Product Overview
Purestar's ABEK-type protective carbon uses a coconut-shell substrate processed through catalyst-related loading and further processing. Suitability depends on the target gases, physical specifications, and finished-cartridge test results.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Base material | Coconut-shell activated carbon | — |
| Moisture content | <10 | wt% |
| Bulk (packing) density | 580–630 | kg/m³ |
| Hardness | >95 | % |
| Carbon charge per filter cartridge (reference configuration) | 65–70 | g |
| Particle size | 12 × 20 mesh (0.85–1.70 mm) / 14 × 25 mesh (0.71–1.40 mm) | — |
For the latest TDS and project-specific specifications, please contact our team.
Reference Finished-Filter Performance
| Challenge gas | Reference breakthrough time |
|---|---|
| Ammonia (NH₃) | ≥50 min |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) | ≥30 min |
| Cyclohexane | ≥80 min |
| Cyanogen chloride (ClCN) | ≥25 min |
These results apply to the tested finished-cartridge configurations, not to loose activated carbon or every cartridge design. Performance depends on the cartridge design, carbon charge, airflow, and test conditions. Please contact us for the applicable test documentation.
Understanding ABEK Gas-Filter Categories
Under EN 14387, gas filters are classified by the gas categories they are intended to address. The ABEK designation does not by itself establish performance against every substance in these categories; suitability must be confirmed against the declared product scope and relevant test evidence.
A — Organic vapours. Certain organic gases and vapours with boiling points above 65 °C (test reference: cyclohexane). Suitability for a specific compound should be checked against the declared product scope and applicable test data.
B — Inorganic gases. Certain inorganic gases and vapours, such as chlorine. The supplied product information restricts any hydrogen sulfide claim to escape use only; verify this application against the current TDS and supporting test documentation.
E — Acid gases. Sulfur dioxide and other specified acidic gases and vapours, such as hydrogen chloride.
K — Ammonia. Ammonia and specified organic ammonia derivatives, such as methylamine.
ABEK-type media may be considered when a cartridge is designed to address multiple gas categories within the declared scope. Whether a particular carbon grade is suitable for a gas mixture must be confirmed through relevant finished-cartridge testing.
EN 14387 defines requirements, test methods, and marking for finished gas filters and combined filters. Loose activated carbon is an input material; conformity claims apply to the finished filter, not to the loose carbon alone. Suitability for a specific cartridge must be confirmed under the target standard (e.g. EN 14387 or GB 2890), using the relevant cartridge geometry, carbon charge, and airflow.
Key Application Areas
1. Respirator Filter Cartridge Manufacturing
Application: Development and production of ABEK-type multi-gas cartridges for half-mask and full-face respirators.
Customer requirement: A suitable particle-size grade, relevant physical properties, and gas-specific finished-filter performance data for cartridge development and qualification.
Relevant product characteristics:
- Two documented particle-size grades: 12 × 20 mesh and 14 × 25 mesh.
- Hardness above 95% according to the supplied product specifications.
- Reference finished-cartridge breakthrough data for ammonia, sulfur dioxide, cyclohexane, and cyanogen chloride.
- TDS, batch COA, and available reference test documentation to support technical review.
2. Filter R&D and Test Laboratories
Application: Prototype cartridge development and material qualification against target gas lists and cartridge standards.
Customer requirement: Traceable material specifications, defined test conditions, and suitable supporting documents for evaluation.
Relevant product characteristics:
- Product TDS and batch COA according to the agreed supply requirements.
- Reference finished-cartridge test information available for technical review.
- Particle-size and other application requirements can be discussed, subject to technical review.
3. Industrial Respiratory Protection Product Lines
Application: Sourcing activated-carbon media for respiratory-protection product lines and OEM filter development.
Customer requirement: Consistent material specifications, agreed packaging, and quality documentation for repeat purchasing.
Relevant product characteristics:
- Packaging options: 25 kg buckets and 500 kg bags, subject to confirmation of current availability.
- Batch COA and available test documentation according to agreed supply requirements.
- Samples and project-specific specifications can be discussed with Purestar.
ABEK-Type Media Vs. Single-Class Media
Where the target gas profile is limited and clearly characterized, single-class or dual-class impregnated carbon (such as AE-type media) may be sufficient. ABEK-type media may be considered when a finished cartridge is designed for specified gas categories across A, B, E, and K. The choice should be based on target-gas requirements and finished-cartridge testing, not on bulk-carbon data alone.
Key Advantages
- Coconut-shell carbon base and defined physical properties. Product specifications list hardness above 95%; batch 202608 measured 96.2%. Hardness is a relevant physical property for material handling and cartridge filling.
- Reference finished-cartridge performance data. Reference breakthrough times for four challenge gases are shown above; the separate batch-specific results are provided in the COA section below.
- Two particle-size grades. The 12 × 20 mesh and 14 × 25 mesh options can be evaluated against the cartridge design. Batch-specific sieve-analysis data are shown in the COA section.
- Documentation and traceability. Product TDS, batch COA, and available reference finished-cartridge test documentation can be provided according to agreed supply requirements.
- Customization support. Impregnation formulation, particle size, and packaging options can be reviewed against the target gas scope, cartridge design, and target standard. Final specifications are confirmed in the agreed TDS.
Technical Evidence & Quality Assurance
The following results apply to the batch or finished-cartridge configuration identified in each table. Performance may vary with cartridge design, carbon charge, airflow, and test conditions.
Batch COA — ABEK1-1425, Batch No. 202608
Test basis recorded in the COA: GB/T 12496 and EN 14387:2004. Report date: 18 September 2026.
| Test item | Standard requirement shown in the COA | Test result |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture content | ≤5% | 1.4% |
| Hardness | ≥90% | 96.2% |
| Particle size >14 mesh | — | 4.54% |
| Particle size 14–25 mesh | — | 93.34% |
| Particle size <25 mesh | — | 2.12% |
| Dust | No obvious black powder observed | No obvious black powder observed |
Finished-Cartridge Breakthrough Times — Batch 202608
Test flow rate: 15 L/min. Challenge-gas concentrations were 1,008 mL/m³ for cyclohexane, 1,019 mL/m³ for ammonia, and 1,024 mL/m³ for sulfur dioxide. Recorded cartridge filling weights were 69.01 g, 68.54 g, and 68.67 g, respectively.
| Challenge gas | Requirement shown in the COA | Measured result |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclohexane | ≥70 min | 100 min |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | ≥50 min | 68 min |
| Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) | ≥20 min | 62 min |
These measured results apply to batch 202608 in the tested reference-cartridge configuration and should not be transferred automatically to other cartridge designs. The COA references EN 14387:2004; projects targeting a different edition or market require supporting evidence for the applicable complete filter model.
Quality Management
Production is managed under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems. Batch COA documentation accompanies shipments according to the agreed supply requirements. The product TDS and applicable reference test reports are available for review.
Procurement Information
- Packaging: 25 kg per bucket and 500 kg per bag. Other packaging options are subject to order quantity and technical review.
- Customization: Impregnation formulation can be reviewed against your target gas list; available particle-size grades are 12 × 20 mesh and 14 × 25 mesh. Other grades are subject to review, and final specifications are confirmed in the agreed TDS.
- Technical documentation: Product TDS, batch COA, and available reference finished-cartridge test documentation can be provided according to agreed supply requirements.
- Samples and lead time: Contact us to confirm sample availability, sample quantities, and current lead time for your required specification and order quantity.
Discuss Your ABEK Filter Project With Purestar
Tell us about your target gases, required particle size, cartridge configuration, and intended market.
Our team can review the available product specifications and test documentation with you, discuss sample evaluation, and help identify the information needed for your cartridge qualification process.