Automotive Carbons

Our Nuchar® activated carbon has proven physical properties and design flexibility that achieves optimum automotive emissions control. Used in more than 500 million vehicles worldwide, they collect and recover 100 thousand barrels of gasoline each day before it escapes into the atmosphere.

MWV Specialty Chemicals is 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 granular activated carbon and pelletized activated 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 CapacityNuchar 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 DensityNuchar 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 RestrictionsTo 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.

DurabilityTo 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 TestingTesting 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 9001 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.