19-2-2025

Efficient activated carbon storage: discover the advantages of Polem composite silos

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in water treatment, air filtration and chemical processes. But its storage can be challenging. This adsorbent is susceptible to moisture, dust accumulation and even ignition. Inappropriate storage can lead to loss of quality and inefficiency, something you naturally want to avoid.

The ideal storage solution

Polem offers the ideal solution with its advanced composite silos. Whereas traditional metal silos are prone to corrosion and condensation, our silos offer a safe, low-maintenance and extremely durable storage method. The unique properties of composite keep your materials in optimal condition, without the risks of rust or moisture problems. Our silos are not only strong and durable, but also flexible in design. They can be customized to meet your specific storage needs, including unloading facilities and aeration systems. In addition, the smooth-finished interior walls reduce material accumulation, making cleaning easier and minimizing downtime.

Seamless, strong and mirror smooth

A key advantage of our composite silos is their seamless construction. At Polem, we strive to make the transition from hopper to cylinder as smooth as possible. This ensures improved product flow where activated carbon flows better along the wall, without accumulation in kinks or corners. This is essential for a product like activated carbon, which can easily accumulate in uneven areas due to its powdery structure. The mirror-smooth inner walls of our silos prevent activated carbon from adhering to the walls, resulting in optimal product flow and minimal material loss. In addition, this reduces the risk of dust accumulation, which can lead to self-ignition in activated carbon.

Optimal protection against moisture

For activated carbon storage, moisture control is crucial. Moisture significantly reduces the adsorption capacity of activated carbon, which limits its effectiveness in filtration processes. Polem composite silos offer superior protection against moisture by:

  • Thermal insulation: Composite naturally has insulating properties that minimize temperature fluctuations and prevent condensation.
  • Air drying systems: Our silos can be equipped with advanced air dryers that regulate the moisture content in the silo.
  • Seamless construction: No cold bridges or gaps where moisture can penetrate or condense.

Safety first

The storage of activated carbon poses specific safety risks, including the potential for dust explosions. Therefore, our silos can be equipped with:

  • Explosion panels: Strategically placed to safely vent pressure in the event of a dust explosion.
  • Pressure release systems: Prevent overpressure in the silo during filling and unloading.
  • Advanced grounding systems: Safely dissipate static electricity, a major ignition source in dust explosions.

Polem's convex silo roofs offer improved resistance to under- and overpressure and can be designed for a P-red of 1.0 bar, essential for the safe storage of dust-explosive products such as activated carbon.

Durability and cost efficiency

In addition to their functional benefits, composite silos contribute to more sustainable operations. Less maintenance and longer service life result in lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. This makes them not only a practical, but also a responsible investment. By increasing the shelf life of your activated carbon thanks to optimal storage conditions, you also reduce the consumption of this valuable material. The efficient emptying of our silos ensures that minimal product is left behind, contributing to higher cost efficiency.

Broad applicability in various industries

Activated carbon is used in a variety of industries. From the filtration of drinking and wastewater to the purification of air and chemical processes -- reliable storage is essential for an efficient production process. Our silos are widely applicable and guarantee safe and efficient storage for various applications in water treatment, air filtration, food industry, pharmaceutical and environmental technology. With decades of experience in composite silo solutions, Polem is your reliable partner in storage. We provide customized solutions that make your storage more efficient, safe and sustainable.

Expert Check for optimal performance

To optimize the performance of your activated carbon storage system, we offer the Polem Expert Check. This service includes an annual inspection by our specialists, during which:

  • The condition of the silo is checked
  • Venting systems are checked
  • Wall thicknesses are measured to monitor wear and tear
  • Any adjustments are advised

These preventive measures ensure that your storage system remains in optimal condition and that the quality of your activated carbon is not compromised.

Are you ready for optimal storage?

Are you ready to optimize your storage processes? Contact us and discover how our composite silos can make the difference. Our market specialists will be happy to think with you about the best storage solution for your specific situation, so that you can benefit from all the advantages that Polem silos offer.

Every grain, every drop. Quality in, quality out.