Multicomponent mass transfer in fixed-bed carbon adsorption columns

Abstract

The technique based upon the constant pattern model was extended to evaluate mass transfer coefficients for multicomponent (binary) adsorption by carbons. The mass transfer coefficient of the lesser adsorbed component was essentially the same for both single component and binary systems. The mass transfer coefficient of the more strongly adsorbed component was significantly lower in the binary case, indicating interference between components. The mass transfer coefficients obtained were used in a computer simulation of fixed bed adsorption columns, and experimental data were successfully predicted.