Application of breakthrough curve analysis and response surface methodology for optimization of a hybrid separation system consisting of fixed-bed column adsorption and dead-end depth filtration

Abstract

This work investigates the performance and optimization of a hybrid process consisting of a fixed-bed adsorption (FBA) column and a dead-end filtration (DEF) cell for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water. Granular activated carbon and cellulose acetate depth filter sheets were used as adsorbent and filter medium, respectively. Effects of four operation parameters (initial concentration, feed flowrate, bed length, and filter type) on the MB removal rate (RR) were investigated using breakthrough data analysis and response surface methodology. This RR (mass of MB removed per second) captures the removal capacity and separation rate, simultaneously. The maximum RR was found theoretically equal to 3.875 s−1 at the optimized conditions of initial concentration =39.86 mg/L, flowrate = 1.15 L/min, bed length =29.95 cm, and filter type = OS100, and validated with the experimental data with 99% agreement. The performance of the hybrid process operating at the optimal operation conditions was found to be superior to those of the individual FBA column and DEF cell. After 100 s from the process commencement, the RR obtained with the hybrid process was about 64% higher than that obtained with the FBA column and 30% higher than that obtained with the DEF cell.