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Comprehensive activated carbon maker Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City; President: Shobu Minatono) has developed a super hard, low-pulverization, low-dusting spherical activated carbon. Adding to its existing products, which include crushed, granulated, powdered and fibrous activated carbons, Kuraray Chemical will commence the sale of this new spherical activated carbon under the KURARAY COAL SW name from February 21, 2007.

After initial processing at Kuraray Chemical (Ningxia) Environmental Industry Co., Ltd. (Shi Zui Shan, Guangxi Province, Ningxia, China) KURARAY COAL SW undergoes post-processes to be finished at Kuraray Chemical's Tsurumi Plant in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture in Japan. As of November 2006, the production capacity of the Chinese plant had doubled from 1,000 tons to 2,000 tons per year. By producing the new spherical activated carbon alongside the existing pellet-type activated carbons, Kuraray Chemical aims to expand production at this Chinese plant. This measure is a step toward establishing a firmer manufacturing structure in China, which Kuraray Chemical considers as its third critical production base after Japan and the Philippines.

Generally, activated carbon is produced in crushed, granulated or powdered form. Activated carbon in these forms has sharp edges, which tend to chip and consequently generate carbon dust when absorption equipment is filled or in operation. These carbon powders can cause increased pressure loss and airflow drift.

Because it has no sharp edges, the new KURARAY COAL SW spherical activated carbon boasts low-pulverization and low-dusting characteristics, and greatly reduces the common concerns associated with conventional activated carbon products. Furthermore, its hardness provides excellent abrasion resistance, making it very easy to handle. KURARAY COAL SW can be re-cycled repeatedly and is thus very economical. The product is supremely adaptable to various operating environments.

KURARAY COAL SW has wide applications in water and gas treatment processes. Among its water treatment uses are the removal of organic substances in water supply and sewage systems, as a water purifier, and in the treatment of industrial-use water and human waste. In gas treatment processes KURARAY COAL SW can be used to remove harmful and noxious gases.