Technical Data Sheet
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon 12×40 Mesh
Complete technical specifications, performance data, and selection guidance for the most widely used granular activated carbon grade in water treatment.
Product Overview
Coconut shell activated carbon 12×40 mesh is the workhorse grade for drinking water purification, industrial process water, and aquarium filtration worldwide. Made from high-quality coconut shell charcoal through steam activation at 900–1,100°C, this grade offers an exceptional combination of high micropore volume, superior hardness, low ash content, and consistent particle size distribution.
The 12×40 mesh size (0.42–1.68 mm effective particle range) is specifically optimized for fixed-bed adsorbers where both adsorption kinetics and hydraulic performance are critical. Compared to coarser grades like 8×30 mesh, the 12×40 grade provides faster mass transfer and higher removal efficiency for trace contaminants — making it the preferred choice for drinking water, PFAS removal, and dechlorination applications.
Technical Specifications
Standard specifications for our coconut shell activated carbon 12×40 mesh:
| Parameter | Standard Grade | Premium Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iodine Number | ≥950 mg/g | ≥1100 mg/g | ASTM D4607 |
| CTC Activity | ≥55% | ≥60% | ASTM D3467 |
| Hardness (Ball-Pan) | ≥95% | ≥97% | ASTM D3802 |
| Moisture (as packed) | ≤5% | ≤5% | ASTM D2867 |
| Ash Content | ≤5% | ≤3% | ASTM D2866 |
| Apparent Density | 0.46–0.52 g/mL | 0.48–0.52 g/mL | ASTM D2854 |
| Particle Size (on 12 mesh) | ≤5% | ≤3% | ASTM D2862 |
| Particle Size (through 40 mesh) | ≤5% | ≤4% | ASTM D2862 |
| Effective Size (D10) | 0.55–0.75 mm | 0.55–0.75 mm | Sieve analysis |
| Uniformity Coefficient | ≤1.9 | ≤1.7 | D60/D10 |
| pH of Water Extract | 9–11 (new); 6–8 (washed) | 9–11 (new); 6–8 (washed) | ASTM D3838 |
| BET Surface Area | ≥1000 m²/g | ≥1100 m²/g | BET N₂ adsorption |
| Total Pore Volume | ≥0.45 mL/g | ≥0.50 mL/g | BET analysis |
12×40 vs Other Mesh Sizes
Choosing the right particle size is critical for system performance. Here's how 12×40 compares to other common grades:
| Property | 6×12 Mesh | 8×30 Mesh | 12×40 Mesh | 20×50 Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Range | 1.68–3.36 mm | 0.60–2.36 mm | 0.42–1.68 mm | 0.30–0.84 mm |
| Adsorption Speed | Slowest | Moderate | Fast | Fastest |
| Pressure Drop | Lowest | Low | Moderate | High |
| Primary Use | Gold mining CIP/CIL | Municipal water, high flow | Drinking water, PFAS, T&O | Point-of-use filters |
| Backwash Need | Minimal | Low | Moderate | Frequent |
Applications
Coconut shell 12×40 mesh is the industry standard for:
Water Treatment
- • Municipal drinking water dechlorination
- • Taste and odor removal (MIB, geosmin)
- • PFAS removal (PFOA, PFOS)
- • VOC and THM removal
- • Process water polishing
- • Condensate polishing (power plants)
Other Applications
- • Aquarium filtration
- • Food and beverage decolorization
- • Pharmaceutical purification
- • Electronics-grade UPW systems
- • Swimming pool water treatment
- • Point-of-entry (POE) home filters
Packaging and Shipping
| Package Type | Weight | Container Loading |
|---|---|---|
| PP woven bags | 25 kg / 50 lb per bag | 20 MT per 20' FCL |
| Super sacks (FIBC) | 500 kg / 1,000 kg | 18–20 MT per 20' FCL |
| Carbon steel drums | 150 kg per drum | 16–18 MT per 20' FCL |
| Custom packaging | Per buyer specification | Varies |
For detailed shipping and import information, see our bulk import guide and packaging & storage guide.
Quality Assurance
Every batch of 12×40 coconut shell GAC is tested at our in-house laboratory before shipment. Standard documentation includes:
- • Certificate of Analysis (COA) — batch-specific test results for all parameters listed above
- • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) — safety and handling information
- • Certificate of Origin — for customs and trade compliance
- • NSF 61 certification letter — available for NSF-certified grades
- • Third-party lab verification — SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas testing available upon request
Learn more about testing in our quality testing methods guide.
How to Order
When requesting a quote for 12×40 coconut shell GAC, please specify:
- 1. Grade: Standard or Premium
- 2. Quantity: In metric tons (MOQ: 1 ton; FCL pricing from 18 tons)
- 3. Application: Drinking water, industrial, aquarium, etc.
- 4. Certifications needed: NSF 61, halal, kosher, etc.
- 5. Packaging preference: 25 kg bags, super sacks, or drums
- 6. Destination port: For CIF/CFR pricing
- 7. Special requirements: Acid-washed, low-dust, custom sizing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 12×40 mesh mean for activated carbon?
12×40 mesh means the carbon particles pass through a 12-mesh screen (1.68 mm openings) but are retained on a 40-mesh screen (0.42 mm openings). This gives an effective particle size range of 0.42–1.68 mm, with a typical effective size (D10) of 0.55–0.75 mm and uniformity coefficient of 1.5–1.9. This size is ideal for drinking water and fine water treatment applications where low pressure drop and excellent adsorption kinetics are needed.
What iodine number should 12×40 coconut shell carbon have?
Premium 12×40 coconut shell GAC should have an iodine number of 1050–1200 mg/g. Standard grade is 900–1050 mg/g. For drinking water (NSF 61) and PFAS applications, specify ≥1050 mg/g. For general water treatment, ≥900 mg/g is acceptable. Higher iodine number indicates greater micropore volume and better adsorption capacity for small molecules.
How does 12×40 compare to 8×30 mesh activated carbon?
12×40 has smaller particles (0.42–1.68 mm) vs 8×30 (0.60–2.36 mm). 12×40 offers faster adsorption kinetics and better removal of taste/odor/VOCs due to shorter diffusion paths. 8×30 allows higher flow rates with less pressure drop and is preferred for high-volume municipal systems. For most applications requiring fine polishing (drinking water, PFAS), 12×40 is the better choice.
What is the bulk density of 12×40 coconut shell activated carbon?
Typical apparent (bulk) density is 0.46–0.52 g/mL (460–520 kg/m³). This is important for: (1) calculating bed weight for vessel design, (2) estimating shipping weight per container, and (3) determining backwash flow rates (lighter carbon requires less backwash velocity). A 20-foot container holds approximately 18–20 tons of 12×40 coconut shell GAC.
What certifications are available for 12×40 coconut shell carbon?
Available certifications include: NSF/ANSI 61 (drinking water contact — mandatory for US/Canada municipal use), AWWA B604 (GAC quality standard), ISO 9001 (manufacturing QMS), halal and kosher (for food/beverage applications), and REACH (EU chemical regulation). Always request batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) in addition to certifications.
Get a Quote for 12×40 Coconut Shell GAC
We manufacture both Standard and Premium grade coconut shell activated carbon in 12×40 mesh. Iodine ≥1100 mg/g, hardness ≥97%, with full COA, MSDS, and optional NSF 61 certification. Sample available for testing.
Request Quote →