Modeling of Packed Bed Column for the Removal of Cu (II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Indion 730

Abstract

Background: Acid mine / Copper mine drainage is one of the major source of Cu(II) ions. Acid mine or copper mine drainage occurs naturally within environments, but it is intensify by large scale earth disturbances found with copper mining or exhausted leach heap operations, as a result of generation of metal ions. These metal ions decomposed and produce an acidic waste stream which contains dissolved copper, iron, aluminium and zinc. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the equilibrium and performance of the Indion 730 (strong acid cation exchange resin). Indion 730 resins used as an adsorbent for removal of Cu (II) from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). Present study also highlights the evaluation of sorption capacity of Indion730as an ion exchangers. A breakthrough curve was used to observe the effectiveness of packed bed column for removal of Cu (II) ions. The Profile of breakthrough curve and time intended for development of breakthrough curve are vital characteristics for determining the process and response of fixed bed column. Method: In the present study, the kinetics of fixed bed column has been tested for Clark’s model. Clark proposed a new simulation of the development of breakthrough curves. Clark model is based on the hypotheses that uses mass-transfer concept in combination with the Freundlich isotherm. Results: The result of this study has shown best testing of experimental breakthrough curves by the Clark kinetic equation has shown outstanding matching of experimental values with modeled curves. The linear method of solving of the equation gives matching values of parameters A and r, which suggests similar values of the sorption rate coefficient and removal capacity. Conclusion: The Clark kinetic models have been found to be suitable for the removal of Cu (II) on Indion 730 for various experimental conditions. On the basis of the premeditated parameters, the theoretical breakthrough curves have been plotted and compared with the experimental values. Keywords: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), breakthrough curve, cation exchange resin, Clark equation, Cu (II), Indion 730.