Mass transfer during the removal of dissolved heavy metals from wastewater flows in fluidized beds of ion exchange resins

Abstract

AbstractA fluidized bed of cation exchange resin was used for the removal of cupric ions from a simulated wastewater effluent consisting of copper sulphate solution. Variables investigated were: superficial liquid velocity, particle diameter, bed height and copper sulphate concentration. These variables were studied with respect to their effect on the solid‐liquid mass transfer coefficient. The coefficient was found to increase with increasing superficial liquid velocity. Increasing particle diameter, bed height and copper sulphate concentration were found to reduce the mass transfer coefficient. The experimental data can be correlated by the equation equation image valid for the following conditions: 0.23 < Re1 < 2.27; 0.52 < ϵ < 0.87; 0.0127 < dp/d < 0.0417 and 0.0095 < dp/L < 0.125.