This paper investigates the effectiveness of granular activated carbon
(GAC) for removing off-flavor compounds of water-geosmin and 2-methyl
isoborneol (MIB). More specifically, it focuses on the development of
an appropriate modeling approach and experimental protocol for the des
ign of fixed-bed GAC adsorbers. Adsorption equilibrium, rate and long-
term mini-column studies were conducted on a bench-scale for geosmin a
nd MIB to estimate the equilibrium and mass-transfer parameters requir
ed for adsorber modeling. The dispersed flow homogeneous surface diffu
sion model (DFHSDM) was used for the prediction/simulation of the adso
rber dynamics. Scale-up procedures based on dimensional analysis and s
imilitude were employed for the design of full-scale adsorbers from be
nch-scale adsorbers, and for performance forecasting of full-scale ads
orbers under different operating conditions. More importantly, operati
on and maintenance (O & M) costs were estimated for full-scale adsorbe
rs directed at the removal of off-flavor compounds, based on carbon ut
ilization rates and disposal costs. These estimates were obtained for
different plant capacities and empty bed contact times (EBCTs).