Characteristics of Activated Carbon for Controlling Gasoline Vapor Emissions-Laboratory Evaluation

The application of activated carbon for control of gasoline vapor emissions resulting from service station operations was investigated under laboratory conditions. Cyclic tests were conducted on five activated carbon materials at various combinations of temperature, humidity, fuel volatility and container shape to determine working capacity characteristics.

Regeneration of the carbon was effected by air purging and vacuum stripping. Activated carbon presaturated with gasoline vapors was tested for recovery, and a 1,000 -cycle test was conducted to investigate longevity and heel composition. Laboratory data were projected to facilitate sizing of activated carbon beds for a typical 50,000 -gallon/month service station.