FAQS
Product Information
What is activated carbon?
Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal or active carbon, is a versatile and porous material used as an adsorbent. It is specifically designed to have a large surface area, making it highly effective for purifying, deodorising, and decolourising liquids and gases. It is commonly derived from sources like nut shells, coal, or wood.
What is activation?
Activation is the process of converting charcoal into activated carbon – a highly porous material with exceptional adsorption capacity, widely used in water treatment, air purification, and industrial processes.
This porous structure is created through partial oxidation, where selected carbon atoms in the charcoal are “burnt” away to form CO₂ or CO, leaving behind an extensive internal surface area for trapping contaminants.
What is an adsorbent?
An adsorbent is a material with mechanical/chemical properties that causes different substances to physically or chemically adhere to the surface. The high surface area and pore structure of activated carbon make it a very effective adsorbent. Activated carbon is especially attracted to organic molecules and some heavy metals, making it an excellent material for cleaning up contamination.
What is your activated carbon made from?
Bygen has developed a low-energy process to produce high-quality activated carbon from renewable, sustainable biomass feedstocks rather than using non-renewable sources like coal. This biomass includes a variety of agricultural and forestry wastes, such as nut shells and wood.
What are the advantages of our product?
The key advantages of working with Bygen include that the organisation:
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Utilises byproducts (which valorises or adds value) that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
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Uses less energy for activated carbon production compared to traditional methods.
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Reduces the water and chemical consumption typically needed to "activate" carbon char.
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Tailors the activated carbon properties for specific customer needs.
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Has a dramatically lowered CO₂ footprint due to lower fuel demands in the production process.
Overall, Bygen's technology provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional activated carbon production.
What types of activated carbon do you offer?
We offer a diverse range of activated carbon products in various sizes, bag sizes, and pore structures. These include powdered (PAC) and granulated (GAC) forms that are produced in our facilities. The correct product and mesh size depend on the specific application and are often tailored to customer requirements.
What range of surface areas do you offer?
Bygen offers a variety of surface areas; all of our products have a minimum average surface area of 950m2/g which is ideal for water, wastewater and PFAS contaminant removal. If you require a higher surface area; Bygen can deliver an array of adsorption capacities and surface areas for numerous applications. Call Bygen today and let us help you make the best choice for your needs.
What quality tests does Bygen perform for products?
Bygen performs the following tests in-house following ASTM guidelines and methodologies:
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Iodine Number (surface area)
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Density
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Methylene Blue (dye adsorption)
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Ash Content %
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Moisture Content %
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Molasses Number (decolourisation)
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Methylene Red
Bygen has also specifications for the following tests performed by independent third-party laboratories:
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PFAS Adsorption Efficiency
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Butane Activity
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MIB and Geosmin Adsorption and Kinetics
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Pressure Drop (p-drop)
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Gold Capacity
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And others…
If you have requirements for your application that are unavailable on our product data sheets, please inquire, and we will assist in delivering the right specifications for your application.
Do you keep inventory (and where)?
Bygen keeps bulk volumes of inventory at each production site, as well as at our warehouse facilities in Thomastown, VIC. We aim to maintain a minimum quantity of 80 tonnes at any time to support major clients and their project timelines. Bygen keeps a minimum quantity of 80 tonnes of our inventory at each production site; including our warehouse facilities in Thomastown, VIC.
What size bags does your activated carbon come in?
Bygen generally deploys stock in 20kg or 500kg bags. We can supply special orders in bespoke package sizes or types. For more information, please contact sales@bygen.com.au
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Use & application
What are the common applications of your activated carbon products?
Our activated carbon products are used for a broad range of purposes across municipal, industrial, and residential applications.
These include water purification, air purification, odour control, removal of volatile organic compounds (VOC), recovery of precious metals, and remediation of PFAS. In particular, the food and beverage industry uses high volumes of activated carbon due to its high surface area and corresponding adsorptive properties.
It is even used in cosmetics, whitening toothpastes and medicines for the same adsorptive properties.
How do Bygen's products function?
Activated carbon functions by removing organic contaminants (odours, flavours, volatile organic compounds, PFAS and chlorine compounds) through adsorption on its expansive pore structure. Activated carbon does not adsorb most salts (TDS/conductivity)such as calcium, sulphates, or nitrates.
Applied in filters or directly added to soils, activated carbons can effectively adsorb high concentrations of contaminants from a wide variety of sources such as water, gas, soil, and air.
Adsorption can occur via chemical or physical interactions between the pollutants and the activated carbon surface. These pores contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions (functional groups) that make it favourable for contaminants to be “captured” by intermolecular forces and attraction (Van der Waals forces and induced dipole interactions).
Contaminants can continue to adsorb to the surface until the pores are “full” (saturated). Once this occurs, the activated carbon is replaced with fresh (or recently regenerated) activated carbon. The saturated activated carbon can now be regenerated, incinerated or safely disposed of.
The adsorptive property of activated carbon is what makes it so important for industries requiring remediation and purification.
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Services
Apart from supplying AC, what other services does Bygen offer?
As a trusted partner with a comprehensive commitment to the industry, Bygen offers a range of services beyond supply, including:
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Biomass assessment (for AC production)
We can assess the availability, quality, and sustainability of biomass resources for creating a sustainable activated carbon plant. -
Activated carbon milling & re-bagging
Bygen has the in-house capability to mill third-party activated carbon products to specific particle sizes, before classifying and re-bagging. This ensures that the activated carbon meets the desired specifications for clients in all use cases. -
Activated carbon plant design and supply
Bygen specialises in the design and supply of activated carbon production plants. We work closely with land owners and/or biomass producers to adapt our design and establish rollout plans from conception through permitting to execution.
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Environmental Impact
What is the environmental impact of activated carbon production & use?
As a potent adsorbent, activated carbon is used to remove pollutants, which helps to improve the state of our environment, drinking water, and food. However, historically, the production and use of AC have had significant negative environmental implications.
Traditional AC production, often from coal, wood, or coconut shells, poses environmental challenges, this includes:
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Emissions: The use of fossil fuels to create heat and/or power, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions dramatically.
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Resource Consumption: Traditional production heavily often relies on non-renewable biomass resources, such as coal (50% of total production), which involves harmful extraction processes and high transport emissions.
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Waste Generation: Improperly managed waste from production (e.g., mine runoff and gas emissions) can pollute or contaminate local waterways.
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Water and Soil Contamination: When spent activated carbon is improperly disposed of (after use) it can cause pollutants to return to soil and water bodies.
What happens to activated carbon after use?
When activated carbon's adsorption sites become saturated (or “full”), adsorbed substances may remain/return (desorb), potentially leading to chemical recontamination, microbial growth, and regulatory breaches if not disposed of properly. Spent activated carbon is typically removed and then treated off-site, either by regeneration, incineration or safe disposal. Bygen is focused on developing effective regenerative carbon processes (for GAC) and looking into improvements for activated carbon lifespan and disposal.
What is the positive social impact of activated carbon production?
1. Health and Community Well-Being
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Improved Air Quality: Reducing emissions during production helps improve air quality for nearby communities, reducing health risks such as respiratory problems. In wastewater treatment or scrubber applications, activated carbon removes and retains odours, minimising the industrial impact upon surrounding communities.
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Cleaner Water and Soil: Bygen’s activated carbon effectively removes harmful substances (e.g., pesticides, PFAS), leaving safer drinking water and healthier ecosystems for communities.
2. Worker Safety and Job Creation
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Safer Work Environments: Bygen’s proprietary low-temperature, process minimises occupational hazards, protecting workers from exposure to dangerous substances used in traditional activated carbon production, like strong acids and alkalis.
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Economic Opportunities: Bygen creates local jobs in the clean technology sector, fostering local employment and promoting sustainable economic growth in remote areas and small communities.
3. Environmental Justice
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Preventing Displacement: By relying on agricultural byproducts instead of raw material extraction, Bygen prevents the displacement of communities and the destruction of habitats.
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Climate Resilience: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in production, Bygen supports global efforts to combat climate change, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
4. Circular Economy and Community Empowerment
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Value Creation: Transforming agricultural by-products into high-value activated carbon provides new revenue streams in agricultural industries while supporting sustainable practices.
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Community Engagement: Bygen works directly with local industries and stakeholders to implement practical, eco-conscious solutions. These partnerships help communities to adopt sustainable practices and actively contribute to reducing environmental impact.
How is Bygen’s social and environmental impact fundamentally different?
Bygen produces activated carbon from sustainable biomass sources, such as agricultural residues and other organic byproducts. By using these byproducts, we are reducing the reliance upon non-renewable resources for activated carbon production. Our LTA Technology also significantly lowers the environmental footprint of traditional carbon activation by avoiding fossil fuels as the fuel source for activation.
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Ordering & Shipping
How can I order Bygen activated carbon products?
Contact our sales team (sales@bygen.com.au), who can provide individual guidance and technical support on which products will best suit your use case.
How are your activated carbon products shipped?
Bygen typically ships in bags or cartons. The specific shipping and storage requirements can vary depending on the type of activated carbon and the regulations of the destination country.
Do you offer worldwide shipping?
Yes, we can ship globally. Please contact sales@bygen.com.au for specific advice on rates and delivery times.
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Partnership
How do I become a production partner for Bygen?
Bygen is keen to engage with values-aligned production partners in Australia and internationally. Please contact us at sales@bygen.com.au for more information on how to collaborate or have some of your biomass tested for suitability.
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Bygen Pilot Program - PFAS Clear
Media Selection & Technology
How do you select the media for PFAS remediation in water or soil applications?
We begin with a short scoping process and, if needed, a bench-scale test to determine the optimal media grade and Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT). For water applications, we focus on balancing PFAS removal performance, bed life, hydraulics, and whole-of-life cost. For soil remediation, media selection also considers site-specific leachate characteristics and contact conditions to ensure effective adsorption and practical deployment.
Do pilots always use LTA-made activated carbon?
Pilot media are selected for performance and availability. In some cases, pilots may use steam-activated media due to availability; where LTA media are used (e.g., Almond PAC), this will be stated clearly in the proposal and reporting. LTA produced media will be the first choice wherever possible.
How does Bygen’s activated carbon compare with other PFAS treatment methods?
Bygen’s activated carbon offers reliable removal of long-chain PFAS with straightforward setup, proven operations and maintenance (O&M), and a competitive cost-to-treat. Depending on the feed material, it can also deliver moderate short-chain PFAS removal, and can be paired with downstream treatment solutions (e.g. IX/RO) for enhanced performance. (Note: adsorption removes PFAS from water and soil; it does not destroy them.) See Comparison table
How does Bygen activated carbon remove PFAS?
See How Bygen AC Removes PFAS
Can the pilot handle mixed contaminants?
Activated carbon is not a selective treatment and will adsorb all organic contaminants, including VOC, TOC, MIB, etc. if they are present.
What's included in the pilot Skid?
Pilot skid includes an 8” FRP vessel (150 psi), Bysorb Aquaguard activated carbon, 1.05” riser pipe with 55” bottom distributor, underbed pebbles, Logix valve with injector, external drain flow control, Performa valve disk kit, PVC flow control, ¾" panel-mount flowmeter, stainless steel conductivity sensors, conductivity monitors, pH probe and monitor, single-phase pump, and 0–160 PSI pressure gauges.
Pilot Operation
How long does a pilot run?
Typically 6–12 weeks on site, depending on influent quality, flow, EBCT, and target criteria. This may be extended if both parties feel it is desirable.
Who installs and operates the pilot skid?
Bygen (or a local partner) will commission the skid, and verify performance. We’ll train your operators and provide SOPs and checklists. Routine operation- regular checks, readings, and sampling is carried out by your site team, with Bygen providing remote support and periodic check-ins. On-site assistance can be arranged for start-up, optimisation, or media changeovers if required.
Installation Requirements
Your site operations team will be responsible for connecting the mechanical and electrical interfaces during installation. The skid is designed for plug-and-play integration, with the following requirements:
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Mechanical: ¾” BSP threaded plumbing connections are provided as standard, with flanged options available upon request.
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Electrical: Low-voltage power outlets are required to supply the control panel and instrumentation board.
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Integration: The site must provide access to influent and effluent lines, appropriate drainage, and sampling ports to support routine operation and maintenance.
Please note:
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Final connection points and layout will be confirmed based on the skid design prior to delivery.
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Piping materials and connections from the skid to site origin points (e.g., feedwater source, discharge point) are not included and must be arranged by the site team.
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Additional integration requirements may vary depending on site layout and available utilities.
What influent water quality is suitable for the pilot?
We can work with a wide range of water qualities; however, providing details such as pH, turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and other key parameters during scoping helps us configure the system for optimal performance.
What flow rates can the pilot skid handle?
The pilot skid is designed to accommodate flow rates ranging from 1.25 L/min to 8 L/min, allowing flexibility to target a wide range of Empty Bed Contact Times (EBCTs).
What site infrastructure is required?
Space & Surface
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Footprint: A clear area of 1.6 m x 1.6 m is sufficient for placement and basic access.
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Surface: A stable pad (e.g., concrete or compacted base) is adequate. Load-bearing capacity is not critical due to the skid’s compact size, but the surface should be level to minimise vibration and ensure safe operation.
Environmental Protection
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Shelter: If installed outdoors, basic overhead cover is recommended to protect components from direct exposure to rain and sun.
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Ventilation: If installed indoors, ensure ambient airflow to prevent heat buildup around the unit.
Access for Delivery & Maintenance
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Handling: Allow access for a pallet jack or forklift to position the skid during delivery.
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Clearance: Maintain minimal clearance around the skid for routine checks and media replacement.
What happens if performance drops during the trial?
We will work with your team to troubleshoot. If necessary, media can be replaced, and operating conditions adjusted to restore performance.
Can the pilot be extended beyond the initial period?
Yes - extension options can be discussed if ongoing monitoring is needed.
Does my site have to be in Australia to participate?
Yes - the ‘2025 Bygen Pilot Program - PFAS Clear’ is only available for sites located in Australia to ensure compliance, logistics, and full technical support. If you’d like to be notified when we open the program to other regions, please subscribe to our newsletter and follow Bygen on LinkedIn to be among the first to receive updates.
Costs & Commercial
How much does it cost? What analytics and lab support are included?
Pricing depends on several factors including location, duration, and the scope of third-party laboratory analysis. Bygen provides access to the pilot skid and media free of charge, while installation and laboratory testing are joint costs, with a maximum laboratory testing allowance defined in the pilot Terms & Conditions (based on the project budget and lab quotation). Freight and on-site monitoring remain the customer’s responsibility. For detailed, site-specific cost estimates, please contact Bygen during the scoping phase. Foundation/beta opportunities and multi-site programs may also qualify for preferential terms - please enquire as part of your project discussion.
How quickly can we start?
Typical lead time is 4–8 weeks after agreement and site readiness (faster where equipment and media are in stock).
After the pilot
What deliverables do we receive?
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Real-world performance data pack – operating logs, sampling/results and observations to validate application suitability (pilot success is based on data collection, not hitting a specific % removal).
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Technical summary – key trends and (where applicable) PFAS-reduction results from the trial.
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ESG summary – evidence of renewable-feedstock use and a lower carbon footprint versus traditional PFAS treatments/coal-based AC, aligned to circular-economy principles.
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Scale-up recommendations – site-specific next steps and pathway to full-scale adoption.
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Brand exposure – eligibility for joint media, LinkedIn campaigns and a case study, building visibility as an early adopter (subject to approvals).
What happens to spent media and consumables?
All spent carbon from the pilot will be removed by Bygen and disposed of in a safe, compliant manner.
What happens after the pilot ends?
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Debrief & final report: We review results with you, deliver the final report, and confirm a go/no-go pathway for next steps.
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Recommendations & scale-up plan: Based on pilot data, we provide expert guidance on media selection, quantity, and Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT), tailored to your site-specific PFAS profile. While system design is not within our scope, we will deliver media-specific recommendations and general scale-up guidance to support evaluation of full-scale implementation. Guidance on integrating the media into existing infrastructure can be provided during this phase. Additionally, we can assist with skid relocation—subject to skid availability—if further pilot trials are required at alternate sites.
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Scale-up options If you decide to proceed to full scale, we can offer a special discount on your first order—subject to minimum quantity thresholds—and provide bundle pricing for multi-site roll-outs where sufficient volume is committed. This offer is valid for orders placed within 60 days of pilot completion.
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More data if needed: We can provide a media refill or an extended trial to tighten design assumptions before full implementation.
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CONTACT US
38 Mercedes Drive
Thomastown, VIC 3074
Phone: +61 3 9465 2140
General Enquiries: info@bygen.com.au
Sales Enquiries: sales@bygen.com.au
