INDIVIDUAL PARTICLE CRUSH STRENGTH
Twenty particles are tested, one particle at a time. The average crush strength is reported. Crush Strength units of 1.0 Kg are approximately equal to 10 Newtons/cm2.

BULK METHOD CRUSH STRENGTH
This method measures the crushing force of a known volume of the particles. Since much of the compressive force is distributed outward to the vessel walls, a material will give a higher number in this method than its individual particles will give when tested individually.

CRUSH STRENGTHS OF VARIOUS ADSORBENT MATERIALS
Adsorbent materials can exhibit a wide range of crush strengths depending on particle size, type, and material. For a given material, the larger diameter particles will typically have higher crush strengths.

Activated Carbon pellets typically have higher crush strengths than granular activated carbons, because pellets are made with more binder material and are produced under higher pressure forming methods. Activated Carbons are relatively inert to chemical attack.

Activated Aluminas are naturally self-binding, and when made by certain production methods can have high crush strengths when dry, but typically exhibit lower crush strengths when wet. Aluminas, Zeolites, and metal oxides are all attacked and weakened by acids.

Zeolites are not self-binding and are therefore mixed with clays to bind the particles together. When calcined, these beads or pellets can have good crush strengths.