Particulate matter and methods of obtaining same from a kraft waste reclamation

A method for producing a form of activated carbon, the method comprising the steps of:

• withdrawing from a pulp mill a first mixture containing calcium carbonate and activated carbon particles;
• treating the first mixture with at least one acid, wherein the acid removes contaminants from the first mixture thereby producing a treated mixture containing primarily activated carbon particles;
• drying the treated mixture so as to produce purified activated carbon particles having an average particle size of less than about 12 microns;
• and
• coating at least a portion of the surface of the purified activated carbon particles with at least one halogen vapor.

A method for producing a form of activated carbon, the method comprising the steps of:

• separating a first mixture containing a weak wash liquid and calcium carbonate particles, wherein the separation substantially removes the calcium carbonate particles from the first mixture thereby creating a clean weak wash liquid;
• combining the clean weak wash liquid with smelt to form a second mixture, the second mixture comprising at least a portion of activated carbon particles;
• separating the activated carbon particles from the second mixture;
• treating the activated carbon particles with at least one acid, wherein the acid removes contaminants from the activated carbon particles thereby producing a population of purified activated carbon particles having an average particle size of less than about 12 microns;
• drying the purified activated carbon particles having an average particle size of less than about 12 microns;
• and
• coating at least a portion of the surface of the purified activated carbon particles having an average particle size of less than about 12 microns with at least one halogen vapor.