EN 12903:2009
(Main)Products used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Powdered activated carbon
Products used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Powdered activated carbon
This European Standard is applicable to powdered activated carbon used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of powdered activated carbon and specifies the requirements and the corresponding test methods for powdered activated carbon. It gives information on its use in water treatment.
Produkte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Pulver-Aktivkohle
Diese Europäische Norm gilt für Pulver-Aktivkohle zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen
Gebrauch. Sie beschreibt die Eigenschaften von Pulver-Aktivkohle und legt die Anforderungen sowie die
entsprechenden Prüfverfahren für Pulver-Aktivkohle fest. Sie enthält Angaben zu deren Anwendung in der
Wasseraufbereitung.
Produits utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Charbon actif en poudre
La présente Norme européenne est applicable au charbon actif en poudre utilisé pour le traitement de l’eau
destinée à la consommation humaine. Elle décrit les caractéristiques du charbon actif en poudre et spécifie les
exigences et les méthodes d’essai correspondantes. Elle donne des informations sur son emploi dans le traitement
de l’eau.
Izdelki, ki se uporabljajo za pripravo pitne vode - Aktivno oglje v prahu
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Mar-2009
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Sep-2009
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 164 - Water supply
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 164/WG 9 - Drinking water treatment
- Current Stage
- 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 23-Jun-2022
- Completion Date
- 21-Jan-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
EN 12903:2009 is a European Standard (CEN) that specifies requirements and test methods for powdered activated carbon (PAC) used in the treatment of water intended for human consumption. The standard defines characteristics, purity limits, labelling, delivery forms and guidance on use, sampling and analysis. It supersedes EN 12903:2003 and is intended for manufacturers, suppliers, water utilities, testing laboratories and regulators involved in drinking water treatment.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Identification and form
- Chemical name: Carbon (C). Common names: activated charcoal, active carbon.
- Commercial grades differ by adsorption, porosity, particle size and purity.
- Physical properties
- Appearance: black powder.
- Particle size distribution: at least 95% mass fraction < 150 µm (other values may be declared by the manufacturer).
- Bulk density (packed): shall be within ±10% of the manufacturer’s declared value (typical range 200–750 kg/m3).
- Chemical and purity criteria
- Ash: max 15% (note: some dust-suppressed products may need higher ash).
- Water content (at packing): max 5%.
- Water-soluble material: max 3%.
- Zinc: max 0.002% (mass fraction).
- Water‑extractable substances: specified limits (mg/kg) for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, CN and sum of certain PAHs (see standard for exact values).
- Iodine number: not less than 600 mg/g (minimum adsorption indicator; lower values may be acceptable for some applications).
- Test methods and sampling
- Sampling and analytical procedures reference EN 12902 and EN ISO 787-11 for bulk density after tamping. Specific methods for ash, water content, particle size and extractables are specified.
- Labelling, transportation and storage
- Delivery forms: paper sacks (10–25 kg), semi-bulk containers (200–800 kg), bulk (up to 50 m3).
- Marking must include product name, trade name/grade, net mass, supplier details and statement of conformity to EN 12903.
- Transport classification: steam-activated PAC not classified as dangerous at publication; chemically activated carbon has UN 1362 / Class 4.2 (see standard for details). IATA restrictions apply.
- Storage: hygroscopic-keep dry and away from oxidants, volatile solvents and moisture.
Applications and users
- Primary use: adsorption of organic contaminants, taste & odour compounds, and certain micropollutants in drinking water treatment.
- Typical users:
- Water utilities and drinking water treatment plants
- PAC manufacturers and suppliers
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Regulatory authorities evaluating product suitability and safety
- Engineers specifying PAC for process design and procurement
Related standards
- EN 12901:1999 - Definitions for products used in water treatment
- EN 12902 - Methods of test for products used in water treatment
- EN ISO 787-11 - Apparent density after tamping (referred method)
Note: Conformity with EN 12903:2009 relates to product characteristics and test methods but does not by itself confer regulatory approval for use in all EU/EFTA member states; national regulations may apply.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12903:2009 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Products used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Powdered activated carbon". This standard covers: This European Standard is applicable to powdered activated carbon used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of powdered activated carbon and specifies the requirements and the corresponding test methods for powdered activated carbon. It gives information on its use in water treatment.
This European Standard is applicable to powdered activated carbon used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. It describes the characteristics of powdered activated carbon and specifies the requirements and the corresponding test methods for powdered activated carbon. It gives information on its use in water treatment.
EN 12903:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.80 - Chemicals for purification of water. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12903:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12903:2003, EN 12902:2004, EN 14898:2006+A1:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12903:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Izdelki, ki se uporabljajo za pripravo pitne vode - Aktivno oglje v prahuProdukte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für den menschlichen Gebrauch - Pulver-AktivkohleProduits utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée à la consommation humaine - Charbon actif en poudreProducts used for the treatment of water intended for human consumption - Powdered activated carbon71.100.80Chemicals for purification of water13.060.20Pitna vodaDrinking waterICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12903:2009SIST EN 12903:2009en,fr,de01-maj-2009SIST EN 12903:2009SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12903:20031DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 12903March 2009ICS 71.100.80Supersedes EN 12903:2003
English VersionProducts used for the treatment of water intended for humanconsumption - Powdered activated carbonProduits utilisés pour le traitement de l'eau destinée à laconsommation humaine - Charbon actif en poudreProdukte zur Aufbereitung von Wasser für denmenschlichen Gebrauch - Pulver-AktivkohleThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 February 2009.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as theofficial versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels© 2009 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 12903:2009: ESIST EN 12903:2009
......................................................................... 99.3Transportation regulations and labelling .................................................................................................. 109.4Marking ......................................................................................................................................................... 109.5Storage .......................................................................................................................................................... 10Annex A (informative)
General information on powdered activated carbon . 11A.1Origin . 11A.2Properties . 11A.3Use . 12A.4Rules for safe handling and use . 13A.5Emergency procedures . 13Bibliography . 14 SIST EN 12903:2009
1) Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number. 2) European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances. SIST EN 12903:2009
The particle size distribution shall be within the manufacturer’s declared values. 5.2.2 Oversize and undersize particles The proportion of oversize and undersize particles shall be within the manufacturer’s declared values. 5.3 Bulk density packed The bulk density packed shall be within ± 10 % of the value specified by the manufacturer or supplier. NOTE The bulk density packed of powdered activated carbon is typically in the range 200 kg/m3 to 750 kg/m3. 6 Chemical properties 6.1 General Powdered activated carbon is manufactured by controlled oxidation
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