--- title: Replacing Lenticulars with SupaCarb CP for API decolourisation description: Decolourisation of API using SupaCarb CP image: https://www.amazonfilters.com/hubfs/crystal-kwok-487014-unsplash.jpg --- [+44 (0) 1276 670600](tel:+44%20(0)%201276%20670600) [![Amazon Filters Logo](https://www.amazonfilters.com/hubfs/amz01/Global/Logos/amazon_filters_logo_color.svg) ](https://www.amazonfilters.com) Products [All products](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products) [Filter cartridges & capsules](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-cartridges-and-capsules) [Filter housings](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-housings) [Custom filter housings](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/custom-filter-housings) [Retrofits](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/replacement-retrofit-filters) [OEM](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/oem-filters) Applications [Pharmaceuticals and healthcare](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/pharmaceutical-filters) 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](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJROGIbyd30Lwhh%2FYtr45fh49c69UGdbjroNByqjaHkwQnD1dJegkKPeUL5Ed3mtwVjwJmuPIFOAuo%2Bh6%2Fed7YyhCeHNFTFOhOTJwj3zgr3f2KVzf1cDTArQklXAfGWVTjH4UrPuxcxV8GiteJS%2FScYhfZbIXuFDZb33Lh0WVHl7ePOfgH0M9FTZSIb&portalId=6888762) [+44 (0) 1276 670600](tel:+44%20(0)%201276%20670600) Case study # Replacing Lenticulars with SupaCarb CP for API decolourisation ![](https://www.amazonfilters.com/hubfs/case-studies/tag-icon@3x.svg) Pharma #### Product **SupaCarb CP** #### Client European Pharmaceutical CDMO #### Application Decolourisation of new API #### Location UK #### Value Added Process Optimisation #### Sector Pharma Decolourisation of an API is a common process step typically achieved by either: 1. Introducing carbon powder / granules into the reactors then filtering out downstream 2. Using carbon impregnated lenticular cell filters 3. Using carbon block filters. The method is often determined by the volume of product being processed and the historical grades of carbon used to decolourise on the legacy production processes. We recently worked with this client who was looking for a decolourising solution for a new API in the development scale-up phase in the kilo lab.   In small R&D, pilot and kilo labs the use of sintered carbon block filters can prove a far more elegant and cost-effective way of decolourising. Benefits includes increased efficiency, reduced waste and improved health and safety. ## The Problem When developing new API products and the associated production processes it is often the case that existing technology is used. While this can save time it can also hinder process improvements. Traditional methods using loose carbon and lenticular cells have a number of disadvantages. A comparison of these two technologies is provided in the table below:   ![advantage disadvantage table for loose carbon vs lenticular-2](https://www.amazonfilters.com/hs-fs/hubfs/advantage%20disadvantage%20table%20for%20loose%20carbon%20vs%20lenticular-2.png?width=681&height=692&name=advantage%20disadvantage%20table%20for%20loose%20carbon%20vs%20lenticular-2.png)   ## The Solution Following discussions with the process engineer on site it was established that the decolourisation stage could be more efficiently addressed using a carbon block format rather than a lenticular cell.  The[**SupaCarb** **CP**](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-cartridges-and-capsules/activated-carbon-filters/supacarb-cp) filter is manufactured from an optimised blend of both granular and powdered activated carbon to maximise throughput and colour removal. The integral prefilter layer also helps to extend the life of the carbon block. ![SupaCarb Small CutOut-2](https://www.amazonfilters.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SupaCarb%20Small%20CutOut-2.jpg?width=1679&height=869&name=SupaCarb%20Small%20CutOut-2.jpg) In this particular application a 8" diameter lenticular was replaced with a standard 2.5" diameter filter cartridge. This format has multiple benefits over the lenticular cell format including: - A smaller footprint and higher colour removal efficiency due to the much higher density of carbon in **SupaCarb CP **compared to carbon impregnated cellulose media - No carbon shedding downstream into the process. The sintered structure combined with a unique resin bonded skeleton ensures carbon particles are not released - Use of standard cartridge format housings, hence reducing installation costs - Ability to improve health & safety by installing the **SupaCarb CP** into the [**SupaClean**](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-cartridges-and-capsules/supaclean/supaclean) format - Less consumable waste due to the much smaller size of the filter ## Design Flowrates and System Size This application was sized at 0.8 litres /min/10" length of **SupaCarb. ** While this application was for relatively small batch sizes in a Kilo lab, we have also provided solutions for larger applications, specifically when replacing loose granular carbon. Following customer laboratory trials comparing the colour removal efficiency of loose carbon vs small segments of the carbon log, the **SupaCarb CP** was installed on the production line. The system processes 1m3 / hr of API through two parallel, multi-round housings consisting of 5x 30" **SupaCarb CP. ** Decolourisation is completed in a single pass whereas the solution with loose carbon required multiple passes.  ## **Key takeaways** 1. The use of **SupaCarb CP** can provide a cost effective, efficient and safe alternative solution for the decolourisation of API's 2. The standard cartridge format allows the simple implementation of improved operator safety utilising our **[SupaClean](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-cartridges-and-capsules/supaclean/supaclean) **format or our flexible containment solutions For more information, please contact us using the form below, or give us a call on **+44 (0) 1276 670600**. ## Let's **get started** We'll make sure you're getting the best out of your filtration system [ Talk to sales ](https://www.amazonfilters.com/talk-to-sales) Applications - [Pharma and healthcare](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/pharmaceuticals-and-healthcare) - [Energy](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/energy/) - [Water](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/water-filtration) - [Food and beverage](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/food-and-beverage) - [Chemicals and coatings](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/chemicals-coatings) Products - [All products](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products) - [Filter cartridges & capsules](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-cartridges-and-capsules) - [Filter housings](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/filter-housings) - [Customised filter housings and skids ](https://www.amazonfilters.com/products/customised-filter-housing-and-skids) - [Retrofits](https://www.amazonfilters.com/replacement-retrofit-filters) - [OEM](https://www.amazonfilters.com/industry/oem-filters)   Legal - [Privacy policy](https://www.amazonfilters.com/legal/privacy-policy) - [Copyright](https://www.amazonfilters.com/legal/copyright) - [Trademark](https://www.amazonfilters.com/legal/trademark) - [Disclaimer](https://www.amazonfilters.com/legal/disclaimer) - [Conditions of sale](https://www.amazonfilters.com/legal/conditions-of-sale) About - [About us](https://www.amazonfilters.com/about-us) - [Global network](https://www.amazonfilters.com/our-global-network) - [Careers](https://www.amazonfilters.com/company-information/careers) - [Compliance](https://www.amazonfilters.com/compliance) - [Blog](https://www.amazonfilters.com/blog) - [News](https://www.amazonfilters.com/company-information/news) - [Contact us](https://www.amazonfilters.com/contact-us) Contact Amazon Filters Ltd. 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