Automotive Carbons

We are the leading, worldwide resource for activated carbon products used in evaporative emission control systems for the automotive industry. For 25 years, our development, testing and research have continuously improved activated carbon products used to control automobile emissions.

We manufacture a wide range of Nuchar® carbon products specifically designed for gasoline vapor recovery. Customers can select activated carbon products with the proven physical properties and design flexibility needed to achieve optimum performance in their own canister systems.

Features and Benefits

High Gasoline Working Capacity
Nuchar® carbons possess the maximum porosity in the critical size range for gasoline vapors. This provides the highest working capacity coupled with low retention after purge. This unique combination allows for smaller, more efficient canister designs.

Low Density
Nuchar activated carbons are wood-based and have a volumetric weight 30 to 40 percent lower than other forms of carbon. Its low density offers both a cost savings and a reduction in canister weight.

Low Flow Restrictions
To provide optimum flow characteristics and product flexibility, we manufacture pelletized and granular carbons in a range of sizes. The combination of low dust content and particle size control minimizes flow restriction and provides consistent performance.

Low Diurnal Emissions
Tightening global regulations place greater importance on reducing emissions from purged canister systems. Our carbon products are designed to purge more efficiently, resulting in lower diffusional emissions during diurnal cycling, compared to other forms of carbon.

Durability
To meet the automotive industry standards, activated carbon must retain its adsorptive and desorptive characteristics for the life of the vehicle. We consistently demonstrated its ability to meet these requirements.  Our proven track record reflects product reliability found in over 500 million canisters worldwide.

Research and Development

Technical Service: Performance Testing
Testing for performance characteristics under real world situations helps us continuously improve our carbon products and assist customers with initial canister designs. Our state of the art performance analysis includes:

• Onboard refueling vapor recovery
• Real-time diurnal testing
• Cycle testing
• Nominal butane working capacity
• Vapor migration/diffusion
• Pressure drop
• Carbon analysis

Continuous Research to Meet Future Demands
The work of our technical service teams based in Covington, VA, and Shanghai, China is closely linked with the work of our carbon research group based in Charleston, SC. The ongoing success of this combined effort is demonstrated by the continuously improving performance of our carbons. Studies of activation chemistry, carbon porosity and the effects of particle geometry have led to new directions in enhanced carbon products.       

Quality Assurance
Our ISO 9011 and TS16949 certifications help assure the required conformity to the automobile industry’s stringent quality and consistency requirements. The consistent quality and continuous improvement of carbon products and services are in increasing demand. We operate the world’s two largest wood-based activated carbon plants — our Covington, Virginia Chemical Plant and our Wickliffe, Kentucky Chemical Plant — that provide customers around the world with a dependable product supply.

Take the Next Step

We offer world-class sales and technical service and provide extensive testing and product development support for automotive carbons. Call or e-mail our experts today for more information.

MWV Specialty Chemicals - Carbon Department
+1 (540) 969-3700
carbon@meadwestvaco.com