ADIABATIC SORPTION OF DILUTE SINGLE ADSORBATE FROM AN INERT GAS - EFFECT OF GAS-SOLID MASS AND HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS

The effects of the gas-solid mass (k) and heat (h) transfer coefficients on the column dynamics for Type II adsorption system were analyzed by numerically solving the conservation equations for a single sorbate. Langmuir equilibrium and the linear driving force model for mass transfer were assumedThe transfer zone is larger in an adiabatic column than the corresponding zone in an isothermal column even for a small rise in column temperature. Initially proportionate pattern transfer zones are formed in both the adiabatic and the isothermal columns. As the column length increases these profiles approach to the constant pattern limit. Column adiabaticity slows down the rate of approach to constant pattern limit. On the other hand, higher adsorbate concentration and high k enhance this rate. The symmetry of the breakthrough curve may be distorted in an adiabatic column. The effects of k and h on the size of the mass transfer zone are interchangeable. Consequently, estimation of k from experimental breakthrough data by assuming thermal equilibrium between gas and solid phases may be erroneous.