Novel combinatorial extensions to breakthrough curve modeling of an adsorption column — Depth filtration hybrid process

Abstract

This work introduces novel scenarios for the breakthrough curve modeling of an adsorption column/depth filtration hybrid system. Four well-known theoretical breakthrough models including Thomas, Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, and BDST were employed to describe the normalized concentration profiles. In the first approach, the theoretical models were combined for better estimation of the breakthrough curves and the Thomas/Yoon–Nelson and Thomas/BDST combinations were obtained as the best extensions. In the second approach, an adsorption-transport model was developed for the depth filter to obtain the transient concentration gradient across the filter medium thickness. The model was then combined with the theoretical breakthrough models to predict the adsorption column breakthrough curves. Results revealed that a decrease in the feed flowrate and filter pore size could intensify the concentration polarization on the filter surface. Both model extensions could successfully approximate the breakthrough curves of the hybrid system with more than 99% agreement with the experimental data, while the prediction accuracy of the original breakthrough models seldom exceeds 93%.