dry and, if necessary, to thermally post-treat. In the context of the present invention, the Applicant has found, in a completely surprising manner, that the above-mentioned process steps and, if appropriate, further process steps carried out in the context of the present invention can be carried out in a special impregnation device, in particular based on an impregnation vessel or stirred reactor. which in this context, as stated below, has a special physical shape or geometry of the housing or of the agitator used in this respect. The impregnating device provided according to the invention is thus suitable for impregnating, drying and modifying (for example activating) porous solids in the form of particulate activated carbon, the impregnating device in particular depending on the ratio between impregnating agent on the one hand and activated carbon used according to the invention both in a liquid and solid Phase as well as in all transitional phase can be operated, as they may occur, for example, in the drying of the impregnated activated carbon (humid condition). In summary, the impregnating device used according to the invention, for example in the form of a special stirred reactor, is suitable for impregnating and drying the particulate activated carbon used and to be impregnated, but also for its thermal aftertreatment, if required or desired in particular for purposes of activating or fixing the impregnating component. In the context of the method according to the invention, in particular an impregnating device is used, which combines the basic procedural operations based on the preparation of a suspension (bringing the activated carbon into contact with the impregnating agent with respect thereto, subsequently removing the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent or excess impregnating agent or impregnating solution, Drying and optionally final thermal aftertreatment of the impregnated activated carbon) in a single apparatus allows.

As stated above, the impregnating device can be operated both in the fluid phase and in the solid phase. In particular, step (a) with the contacting and the present suspension of the activated carbon in the impregnating agent is carried out at least substantially completely in the fluid phase. What is step (b) with the removal of the liquid carrier medium of As far as the impregnating agent or any excess impregnating agent is concerned, it may be carried out at least partly in the fluid phase and at least partly in the solid phase (after drying), with the optionally carried out drying. In particular, step (b) can also be carried out in an earth-moist phase or in the earth-moist state of the impregnated activated carbon. Furthermore, as far as the optionally provided step (c) with the performed thermal aftertreatment of the impregnated activated carbon, so this step can be operated or carried out in particular completely in the solid phase of the impregnated activated carbon.

In particular, the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container or the impregnating vessel, can thus be operated during step (a) up to the drying of the earth-moist impregnated activated carbon in step (b), in particular in the fluid phase. In particular, at the latest in step (b) with completion of the drying or at the latest during the thermal aftertreatment in step (c), the operating state is left with the fluid phase of the impregnating, in which case in particular a (dried) solid in the form of the impregnated activated carbon in the Impregnating device is moved. In the context of the present invention, it has surprisingly been possible, due to a purposeful geometric adaptation or design of the impregnating device with the additionally present special stirring or mixing device to take into account the respective requirements with respect to the operating modes mentioned.

As far as the impregnating device used according to the invention is concerned, which may be in the form of a stirred tank in particular, it is, as stated above, hollow, preferably with a housing tapering towards the lower end or with a lower one End tapered wall equipped, this (s) in particular coconus or frusto-conical shape is formed with a defined angle. In accordance with the invention, this ensures, in particular, that the solid present in the dry phase in the form of the impregnated activated carbon (ie in particular after drying in step (b) or within the optionally provided thermal aftertreatment according to step (c) is free-flowing This basis is at least substantially complete emptying of the impregnating device in relation to the dried and optionally nachle treated impregnated activated carbon to ensure, which is taken in particular at the lower end of the impregnating device.

In addition, in the context of the present invention, as stated above, with respect to the impregnating device used according to the invention a special Rührbzw. Used mixing device, which is designed in particular as a rotating agitator and which is equally accommodated with regard to the inventive method and the relevant embodiment, at least partially in the common impregnating device.

Due to the special design of the agitator used in the invention, an excellent mixing of the components or the impregnated activated carbon can be realized both in the liquid phase and in the solid phase. In this connection, the mixing or stirring device provided according to the invention can be used both in the liquid and in the solid phase and in the corresponding transitional forms. In this case, the mixing or agitator used according to the invention is capable both of the liquid suspension present in particular in step (a) and of the earth-moist phase up to the dry solid according to steps (b) and (c), to ensure effective radial and axial mixing of the components.

In addition, the impregnating device provided according to the invention also particularly takes into account the removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent or of any excess impregnating agent provided in step (b). The liquid medium can thus be effectively removed from the impregnating device, for which purpose the procedure is also used can that the impregnation device is operated in a slight overpressure, so to speak, so to speak, which push out the liquid medium or the impregnating solution from the kettle, accompanied by a further reduction of the time required. In particular, at the lowest or lowest point of the impregnation device or the impregnation container, a solids filter with a corresponding removal or drainage possibility can be provided. It may be provided that the filter used, in particular solid filter, is designed to be flushed, for example using nitrogen. In this way, the emergence of a dense and less permeable activated carbon layer or an undesirable activated charcoal discharge can be avoided in the removal or release of the liquid medium. In the context of the present invention, with regard to the removal of the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent or of any excess impregnating agent, it is in particular such that the suspension or the activated carbon remaining in the impregnating device, so to speak with increasing removal of the liquid constituents, in particular in step ( b) is increasingly moist with earth, this earth-moist composition is equally effectively mixed or mixed by the stirring or mixing device provided according to the invention, as stated above. In particular, in the context of the present invention, it is also such that any larger conglomerates of the activated carbon which may occur are moved so that they continuously decompose, possibly accompanied by a renewed agglomeration and subsequent disintegration, which leads to an effective thorough mixing as well leads to an effective discharge of residual moisture.

Moreover, as stated above, with respect to the impregnating device provided according to the invention, the impregnating device as such and the (rotating) stirring or (rotating) mixing device used in this regard can be designed to be heatable. In particular, in this regard, a heatable stirrer can preferably be used with mixing elements designed in the form of a delta profile. The heatability of the stirring or mixing device increases the sustainable (total) heating surface and thus reduces the necessary drying time of the impregnated activated carbon. In this case, a particularly effective mixing is achieved both by the shape of the mixing elements and against the background that the length of the mixing elements or the relevant stirring arms are adapted to the reactor geometry or the geometry of the impregnating device. This leads to a maximum mixing. In addition, it can be provided according to the invention that the impregnating device used also tapers towards its upper end, wherein a conical shape or a configuration in the form of a truncated cone can be provided in this respect. As a result, an undesirable and too high committees leading adherence of the activated carbon particles on the (inner) wall or the housing of the impregnator is prevented. Further embodiments, modifications, variations, modifications, peculiarities and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to and realizable by those skilled in the art upon reading the description without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The following invention will be further illustrated by the following embodiments, which are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

WORKING EXAMPLES

In the context of the present invention, activated carbons impregnated by the applicant or equipped with a reactive or catalytic activity are prepared on the basis of the process according to the invention and corresponding comparative processes:

Example 1 :

Within the scope of a first method implementation according to the invention, in a production plant as shown in FIG. 2B, a corresponding impregnating device is moved, wherein the impregnating device contains a stirring or mixing device. The device used according to the invention and the relevant mixing or mixing device can be heated, for which purpose a corresponding heating fluid is used.

The catalytically active component used is copper based on copper nitrate (Cu (NO 3) ₂ ). The activated carbon used is a particulate or spherical activated carbon in the form of a polymer-based spherical activated carbon (PBSAC). The amount of particulate activated carbon used is 250 kg. To obtain the impregnating agent used according to the invention 80 kg of the impregnating component in the form of Cu (N03) ₂ * 2.5 H ₂ 0 are also dissolved in 500 l of deionized water.

The activated carbon on the one hand and the impregnating agent on the other hand are introduced with stirring into the impregnating device. The contacting of the activated carbon in the form of the plurality of discrete activated carbon particles with the impregnating agent in the form of the relevant solution or dispersion with the corresponding impregnating and the accompanying equipment or impregnation of the activated carbon with the impregnating component is in the device at a temperature of 20 ° C under Stirring (number of revolutions or stirrer speed about 5 to 10 revolutions per minute (rpm)) carried out for a period of 10 hours.

Subsequently, the liquid carrier medium (water) or excess impregnating agent is removed via a corresponding filter device. In this connection, the liquid carrier medium or the excess impregnating agent is discharged via a corresponding outlet opening. It follows a further drying of the impregnated activated carbon with continued stirring, for which purpose both the impregnating device as such and the stirring or mixing device with the relevant mixing arms using a Thermal oil, which is pumped through the hollow stirring or mixing device or through the intermediate space of the partially double-walled impregnation, are heated to a temperature of about 150 ° C. Thus, the impregnated activated carbon is dried by evaporation, in particular of the remaining liquid carrier medium in the impregnating device. The occurring gases are thereby removed by a corresponding outlet opening at the upper end of the impregnating device. The drying is likewise carried out with stirring. The result is an impregnated activated carbon having a residual moisture of 15 wt .-% to 20 wt .-%, based on the impregnated activated carbon.

The dried impregnated activated carbon is then subjected to a thermal after-treatment in the same impregnating device for purposes of activation or further fixing of the impregnating component, for which purpose the impregnating device and the stirring or mixing device are heated to a temperature of about 200 ° C. Activation is carried out with continued stirring for a period of about one hour.

The result is a first active carbon according to the invention A, which is removed after cooling by a corresponding outlet opening of the impregnating device.

Example 2:

According to a further process of the invention, the procedure described in Example 1.), However, with the proviso that carried out after the step of removing the liquid carrier medium or drying and before performing the thermal aftertreatment or activation, a washing step of the impregnated activated carbon becomes.

For this purpose, a corresponding washing solution is used, which is prepared from 85 l of a 50% NaOH solution and about 500 l of deionized water. The washing solution is likewise introduced with stirring into the impregnating device. The washing step is carried out at a temperature of 20 ° C with continuous stirring for a period of 15 minutes.

Subsequently, the washing medium or the washing solution is discharged at the lower end of the impregnating device via a corresponding outlet opening. A renewed drying of the impregnated and washed activated carbon is carried out, namely at a temperature of 150 ° C. (heating of the impregnating container and of the mixing or mixing device); the duration of drying This is equal to two hours. After appropriate thermal aftertreatment, as described in Example 1), the resulting activated carbon B according to the invention is removed from the impregnating device. Example 3:

In addition, an impregnated activated carbon is prepared based on a comparison process. For this purpose, the procedure is basically as described in Example 1), but with the proviso that the respective steps of contacting, removing the liquid carrier medium or excess impregnating agent or the drying of the impregnated activated carbon and beyond the thermal aftertreatment or Activation of the impregnated activated carbon are carried out in separate, separate devices. For this purpose, a corresponding impregnating device in the form of a simple unheated stirred tank is first used. Drying takes place in a separate drying oven. The final thermal aftertreatment continues to take place in an activation furnace, wherein the activated carbon to be treated or impregnated is transferred to the respectively subsequent device after completion of the respective process step. On this basis, a corresponding comparative activated carbon C results.

Example 4:

In addition, a further comparative activated carbon is prepared, wherein the procedure is as described above under Example 3.) in separate or separate devices. In addition, the impregnated activated carbon is removed from the drying oven and transferred to a separate washing device in addition to the process procedure according to Example 3.) in such a way as in Example 2.) described washing process in the separate washing device is performed. Subsequently, the washed activated carbon is transferred again after removal of the washing medium in the drying oven and subjected to drying. Finally, a transfer of the thus washed and dried activated carbon in the activation device in the form of the activation furnace with the relevant thermal aftertreatment or the activation to obtain the comparative activated carbon D. A comparison of the procedures described previously in Examples 1) to 4) shows that the method according to Example 3 with the implementation in separate or separate devices in comparison to the inventive method according to Example 1) with a 75% increased energy input associated goes; In addition, the time required compared to Example 1) is increased by 55%. A corresponding comparison of the process described in Example 4) with the additional washing step for the process according to Example 2) according to the invention also shows that the process according to Example 4) is accompanied by an energy input increased by more than 92%; In addition, the time required compared to example 2) is increased by more than 65%.

A comparison of the obtained according to the method in Example 1) activated carbon A with the obtained according to the comparative method of Example 3) comparative activated carbon C shows that for the activated carbon according to the invention A higher loading with the impregnating component with simultaneously increased homogeneity of the loading. The same applies to a comparison of the inventive activated carbon B according to the invention obtained in Example 2) with the comparative activated carbon D obtained according to the comparative method in Example 4). Further comparison of the activated carbon A obtained according to the method in Example 1) with that according to the method Activated carbon B obtained according to Example 2) shows that activated carbon B has less impurities and in particular less incrustations on the surface of the particles, activated carbon B being also superior to activated carbon D according to Example 4) in this respect. Although activated carbon D has better surface properties than activated carbon C according to Example 3), the properties in question are at best only slightly improved in comparison with the activated carbon A according to the invention, despite the washing step carried out in addition. Overall, activated carbon C by far the most impurities or encrustations.

Furthermore, when comparing the process according to Example 1) to the comparative process according to Example 3), it can be stated that the process procedure according to Example 3) leads to an increase of the material loss (ie loss of activated carbon) by 25%. A comparison of the method according to Example 4) to the inventive method according to Example 2) also shows that in the method according to Example 4) there is an increase in the material loss of 31%. The increased material loss goes in particular with a increased abrasion and an increased breakage of the activated carbon material and an increased loss of activated carbon due to the repeated change of apparatus.

The present embodiments and investigations show overall that within the scope of the present invention an efficient process is provided with a relevant impregnating device, which leads to a significant increase in efficiency compared with the respective comparative examples with simultaneous improvement of the obtained impregnated activated carbon.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

P production plant

I storage unit (receiving / storing impregnating agent)

2 storage unit (intake / storage of activated carbon)

3 'first feeding device (feeding / introducing impregnating agent)

3 "second feeder (feeding / introducing activated carbon)

4 impregnation device (impregnation treatment unit)

5 Receiving device for impregnated activated carbon

5 'discharge device (discharging / discharging carrier medium or excess impregnating agent)

5 "discharge device (discharging / discharging impregnated activated carbon)

6 impregnation container

6 'upper portion of the impregnation container

6 "lower section of the impregnation container

7 heating device

8 stirring or mixing device

9 mixing elements

10 stirrer shaft

10 'drive unit

I I insertion opening (impregnating agent and / or activated carbon)

12 outlet opening (carrier medium / excess impregnating agent and / or activated carbon)

13 further outlet opening (carrier medium / excess impregnating agent) 14 Filter device

L longitudinal axis

Claims

- 1 -

claims:

Process for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive and / or catalytic activity,

wherein the activated carbon is subjected to a particular multi-stage impregnation treatment, wherein the impregnation treatment comprises the following steps (a) to (c), in particular in the sequence specified below:

(A) contacting the activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles, with at least one impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution and / or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating, in particular at least one catalytically active component; then

2. The method according to claim 1,

wherein the impregnating device comprises at least one in particular closable impregnating container, preferably in the form of an impregnating vessel

(Stirred tank), having; and or

wherein the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, at least one stirring and / or mixing device, in particular a stirring and / or having a multiplicity of mixing elements (stirring elements)

Mixing device, comprising. - 2 -

Method according to claim 1 or 2,

the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall (casing) and / or the housing of the impregnating container, and / or the stirring and / or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring and / or mixing device, particularly preferably the impregnation container and the Stirring and / or mixing device, are formed heated.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnation container, in particular the upper portion of the impregnation container, tapers towards the upper end of the impregnation container, in particular wherein the upper portion of the impregnation container is frusto-conical and / or conical; and / or wherein the impregnation container, in particular the lower portion of the impregnation container, tapers in the direction of the lower end of the impregnation container, in particular wherein the lower portion of the impregnation container is frusto-conical and / or conical; and / or wherein the impregnation container is formed biconical and / or doppelkegelstumpfar- term and / or in the form of a double cone and / or a double truncated cone.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device has a plurality of mixing elements (stirring elements) and / or wherein the mixing elements are adapted to the geometry of the impregnation container; and or

wherein the mixing elements are formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements to the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container are at least substantially equally spaced and / or that the ends of the respective mixing elements the course of

Wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container with at least substantially constant spacing follow; and or - 3 -

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device is designed as a (rotary) agitator with an agitating shaft arranged at least substantially parallel and / or along the longitudinal axis of the impregnating container, wherein the stirring shaft is arranged and / or positioned at least substantially centrally in the impregnating container, and / or wherein the mixing elements are arranged radially extending on the agitator shaft and / or positioned and / or attached and / or wherein the agitator shaft is formed as a rotation shaft with it radially extending mixing elements; and or

wherein the mixing elements are formed and / or arranged and / or positioned along the agitator shaft such that in the operating and / or application state mixing and / or transport of the impregnating agent and / or the activated carbon in the axial and / or radial direction, in particular in axial and radial direction, is present.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, has at least one insertion opening (feed opening), in particular for introducing the impregnating agent and / or the activated carbon, in particular wherein the insertion opening is arranged and / or positioned at the upper end and / or in the region of the upper section of the impregnating container; and or

wherein the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, has at least one outlet opening (discharge opening), in particular for removing and / or discharging liquid carrier medium and / or any excess impregnating agent and / or impregnated activated carbon and / or a washing medium, in particular wherein the outlet opening at the lower end and / or is arranged and / or positioned in the region of the lower portion of the impregnation container; and or - 4 -

wherein the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, has at least one further outlet opening (discharge opening) in particular for removing in particular gaseous substances and / or media and / or for removing and / or draining off any excess impregnating agent, in particular wherein the further outlet opening at the upper end and / or or arranged and / or positioned in the region of the upper section of the impregnation container, in particular wherein the further outlet opening has a pipeline extending into the region of the lower section of the impregnation container, in particular for removing, preferably aspirating, any excess impregnating agent, in particular wherein the pipeline is arranged to extend along the (inner) wall of the impregnation container.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, contains at least one metal, in particular in the form of a metal compound; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal in a positive oxidation state, in particular at least one metal cation, in particular wherein the oxidation state of the metal in the range of + 1 to + VI I, in particular in the range + 1 to + IV, preferably in the range of + 1 to + I II, and more preferably + 1 or + II; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, comprises at least one metal selected from the group of metals of the main groups and subgroups of the Periodic Table of the Elements and the lanthanides; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal selected from elements of main group IV or subgroups I, II, I II, IV, V, VI, VI I and VI II of the Periodic Table of the Elements, in particular from elements of the main group IV or subgroups I and II of the Periodic Table of the Elements; and / or wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, at least one metal selected from the group of Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Hg, Sn, Ce, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd and Pt, in particular Zn, Ag, Sn, Ni and Cu. - 5 -

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, at least one in the impregnating agent, in particular in the liquid carrier medium, soluble or dissociable metal compound, preferably based on at least one defined in claim 7 metal; and / or wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, at least one inorganic or organic metal compound, preferably based on at least one defined in claim 7 metal, in particular a metal salt or metal oxide, preferably a metal salt; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, comprises at least one organic or inorganic metal salt, preferably based on at least one metal as defined in claim 7, wherein the salt is selected from the group of halide salts, sulphates, sulphides, sulphites, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, Phosphides, phosphites, carbamates, alcoholates and carboxylic acid salts, especially halide salts and carboxylic acid salts; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating, at least one metal halide, preferably based on at least one defined in claim 7 metal, in particular a fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide, preferably chloride, or a carboxylic acid salt of a metal, in particular acetate.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, at least one acidic or basic compound, in particular based on phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, trimethanolamine, 2-amino-1, 3-propanediol and / or sulfur, having; and or

wherein the impregnating agent, in particular the impregnating component, comprises at least one enzymatically active substance (enzyme). - 6 -

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating agent contains the impregnating component in an amount of at least 1 wt .-%, in particular at least 2 wt .-%, preferably at least 5 wt .-%, preferably at least 10 wt .-%, based on the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent; and or

wherein the impregnating agent comprises the impregnating component in an amount in the range of 1 wt .-% to 80 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 2 wt .-% to 70 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 5 wt .-% to 60 Wt .-%, preferably in the range of 10 wt .-% to 50 wt .-%, based on the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the liquid carrier medium comprises or consists of an inorganic solvent and / or wherein the liquid carrier medium is aqueous based and / or comprises or consists of water; and or

wherein the liquid carrier medium comprises or consists of an organic solvent, in particular selected from the group of hydrocarbons, in particular alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and their combinations and / or mixtures, preferably alcohols.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (a) the impregnating agent is used in a weight-based excess or in a weight-based excess to the activated carbon, preferably in a weight-related excess to the activated carbon; and or

wherein in step (a) the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand in a weight ratio (impregnating agent: activated carbon) in the range of 6: 1 to 1: 3, in particular in the range of 5: 1 to 1: 2, preferably in the range of 4: 1 to 1: 1, preferably in the range of 3: 1 to 1: 1, are used; and or

wherein in step (a) the impregnating component on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand in a weight ratio (impregnating: activated carbon) in the range of 3: 1 to 1: 6, in particular in the range of 2: 1 to 1: 5, preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in the range of 1: 1 to 1: 3.5 are used. - 7 -

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (a) the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand, independently, via the at least one insertion opening of the impregnating, in particular the impregnation, in the impregnating, in particular in the impregnation, filled and / or introduced; and or

wherein in step (a) the impregnating agent on the one hand and the activated carbon on the other hand, in particular to obtain a suspension, in particular homogeneous suspension, are mixed; and or

wherein in step (a) with the introduction of stirring and / or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably using the stirring and / or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular the impregnation container, is moved.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) ei ne at least substantially complete wetting and / or Beschich tion of the activated carbon with the impregnating agent, in particular both the äuße ren and the inner surfaces, preferably the micro-, meso and / or macropore of the activated carbon is carried out with the impregnating agent.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein as active carbon a particulate and / or particulate activated carbon and / or activated carbon particles, preferably in the form of activated carbon particles in grain form ("grain carbon") or spherical form ("ball carbon"), is used; and or

wherein the diameter of the activated carbon, in particular the particulate and / or particulate activated carbon and / or the activated carbon particles, in the range of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.02 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 0, 03 mm to 3 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, most preferably in the range of 0, 1 mm to 1 mm; and or - 8th -

wherein the average diameter, in particular the average diameter D ₅₀ , the activated carbon, in particular the particulate and / or particulate activated carbon and / or the activated carbon particles, in the range of 0.01 mm to 4 mm, in particular in the range of 0.03 mm 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, more preferably in the range of 0, 1 mm to 1 mm, most preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or wherein the activated carbon is obtainable by carbonization and subsequent activation of a synthetic and / or non-natural-based starting material, in particular based on organic polymers; and or

wherein the activated carbon from a starting material based on organic polymers, in particular based on sulfonated organic polymers, preferably based on divinylbenzene cross-linked polystyrene, preferably based on styrene / divinylbenzene copolymers is obtained, in particular by carbonization and subsequent activation of the starting material, in particular wherein the Content of divinylbenzene in the starting material in the range from 1% by weight to 20% by weight, in particular from 1% by weight to 15% by weight, preferably from 1% by weight to 12.5% by weight , preferably 2 wt .-% to 10 wt .-%, based on the starting material, is; and or

wherein the activated carbon is obtained from a starting material based on a particular sulfonated and / or sulfonic acid groups containing ion exchange resin, in particular of the gel type; and or

wherein the active carbon is a polymer-based spherical activated carbon (PBSAC, polymer-based Spherical Activated Carbon) is used.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the activated carbon a total pore volume, in particular a total pore volume according to Gurvich, in the range of 0.3 cm ³ / g to 4 cm ³ / g, in particular in the range of 0.4 cm ³ / g to 3.5 cm ³ / g , preferably in the range of 0.5 cm ³ / g to 3 cm ³ / g, more preferably in the range of 0.6 cm ³ / g to 2.5 cm ³ / g, most preferably in the range of 0.5 cm ³ / g to 1, 5 cm ³ / g, comprising; and or - 9 -

wherein at least 65%, in particular at least 70%, preferably at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, of the total pore volume, in particular the total pore volume according to Gurvich, the activated carbon through pores with pore diameters of at most 50 nm, in particular by micro and / or mesopores become; and or

wherein the activated carbon is a pore volume formed by pores having pore diameters of at most 2 nm (ie <2 nm), in particular micropore volume to carbon black, in the range from 0.05 cm ³ / g to 2.5 cm ³ / g, in particular 0 , 15 cm ³ / g to 2 cm ³ / g, preferably 0.3 cm ³ / g to 1, 5 cm ³ / g; and or

wherein the activated carbon has a specific BET surface in the range of 600 m ² / g to 4,000 m ² / g, in particular 800 m ² / g to 3,500 m ² / g, preferably 1 .000 m ² / g to 3,000 m ² / g, more preferably 1 .200 m ² / g to 2,750 m ² / g, most preferably 1 .300 m ² / g to 2,500 m ² / g, having.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (a) the contacting is carried out at temperatures above the freezing and / or solidifying temperature of the impregnating agent and / or below the boiling and / or decomposition temperature of the impregnating agent; and or

wherein in step (a) the contacting at temperatures in the range of 1 ° C to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 5 ° C to 100 ° C, preferably in the range of 10 ° C to 75 ° C, preferably in the range of 15 ° C to 60 ° C, more preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 50 ° C, most preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 40 ° C is performed; and or

wherein the temperatures provided in step (a) are achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall and / or the housing of the impregnating container, and / or by heating the stirring and / or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring and / or or mixing device; and or - 10 -

wherein in step (a) the contacting for a period of time in the range of 0.01 h to 48 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 24 h, preferably in the range of 0.1 h to 12 h, preferably in the range of 0.5 hours to 10 hours, more preferably in the range of 1 hour to 8 hours, most preferably in the range of 2 hours to 8 hours; and or

wherein in step (a) under atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa) is moved. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (b) optionally excess impregnating agent is removed; and or

wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent under pressurization and / or increased pressure (squeezing) or under negative pressure and / or reduced pressure (peeling) takes place; and or

wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium is carried out under atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa).

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent, preferably the removal of the liquid carrier medium, takes place by evaporation; and / or wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent is carried out at temperatures above the boiling temperature of the liquid carrier medium and / or the impregnating agent, in particular the liquid carrier medium, and / or

wherein in step (b) at temperatures in the range of 1 ° C to 300 ° C, in particular in the range of 10 ° C to 250 ° C, preferably in the range of 15 ° C to 200 ° C, preferably in the range of 20 ° C. to 175 ° C, more preferably in the range of 50 ° C to 150 ° C, is moved; and or - 1 1 -

wherein the temperatures provided in step (b) are achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnating container, preferably the wall and / or the housing of the impregnating container, and / or by heating the stirring and / or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring and / or or mixing device.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent for a period in the range of 0.01 h to 36 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 20 h, preferably in the range of 0, 1 h to 10 h, preferably in the range of 0.5 h to 8 h, particularly preferably in the range of 1 h to 6 h, is carried out; and or

wherein in step (b) with the introduction of stirring and / or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably using the stirring and / or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular of the impregnation, is moved; and or

wherein in step (b) the removal of the liquid carrier medium and / or of any excess impregnating agent via the at least one outlet opening in particular for removing the liquid carrier medium and / or optionally excess impregnating agent and / or via the further outlet opening in particular for removing in particular gaseous substances and / or media and / or for removing and / or draining off any excess impregnating agent; and / or wherein the liquid carrier medium removed in step (b) and / or the optionally excess impregnating agent are recycled; and / or wherein in step (b) the impregnated activated carbon to a residual moisture in the range of 1 wt .-% to 50 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 5 wt .-% to 40 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 10 wt .-% to 30 wt .-%, based on the impregnated activated carbon, is adjusted and / or

wherein in step (b) the removal of the impregnated activated carbon takes place via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for the removal of the impregnated activated carbon. - 12 -

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (c) the thermal aftertreatment takes place at temperatures above the temperatures set for the drying in step (b); and or

wherein in step (c) at temperatures in the range of 50 ° C to 800 ° C, in particular in the range of 75 ° C to 500 ° C, preferably in the range of 90 ° C to 300 ° C, is moved; and or

wherein the temperatures provided in step (c) are achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnation container, preferably the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container, and / or by heating the stirring and / or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring and / or or mixing device.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (c) the thermal aftertreatment is carried out under atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa); and or

wherein in step (c) the thermal aftertreatment takes place with adjustment of the (activation) atmosphere, in particular wherein in step (c) under ambient atmosphere (ambient air), in particular air, or under inert atmosphere, in particular nitrogen atmosphere, or in particular slightly oxidizing Atmosphere, in particular oxygen-containing atmosphere, or in particular slightly reducing atmosphere, in particular hydrogen-containing atmosphere, is moved.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein in step (c) the thermal post-treatment for a period in the range of 0.01 h to 30 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 20 h, preferably in the range of 0.1 h to 10 h, preferably in the range from 0.5 hours to 8 hours; and or

wherein in step (c) with the introduction of stirring and / or shearing forces, in particular with stirring, preferably using the stirring and / or mixing device of the impregnating device, in particular the impregnation, is moved; and or - 13 -

wherein in step (c) the removal of the activated impregnated activated carbon takes place via the at least one outlet opening, in particular for the removal of the impregnated activated carbon.

Method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein after carrying out step (a), in particular between step (a) and step (b), and / or after carrying out step (b), in particular between step (b) and step (c), and / or after performing Step (c) at least one washing and / or purification step with a washing and / or cleaning of the impregnated activated carbon is carried out, optionally followed by at least one drying step.

Method according to claim 24,

wherein the washing and / or purification step is carried out using at least one in particular liquid washing and / or purification medium, in particular aqueous based washing and / or purification medium, preferably an especially alkaline washing and / or purification solution,

in particular wherein the washing and / or purification medium, at least one basic component, in particular at least one alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH), in particular in amounts in the range of 1 wt .-% to 25 wt .-%, in particular Range from 2% to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15%, by weight of the washing and / or purification medium; and or

wherein the washing and / or Aufreinigungsmedium in a relation to the activated carbon weight ratio (washing and / or purification medium: activated carbon) in the range of 5: 1 to 1: 5, in particular in the range of 4: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in Range of 4: 1 to 1: 3, preferably in the range of 3: 1 to 1: 1, is used. - 14 -

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25,

wherein the washing and / or purification step at temperatures in the range of 1 ° C to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 5 ° C to 100 ° C, preferably in the range of 10 ° C to 75 ° C, preferably in the range from 15 ° C to

60 ° C, more preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 50 ° C, most preferably in the range of 20 ° C to 40 ° C is performed; and / or wherein the temperatures provided in the washing and / or purification step are achieved by heating the impregnating device, in particular the impregnation container, preferably the wall (shell) and / or the housing of the impregnation container, and / or by heating the stirring and / or or mixing device, preferably the mixing elements of the stirring and / or mixing device are set; and or

wherein the washing and / or purification step for a period of time in the range of 0.01 h to 48 h, in particular in the range of 0.05 h to 24 h, preferably in the range of 0, 1 h to 12 h, preferably in the range of 0.5 hours to 10 hours, more preferably in the range of 1 hour to 8 hours, most preferably in the range of 2 hours to 8 hours; and or

wherein the washing and / or purification step is carried out under atmospheric pressure (1 .013,25 hPa). 27. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (a), step (b) and step (c) and optionally the washing and / or purification step merging into each other and / or performed in succession. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is carried out using a production line as defined in any one of the following claims and / or using an impregnating device as defined in any of the following claims. 29. Production plant (P) for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having reactive and / or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, - 15 -

the production plant (P) comprising the following devices (1, 2, 3, 4):

at least one first storage unit (1) for receiving and / or storing at least one impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution and / or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating component, in particular at least one catalytically active component;

- optionally at least one second storage unit (2) for receiving and / or storing at least one activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles;

at least one impregnating device (impregnating treatment unit) (4) arranged downstream of the first storage unit (1) and the optionally present second storage unit (2), in particular wherein the impregnating device (4) comprises at least one impregnating container (impregnating reactor) (6), wherein the impregnating device (4) is designed such that

in the impregnating device (4) are feasible and / or performed;

- If appropriate, at least one downstream of the impregnating device (4) arranged receiving device (5) for receiving and / or storage of the impregnated activated carbon. - 16 -

Production plant according to claim 29,

wherein the production plant (P), in particular the impregnating device (4), at least one in particular closable impregnation container (6), in particular impregnating (stirred tank), has; and or

wherein the impregnation container (6), in particular in the operating and / or application state, arranged at least substantially vertically and / or upright and / or aligned, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the impregnation container (6); and or

wherein the impregnation container (6) has an upper and a lower end and / or

wherein the impregnation container (6) has an upper portion (6 ') and a lower portion (6 ").

Production plant according to claim 29 or 30,

wherein the production plant (P) has at least one first supply device (3 '), in particular in the form of a pipeline, preferably for supplying and / or introducing the impregnating agent into the impregnation container (6), in particular wherein the first supply device (3') is downstream is arranged to the first storage unit (1) and / or upstream of the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the first supply device (3 ') the first storage unit (1) and the impregnation container (6) interconnected and / or in particular the first supply device (3 ') is connected to the impregnation container (6) at the upper end and / or the upper portion (6') of the impregnation container (6), in particular via an insertion opening for the impregnation agent (11) of the impregnation container (6 ); and or

the production plant (P) having at least one second supply device (3 "), in particular in the form of a pipeline and / or a conveyor belt and / or a screw conveyor, preferably for feeding and / or introducing the activated carbon into the impregnation container (6), in particular wherein the second supply device (3 ") is arranged downstream of the second storage unit (2) and / or upstream of the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the second supply device (3") the first storage unit (1) and the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the second feed - 17 -

Device (3 ") at the upper end and / or the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) with the impregnation container (6) is connected, in particular via an insertion opening for activated carbon (1 1) of the impregnation container (6); /or

the production plant (P) having at least one first removal device (5 '), in particular in the form of a pipeline, preferably for discharging and / or discharging the liquid carrier medium of the impregnating agent and / or optionally excess impregnating agent from the impregnating container (6), in particular wherein the first discharge device (5 ') is arranged downstream of the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the first discharge device (5') at the lower end and / or the lower portion (6 '), in particular via an outlet opening for the carrier or impregnation agent (12) of the impregnation container (6) and / or a filter device (14) of the impregnation container (6), or at the upper end and / or the upper portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) with the Impregnation container (6) in particular via a further outlet opening (13) of the impregnation container (6) is connected and / ode r

wherein the production plant (P) at least one second discharge device (5 "), in particular in the form of a pipe and / or a conveyor belt and / or a screw conveyor, preferably for discharging and / or discharging the impregnated activated carbon from the impregnation container (6) in particular wherein the second removal device (5 ") is arranged downstream of the impregnating container (6) and / or upstream of the receiving device (5) and / or in particular wherein the second removal device (5") accommodates the impregnating container (6) and the receiving device (5). 5) and / or in particular wherein the second discharge device (5 ") at the lower end and / or the lower portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) is connected to the impregnation container (6), in particular via an outlet opening for impregnated Activated carbon (12) of the impregnation container (6). - 18 -

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 31,

wherein the impregnation container (6), in particular the upper portion (6 ') and / or the lower portion (6 "), at least substantially rotationally symmetrical and / or at least substantially as hollow and / or by a wall (shell) and / or a housing formed and / or limited rotational body are formed, in particular with the longitudinal axis (L) of the impregnation container (6) as a rotation axis; and / or

wherein the impregnation container (6), in particular the upper portion (6 '), has an at least substantially round cross-section (cross-sectional shape), preferably a circular and / or circular cross-section, in particular in the horizontal plane and / or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( L) of the impregnation container (6); and or

wherein the impregnation container (6), in particular the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6), tapers in the direction of the upper end of the impregnation container (6).

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) is frusto-conical and / or conical, in particular wherein the angle αι between base and generatrix of the upper portion (6'), in particular of the truncated cone and / or cone, in the range of 30 ° to 60 °, in particular in the range of 35 ° to 55 °, preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) is curved and / or hemispherical in shape, in particular wherein the upper portion (6') is formed as a dished lid or basket top.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 34,

wherein the impregnation container (6), in particular the lower portion (6 "), has an at least substantially circular cross-section (cross-sectional shape), preferably a circular and / or circular cross-section, in particular in the horizontal plane and / or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( L) of the impregnation container (6); and / or - 19 -

wherein the impregnating container (6), in particular the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnating container (6), tapers in the direction of the lower end of the impregnating container (6), and / or

wherein the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) is truncated cone-shaped and / or conical, in particular wherein the angle ₂ between the base surface and surface line of the lower portion (6"), in particular of the truncated cone and / or cone in the area from 50 ° to 85 °, in particular in the range of 55 ° to 80 °, preferably in the range of 60 ° to 75 °, preferably in the range of 65 ° to 75 °.

Production plant according to one of Claims 29 to 35,

wherein the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) and the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) have at least substantially surface and / or shape equal base surfaces, and / or

wherein the base surfaces of the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) and the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) are respectively free of material and / or open and / or by the respective jacket material of the upper portion (6') of the Impregnation container (6) and the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) bordered and / or formed edge; and or

wherein the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) and the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) lie adjacent to one another and / or to one another in the region of their base surfaces;

wherein the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) and the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) are connected to one another at the edges in the region of their base surfaces, in particular in the form of a peripheral connection, preferably flange connection.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the ratio of the height hi of the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) and the height h _{2 of} the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) (ratio hi: h ₂ ) in the range from 2: 1 to 1: 5, in particular in the range from 1, 5: 1 to 1: 4, preferably in the range from 1: 1 to 1: 3, preferably in the range from 1: 1, 25 to 1: 2, lies. - 20 -

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the impregnation container (6) is of biconical and / or double frustoconical design and / or in the form of a double cone and / or a double truncated cone, in particular wherein the impregnating container (6) moves in the direction of the lower end of the Impregnating container (6) and the upper end of the impregnation container (6) tapers.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnation container (6), preferably the wall (shell) and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6), heatable, in particular directly or indirectly heated, preferably indirectly heated, is formed.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 39, wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnation container (6), at least one heating device (7) in particular for direct or indirect heating, preferably indirect heating, in particular wherein the heating device (7) preferably is positioned and / or arranged on the outside of the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the heating device (7) is part of the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6).

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 40,

wherein the direct heating of the impregnating device (4), in particular of the impregnating container (6), takes place electrically and / or wherein the direct heating of the impregnating device (4), in particular of the impregnating container (6), takes place using at least one electric heating device (7) and /or

wherein the indirect heating of the impregnating device (4), in particular of the impregnating container (6), using at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid, takes place and / or wherein the indirect heating of the impregnating device (4 ), in particular of the impregnation container (6), using at least one at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid, having heating means (7). - 21 -

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 41, wherein the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) is at least partially and / or partially double-walled, in particular for receiving the heating device (7) and / or for receiving and / or Flow through at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid, in particular in the resulting space.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 42, wherein the impregnation container (6) at least in portions and / or regions a particular outside of the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation (6) applied and / or positioned thermal insulation device, in particular in the form of Foam or the like, has.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnation container (6), at least one stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular one at least partially and / or in sections, preferably at least substantially completely in the impregnation container (6) arranged and / or located stirring and / or mixing device (8).

Production plant according to claim 44,

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) has a multiplicity of mixing elements (stirring elements) (9), in particular wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) comprises at least two mixing elements (9), in particular at least three mixing elements (9), preferably at least four mixing elements (9), preferably at least four mixing elements (9), preferably at least five mixing elements (9), more preferably at least six mixing elements (9), and / or in particular wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) 2 to 20 mixing elements (9), in particular 3 to 15 mixing elements (9), preferably 4 to 12 mixing elements (9), preferably 5 to 10 mixing elements (9); and or - 22 -

wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of each other, are formed like a boat, paddle-shaped, wing-shaped and / or bar-shaped; and / or wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, are straight (straight) or curved, preferably straight (rectilinear), in particular with respect to the longitudinal extent of the mixing elements (9); and / or wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, have an at least substantially round cross-section (cross-sectional shape), preferably a circular and / or circular cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section, preferably a polygonal cross-section; and or

wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, have a triangular, quadrangular or pentagonal, preferably triangular, cross section; and or

wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of each other, have a cross section in the form of an equilateral or isosceles, in particular equilateral, triangle and / or wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, have a delta-shaped cross section and / or a cross section in the form of a delta profile; and or

wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, have a diameter and / or an edge length, based on the cross section, in the range from 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular 10 mm to 75 mm, preferably 15 mm to 50 mm; and or

wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, are arranged such that the longest side of the cross section of the mixing elements (9), in particular the hypotenuse of the triangle forming the cross section of the mixing elements (9), with respect to the other sides of the cross section of the mixing elements ( 9), is arranged below and / or wherein the mixing elements (9), independently of one another, are arranged at least substantially horizontally and / or with an angle of attack in the range of 0 ° to 45 °; and / or wherein the mixing elements (9) have at least substantially the same cross-section and / or wherein the mixing elements (9) have at least substantially the same cross-sectional size and / or area. - 23 -

Production plant according to claim 44 or 45,

wherein the mixing elements (9) are formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements (9) are at least substantially equidistant from the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) and / or that the respective ends of the mixing elements (9) the course of the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation (6) follow with at least substantially constant spacing and / or wherein the mixing elements (9) of the geometry of the impregnation (6) are adapted.

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 46,

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) is designed as a stirrer, in particular a rotary agitator; and or

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) has a stirring shaft (drive shaft) (10), in particular wherein the stirring shaft (10) is at least substantially parallel and / or along the longitudinal axis (L) of the impregnating container (6) in the impregnating container (10). 6) is arranged and / or positioned, in particular wherein the stirrer shaft (10) is arranged and / or positioned at least substantially centrally in the impregnation container (6) and / or in particular wherein the stirrer shaft (10) is designed as a rotation shaft; and or

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8) has at least one drive unit (10 '), in particular for preferably rotating drive of the stirring shaft (10).

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 47,

wherein the mixing elements (9) are arranged and / or positioned radially extending on the agitator shaft (10), in particular also in each case radially extending along the agitator shaft (10); and or

wherein the mixing elements (9) are arranged and / or positioned along the agitator shaft (10) and / or the lengths of the mixing elements (9) are formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements (9) to the wall and / or the housing Impregnation container (6) are at least substantially equally spaced; and or - 24 -

wherein the mixing elements (9) along the agitator shaft (10) are arranged and / or positioned and / or the lengths of the mixing elements (9) are formed such that the ends of the respective mixing elements (9) the course of the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) with at least substantially constant spacing.

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 48,

wherein the spacing (clear dimension) of the ends of the respective mixing elements (9) to the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) in the range of 0.2 cm to 15 cm, in particular in the range of 0.5 cm to 10 cm , preferably in the range of 1 cm to 8 cm, preferably in the range of 2 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 3 cm to 5 cm; and or

wherein the spacing (clear dimension) of the ends of the respective mixing elements (9) to the wall and / or the housing of the impregnation container (6) in the range of 1/5 to 1/500, in particular in the range of 1/10 to 1 / 200th , preferably in the range of 1/20 to 1/100, of the maximum inner diameter of the impregnation container (6).

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 49,

wherein the mixing elements (9) are arranged and / or positioned along the agitator shaft (10), in particular wherein the mixing elements (9) are arranged along the agitator shaft (10) at at least substantially the same distance and / or at least substantially equidistantly from each other and / or or wherein the along the agitator shaft (10) each successive mixing elements (9) with an offset in the range of 0 ° to 360 °, in particular in the range of 45 ° to 315 °, preferably in the range of 90 ° to 270 °, preferably in the range from 135 ° to 225 °, in particular with respect to a plane perpendicular to the agitator shaft, arranged and / or positioned to each other and / or wherein along the agitator shaft (10) each successive mixing elements (9) with an offset of at least 45 °, in particular of at least 90 °, preferably of at least 135 °, preferably of at least 180 °, in particular with respect to a plane perpendicular to the stirring shaft, to each other are ordered and / or positioned; and or - 25 -

wherein the mixing elements (9) are formed and / or arranged and / or positioned along the agitator shaft (10) in such a way that mixing and / or transport of the impregnating agent and / or the activated carbon in the axial and / or operating state or radial direction, in particular in the axial and radial directions, is present.

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 50,

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), is hollow and / or wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular the mixing elements (9 ) and / or the stirrer shaft (10), have a hollow profile; and or

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), preferably the mixing elements (9) and the stirring shaft (10) heatable, in particular directly or indirectly heated, preferably indirectly heated , are trained; and or

wherein the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), at least one heating device in particular for direct or indirect heating, preferably indirect heating, have, in particular wherein the heating device preferably inside the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular in the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10) and / or in the cavity of the mixing elements (9) and / or in the cavity of the stirring shaft (10) positioned and / or arranged.

Production plant according to one of claims 44 to 51,

wherein the direct heating of the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular of the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), takes place electrically and / or wherein the direct heating of the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular of the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), using at least one electric heater; and or - 26 -

wherein the indirect heating of the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular of the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), using at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular at least one heating and / or thermal fluid , he follows; and / or wherein the indirect heating of the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular of the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), using at least one heating and / or thermal medium, in particular heating and / or Thermofluid takes place, in particular wherein the heating and / or thermal medium in the cavity of the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular in the cavity of the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10) is introduced and / or flows through this.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 52, wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnating container (6), preferably the wall and / or the housing of the impregnating container (6), on the one hand and the stirring and / or mixing device (8), in particular the mixing elements (9) and / or the stirring shaft (10), on the other hand heatable, in particular directly or indirectly heated, preferably indirectly heated, are formed.

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 53,

wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnating container (6), has at least one insertion opening (1 1), in particular for introducing the impregnating agent and / or the activated carbon, in particular wherein the insertion opening (11) at the upper end and / or in the region of the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) is arranged and / or positioned; and or

wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnating container (6), has at least one outlet opening (12), in particular for removing and / or draining off any excess impregnating agent and / or impregnated activated carbon and / or a washing medium, in particular wherein the outlet opening (12) at the lower end and / or in the region of the lower portion (6 ") of the impregnation container (6) is arranged and / or positioned. - 27 -

Production plant according to one of claims 29 to 54,

wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnating container (6), has at least one further outlet opening (13) in particular for removing in particular gaseous substances and / or media and / or for removing and / or draining off any excess impregnating agent, in particular wherein the further Outlet opening (13) at the upper end and / or in the region of the upper portion (6 ') of the impregnation container (6) is arranged and / or positioned, in particular wherein the further outlet opening (13) extending into the region of the lower portion (6 "). ) of the impregnation container (6), in particular for removal, preferably aspiration of liquid carrier medium and / or any excess impregnating agent, and / or

wherein the impregnating device (4), in particular the impregnating container (6), at least one in particular removable and / or interchangeable and / or flushable filter device (14) in particular for removing and / or discharging liquid substances and / or media while retaining the activated carbon , in particular wherein the filter device (14) is designed in the form of a sieve and / or in particular wherein the filter device (14) is part of the outlet opening (12) and / or the further outlet opening (13).

Use of a production plant (P) according to one of the preceding claims for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having reactive and / or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out a process according to one of the preceding claims.

- 28 -

Impregnating device (4) for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon having reactive and / or catalytic activity, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the impregnating device (4) is designed such that

(A) contacting and / or mixing, in particular intimate mixing, the activated carbon, in particular a plurality of discrete activated carbon particles, with an impregnating agent, in particular in the form of a solution and / or dispersion, wherein the impregnating agent comprises at least one liquid carrier medium and at least one impregnating component, in particular at least one catalytically active component comprises; and

in the impregnating device (4) are feasible and / or performed.

58. Impregnating device according to claim 57, characterized by one or more of the features of claims 29 to 55. 59. Use of an impregnating device according to claim 57 or 58 for impregnating an activated carbon, in particular for equipping an activated carbon with reactive and / or catalytic activity, in particular for Implementation of a method according to one of the preceding claims. 60. Impregnated activated carbon, in particular activated carbon with reactive and / or catalytic activity, obtainable by a process according to any one of the preceding claims.