A Review on the Use of Rapid Small Scale Column Test (RSSCT) on Predicting Adsorption of Various Contaminants

Abstract

The Rapid Small Scale Column Test (RSSCT) is a small-scale model of a pilot-scale system which is aimed to give performance equal to the full-scale system when loaded with small sized particle adsorbent such as Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The RSSCT was developed to predict the exclusion of organic compounds on activated carbon adsorbers. The theory behind RSSCT is to scale down the hydrodynamic characteristics and mass transfer phenomena from a pilot scale reactor to a small scale flow test column as it is expected that the breakthrough curves would be similar for both of them. As compared to the pilot scale columns, the RSSCT requires only a portion of water and time to stimulate a several month's pilot scale study into a few days adsorption study under laboratory conditions. The RSSCT is used widely to predict the performance for various adsorption systems as they are inexpensive and gives a constant flow test results within few days which means that RSSCT are more representative as compared to the batch tests. Apart from these advantages RSSCT can be used to compare the efficiency of media and the quality of water. Usually the adsorbent used in RSSCT study is GAC which is first activated using different processes to increase the adsorptive capacity and surface reactivity and then it is grounded to a specific size fraction which can be used for RSSCT study. Sometimes grinding of adsorbents may be required if the sorption properties varies. This review study would give a detailed insight in designing a RSSCT model on a laboratory scale, scaling adsorption capacity of trace organic contaminant by various adsorbents and to predict a full scale breakthrough.