Formosa Plastics Group Project: Large-scale Industrial Activated Carbon Filtration and Adsorption System
Project Background:
Formosa Plastics Group is a globally renowned petrochemical giant. Within its ultra- large- scale petrochemical complexes (such as Mailiao and Ningbo bases), production processes maintain exceptionally high standards for water cleanliness. In industrial wastewater reuse and boiler feed water treatment flows, trace organics, residual chlorine, and odorous substances in raw water, if not deeply treated, can cause heat exchanger scaling, resin poisoning, or severe fouling of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane modules. Consequently, Formosa Plastics introduced multiple sets of high- strength industrial- grade activated carbon filtration systems manufactured by Unite.
Core Challenges:
Ultra- High Throughput: The high water demand of petrochemical parks requires individual filters to possess exceptional hydraulic flux and operational stability.
High- Efficiency Adsorption: Adsorption of residual chlorine and organic matter (COD) must reach target rates within a very short contact time.
Structural Integrity & Corrosion Resistance: Operating long- term under high pressure and chemical environments demands rigorous durability for vessel materials, anti- corrosive linings, and internal distribution systems.
Automated Management: The system requires fully automatic backwashing and control to minimize manual maintenance frequency and ensure long- term stable operation.
Our Solution:
Tailored to the high- standard conditions of Formosa Plastics, we provided a modularly designed large- scale activated carbon filtration integrated solution:
High- Performance Activated Carbon Selection: Filled with high- iodine- value, high- porosity premium coconut shell or coal- based activated carbon, offering superior adsorption capacity and mechanical strength.
Fine Anti- Corrosive Lining Technology: The vessel body is constructed of high- strength carbon steel with thickened modified polyethylene (PO) or rubber linings on the inner walls, effectively resisting chloride ion corrosion and ensuring a lifespan of over 15 years.
Optimized Distribution & Collection Systems: Utilizing umbrella- type distributors and stainless steel wedge wire collectors to ensure uniform water flow through the carbon bed, eliminating channeling and short- circuiting while maximizing adsorbent utilization.
Fully Automatic Pneumatic Valve Control: Equipped with complete sets of pneumatic switching valves and a PLC intelligent control system. The system automatically triggers backwash mode based on runtime or differential pressure, effectively cleaning accumulated impurities and preventing bed compaction.
Customer Value & Results:
Since the commissioning of this series of activated carbon filtration systems, the residual chlorine indicator in the effluent has consistently remained below 0.1 mg/L, successfully protecting downstream RO membrane systems worth hundreds of millions of yuan from oxidative damage. Due to high adsorption efficiency and uniform backwashing, the service life of the activated carbon has been extended by more than 20% compared to traditional equipment. Formosa Plastics highly commended Unite's craftsmanship in large- scale filtration vessels and system integration stability, making this solution a standard configuration for water treatment units in multiple expansion projects.
