Packed Bed Configuration Research Articles

Modeling the extraction of espresso components as dispersed flow through a packed bed

Espresso extraction involves a flow of heated water through a densely packed bed of porous particles driven by high pressure. This flow is impacted by a series of structural changes that the packed bed undergoes during water percolation. In this work, we aim to improve and extend an existing extraction model from Moroney et al. (2015) by integrating the axial dispersive flow through the coffee bed via a characteristic axial diffusion coefficient. This parameter was obtained by means of tracer pulse experiments applied to different packed bed configurations at different stages of the extraction. Increasing axial dispersion of the flow was observed experimentally with progressing extraction time. This characteristic was included in the model by considering a transition of the axial diffusion coefficients from the initial filling phase to the steady-state flow phase. The model was also extended to describe the concentration of individual species in the brew. Lumped mass transfer coefficients and saturation concentrations were fitted to experimental results. The model was then validated against experimental data from extraction trials using different particle size distributions. Good agreement was found for the extracted total dissolved solids as well as for the concentrations of caffeine, trigonelline and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA). The proposed approach enables an estimation of the overall and individual component concentrations for various particle size ranges while accounting for the dynamic internal changes inside the packed bed during the extraction time.

A perspective on high‐temperature heat storage using liquid metal as heat transfer fluid

AbstractEnergy storage systems are essential to secure a reliable electricity and heat supply in an energy system with high shares of fluctuating renewable energy sources. Thermal energy storage systems offer the possibility to store energy in the form of heat relatively simply and at low cost. In concentrating solar power systems, for instance, molten salt‐based thermal storage systems already enable a 24/7 electricity generation. The use of liquid metals as heat transfer fluids in thermal energy storage systems enables high heat transfer rates and a large operating temperature range (100°C to >700°C, depending on the liquid metal). Hence, different heat storage solutions have been proposed in the literature, which are summarized in this perspective. Based on these, future technical advances are suggested such as reducing the liquid metal share in the heat storage, using waste material as storage medium or using liquid metal as heat transfer fluids not only in sensible, but in latent or thermochemical energy storage systems. The use of waste material in a packed bed configuration with 5% porosity, for example, can bring down the storage material costs to 2%–3% of the costs of a liquid metal‐only storage system. Furthermore, future application fields beyond concentrating solar power are proposed: supply of industrial process heat, waste heat integration and power‐to‐heat‐to‐power processes.

Multiscale CFD modelling of syngas-based chemical looping combustion in a packed bed reactor with dynamic gas switching technology

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a highly efficient energy conversion technology designed for burning fossil fuel with inherent carbon capture potential. The main advantage of running the CLC process in a packed bed configuration over the conventional circulating fluidized bed setup is the ability to operate at high pressure. In this work, a dynamic multiscale model was developed to simulate packed bed syngas CLC with ilmenite oxygen carrier (OC) particles, subsequently validating simulation results in terms of fuel and OC conversion, and temperature distribution using literature data for both oxidation and reduction steps. The model was used for investigation of multiple cycle operation, intraparticle fuel and OC concentration distributions, as well as effects of particle sizes and flow rates during OC reduction. Results revealed pressure drop reductions by 45% for 50% larger particle sizes and 66% for 50% lower flow rates, as well as better bed utilization for lower particle sizes and flow rates based on fuel breakthrough curves. In addition, a CFD multilayer particle model was developed to strengthen multiscale model results on pressure drops and mass transfer efficiency, and study temperature distribution with respect to particle dimensions during OC oxidation. Results indicated a positive effect on energy efficiency for smaller particles due to higher packing density and particle surface area, reaching intraparticle temperatures of 1110 ℃ and exit gas temperatures of 980 ℃ (i.e., 13% higher than base case size) during OC oxidation.

Influence of upstream and downstream flow on different packed bed configurations in phase change process

One approach to storing latent heat in large quantities is through PBSS (Packed bed storage system) with spheres filled with PCM (Phase Change Materials). In these storage systems, an HTF (heat transfer fluid) flows over the spheres. So, both the sphere wall temperature and the heat flux can vary depending on the geometric conditions of the bed of spheres, the PCM thermodynamic conditions, and the HTF thermal conditions. Thus, this work aims to verify the influence of the thermal conditions of the external flow on the PBSS filled with PCM in the melting process. Cases with variable heat flux as well as uniform temperature and uniform heat flux conditions were tested. Three sphere positions, 4 sphere spacing ratios (blockage ratio), and three temperature differences between HTF and PCM phase change temperature were also analyzed, for two external flow directions (upstream and downstream), totaling 74 different configurations. The study found that the uniform temperature condition resulted in a 33 % faster total melting time than the uniform heat flow condition. Additionally, the upstream flow showed a total melting time that was approximately 24 % shorter than the flows in the opposite direction. The relationship between the total melting time and the temperature differences was found to be non-linear. Moreover, the blockage ratio showed a non-linear dependence with total melting time. The configuration with a blockage ratio of 1.125 demonstrated the shortest total melting time, with values on average 22.4 % shorter than the blocking ratio of 0.550, which had the longest melting times. These results demonstrate that optimizing external flow thermal conditions is crucial for improving the performance of PBSS with PCM-filled spheres in large-scale latent heat storage systems.

Tuning the packed bed configuration for selective extraction of espresso non-volatiles based on polarity

The taste of espresso is impacted by the absolute and relative concentrations of numerous marker compounds extracted during the brewing process. Due to the complex diffusion-convection process, the resulting concentration of the compounds in the espresso cup is largely influenced by the extraction conditions. In our previous work (Vaca Guerra et al., 2023) we have demonstrated that the hydrodynamics of extraction is significantly impacted by the size distribution of the coffee particles. In the present work, using a similar approach, we evaluated its impact on the kinetics of the extraction of specific coffee marker compounds. The results obtained show that, even having similar extraction conditions, changes in the bed configuration, namely reducing the specific wetting surface area, decreased the extraction rate of the components asymptotically. Moreover, being polar components the most affected and non-polar the least, the impact of particle size was correlated with the polarity of the components, showing good agreement. This work provides insight into the possible ways to perform selective extraction from components with different polarities driven only by variations of the initial bed parameters and evaluating the necessary conditions to scale up the results to larger bed lengths.

Computational Studies on Microreactors for the Decomposition of Formic Acid for Hydrogen Production Using Heterogeneous Catalysts.

Sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels have emerged recently, focusing on a hydrogen-based economy. The idea of using hydrogen (H2) as an energy carrier is very promising due to its zero-emission properties. The present study investigates the formic acid (FA) decomposition for H2 generation using a commercial 5 wt.% Pd/C catalyst. Three different 2D microreactor configurations (packed bed, single membrane, and double membrane) were studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Parameters such as temperature, porosity, concentration, and flow rate of reactant were investigated. The packed bed configuration resulted in high conversions, but due to catalyst poisoning by carbon monoxide (CO), the catalytic activity decreased with time. For the single and double membrane microreactors, the same trends were observed, but the double membrane microreactor showed superior performance compared with the other configurations. Conversions higher than 80% were achieved, and even though deactivation decreased the conversion after 1 h of reaction, the selective removal of CO from the system with the use of membranes lead to an increase in the conversion afterwards. These results prove that the incorporation of membranes in the system for the separation of CO is improving the efficiency of the microreactor.

First experimental characterization of CaCl2 coated heat exchanger for thermochemical heat transformer applications in industrial waste heat recovery

This study aims at evaluating the performance of a heat exchanger coated with CaCl2 (PVA polyvinyl alcohol used as binder) for Thermochemical Heat Transformers (THT) applications in industrial waste heat recovery.For this purpose, an experimental test bench has been built allowing to test operating temperatures up to 160 °C. A model heat exchanger plate is used to test two configurations: a thick layer of CaCl2 to model a packed bed reactor (used as reference) and a CaCl2-PVA deposit to model a coated reactor.For the packed bed configuration, results comparable to that of the literature are obtained with a specific power of 180 W/kg obtained for a temperature lift of 60 K. A high sensitivity to temperature lift is identified with a decrease of the specific power down to 38 W/kg for a lift of 77 K. The coated heat exchanger configuration achieves significantly higher performance with a specific power up to 341 W/kg for a temperature lift of 63 K. However, the analysis of the repeatability tests highlights a rapid change in temperature profiles highlighting a change in properties of the CaCl2/PVA compound material. Next steps will consist in enhanced material formulation and change in deposit protocol and to move to work at small reactor scale to assess system performance.

Investigation on a novel post-combustion CO2 capture rotary adsorption wheel based on temperature swing adsorption

ABSTRACT Due to the strengths on compact structure and continuously operating ability, a rotary wheel device in rotating packed-bed configuration for adsorption process based on temperature swing has been proposed to achieve CO2 capture in engineering application. The 3D simulations of the rotary adsorption wheel for post-combustion CO2 capture based on non-equilibrium model have not been reported. In this study, considering the non-equilibrium of heat and mass transfer, the mathematical modeling was performed for temperature swing adsorption process in the rotary bisectional adsorption wheel for the cooling-and-feeding process and rinsing-and-heating process. Comparison with the experimental breakthrough data on the fixed packed-bed was performed to validate the model. Distributions of temperature and mass fraction in the rotary adsorption wheel were obtained in three dimensions, based on which a reasonable arrangement of fluid ducting should be set to meet the different concentration requirement of CO2 capture. There is an optimal rotating speed to make the adsorption-outlet N2 concentration as high as possible and the desorption-outlet N2 concentration as low as possible. Whether considering the adsorption enthalpy or not in the model can greatly impact the heat and mass transfer characteristics of rotary adsorption wheel. The effects of other parameters including particle size, porosity and adsorbent materials will be further analyzed in the future study.

Oxygen separation via chemical looping of the perovskite oxide Sr0.8Ca0.2FeO3 in packed bed reactors for the production of nitrogen from air

A redox chemical looping process is investigated as an add-on deoxygenation unit for the production of high-purity nitrogen from air using pressure swing adsorption systems. A material screening study indicated the non-stoichiometric perovskite oxide Sr0.8Ca0.2FeO3−δ as a promising candidate redox material with fast kinetics and a 75% greater gravimetric oxygen capacity compared to state-of-the-art SrFeO3 at the desired process conditions. Granules of Sr0.8Ca0.2FeO3 were manufactured and characterised according to their thermodynamic and kinetic redox properties. A lab scale packed-bed reactor was experimentally tested as proof-of-concept and used to validate a convection–diffusion model of mass transfer within the reactor. The model was further applied for scaling up to a production of 1000 Nm3h−1 of high-purity nitrogen. The results indicate good performance of the packed-bed configuration and a favourable energy demand compared with existing nitrogen production technologies. The proposed technology could greatly extend the useable oxygen impurity range of pressure swing adsorption systems for nitrogen production.

Biosynthesis of 1,3-propanodiol and 2,3-butanodiol from residual glycerol in continuous cell-immobilized Klebsiella pneumoniae bioreactors.

In recent years, residual glycerol from biodiesel synthesis made this chemical a cheap, readily available carbon source to bioprocess, which is also a form to reduce costs in the fuel industry. We propose and describe a bioprocess using fluidized and packed-bed continuous bioreactors to convert this residual glycerol into value-added products such as 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), largely used in the chemical industry. The bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae BLh-1, strain isolated by us, was immobilized in the permeable support of polyvinyl alcohol (LentiKats®). After testing different dilution rates (D) for all bioreactor configurations, the best obtained productivities of 1,3-PD was 8.69 g L-1 h-1 at a D=0.45 h-1 , and 2.99 g L-1 h-1 at a D=0.30 h-1 for 2,3-BD, both in the packed-bed configuration. In the fluidized-bed reactor, the highest productivity values achieved were 4.48 and 1.16 g L-1 h-1 for 1,3-PD and 2,3-BD, respectively, both at D=0.33 h-1 . These results show the potential of setting up a bioprocess based on continuous cultures using immobilized K.pneumoniae BLh-1 in PVA matrices in order to efficiently convert the abundant surplus of glycerol into commercially important chemicals such as 1,3-PD and 2,3-BD.

Integrated electrocatalytic packed-bed membrane reactor for nitrate removal

Nitrate pollution has become a widespread problem that poses a potential risk for public health. Although electrochemical reduction can be an effective and environmentally friendly strategy for nitrate removal, obtaining non-polluting products (nitrogen) in a short hydraulic retention time via this electrocatalytic process is still challenging. This work features an efficient reactor design that integrates an electrocatalytic packed-bed reactor with a membrane. Granular activated carbon (GAC) loaded with bimetal catalysts (Pd and Cu) was used as the bed packing material (Pd-Cu/GAC). The carbon membrane loaded Pd-Cu, served as cathode, filter, and current collector. The inner core packed with the Pd-Cu/GAC material functioned as an extended three-dimensional electrocatalytic cathode and catalyst. This carbon membrane system can remove 100% nitrate with the packed-bed catalyst in Na2SO4 electrolyte, but only 79.38% without the packed-bed catalyst. The packed-bed configuration can also enhance the nitrogen (N2) selectivity from 39.66 to 78.31%, increasing the NO3– removal rate from 1.72 × 10−4 to 3.62 × 10−4 mmol min−1 cm−2, respectively. Notably, when NaOH electrolyte was used, the single-pass nitrate removal can achieve 100% with a 94.25 % N2 selectivity. These excellent performances highlight the potential to apply the integrated electrocatalytic packed-bed membrane reactor system reported here for large-scale nitrate remediation.

Experimental and numerical study on the orientation distribution of cylindrical particles in random packed beds

Cylindrical particles are widely employed in chemical engineering when a high surface area is necessary for process intensification. However, reliable information about the orientation of non-spherical particles in random packed beds is very scarce. Moreover, a potential effect of the orientation of cylindrical particles on fluid flow has not been examined yet in a real packing geometry. In this work, a new experimental approach has been applied to perform systematic studies of global and local orientation of cylindrical particles in random packed beds. Five different column-to-particle diameter D c / D p ratios were examined, ranging from 4 to 15.1. Orientation distribution was measured in the entire bed, with the bottom region excluded and in the core zone. Next, the experimental cases were reconstructed numerically with different packing densities. Finally, the effect of different orientation distributions of cylindrical particles, including full cylinders (FC) and Raschig rings (RR), on pressure drop (for identical bulk void fraction) in a selected packed bed configuration was examined numerically through computational fluid dynamics simulations. Reproducibility of particles’ orientation distributions was found to be dependent on the number of particles per layer. A substantial effect of the column wall and its bottom on particles orientation was observed. The effect of orientation of FC on pressure drop was found to be moderate, however, in the case of RR, the maximum difference in pressure drop among investigated orientation distributions was as high as 400%. • Systematic experimental analysis of cylindrical particles’ orientation in random packed beds. • Verification of reproducibility of the orientation distribution. • Reproduction of the orientation distribution in a numerical simulation. • CFD study of pressure drop in random packed beds with respect to orientation distribution.

A computational framework for combustion of powdered solid fuels in a MILD reactor using a novel devolatilisation model

In this paper, a computational framework for modelling the thermochemical conversion of powdered solid fuels in a MILD reactor is presented. Specific fuels of interest are high ash coals and lignocellulosic biomass. The novelty of the current framework lies in recognising that the devolatilisation process of charring fuels like biomass and coal is surface heat transfer limited at heating rates relevant to practical systems. The in-house unified ignition devolatilisation model developed for pelletised biomass in a packed bed configuration is extended to powdered fuels. Comprehensive modelling of a 50 kW solid fuel MILD reactor is accomplished by integrating the particle model with a commercially available CFD code. Unsteady Lagrangian particle tracking in an Eulerian gas phase is used to resolve the temperature profile in the reactor. Heat loss from the reactor walls, an essential parameter for obtaining accurate temperature profiles, is obtained by striking an energy balance over the entire domain using experimental data (from the earlier work of the authors). Results of numerical simulations with two different fuels (powdered coal and groundnut shells) covering a wide range of flow conditions obtained with the framework are presented in the current study. Normalised spatial temperature variation and the O mole fraction profiles with the two fuels indicate that the reactor operates in MILD mode. The temperature profiles predicted with the framework are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. The modelling approach successfully predicts the operational regimes of the reactor. A noteworthy feature of the new framework is its applicability in predicting devolatilisation of different fuels without the need for any adjustable constants. This enables the use of this framework as a predictive design tool.

Heat transfer intensification with packed open-cell foams in TSA processes for CO[formula omitted] capture

Packed open-cell foams are proposed as an alternative to standard packed bed configuration commonly adopted for the adsorption columns of a temperature swing adsorption process. In this contribution, heat transfer in an adsorption column with a packed foam configuration is investigated by experimental and modeling analysis, in comparison to a standard packed bed. The introduction of the packed foam allows for more rapid temperature transitions and substantial reduction of temperature gradients within the adsorption bed. The impact of this heat transfer enhancement on the separation performance of a temperature swing adsorption process is evaluated by modeling an example post-combustion CO2 capture application. Although the presence of the foam implies a loss of sorbent inventory (-26.5%), higher process productivity (+80%) is achieved thanks to faster temperature swings and more homogeneous temperature distribution within the adsorption columns.

Catalyst Heating Characteristics in the Traveling-Wave Microwave Reactor

Traveling-Wave Microwave Reactor (TMR) presents a novel heterogeneous catalytic reactor concept based on a coaxial waveguide structure. In the current paper, both modeling and experimental studies of catalyst heating in the TMR are presented. The developed 3D multiphysics model was validated from the electromagnetic and heat transfer points of view. Extrudes of silicon carbide (SiC) were selected as catalyst supports and microwave absorbing media in a packed-bed configuration. The packed-bed temperature evolution was in good agreement with experimental data, with an average deviation of less than 10%. Both experimental and simulation results show that the homogeneous temperature distribution is possible in the TMR system. It is envisioned that the TMR concept may facilitate process scale-up while providing temperature homogeneity beyond the intrinsic restrictions of microwave cavity systems.

Experimental investigation into the integration of solid desiccant packed beds with oscillating heat pipes for energy efficient isothermal adsorption processes

The heat of adsorption released during physical adsorption of water vapour on solid desiccants increases its surface vapour pressure consequently decreasing its adsorption capacity. In packed beds, this raises the bed temperature subsequently increasing the cooling load and energy required for the regeneration of the solid desiccants. In this study, we experimentally investigated helically coiled oscillating heat pipes (HCOHPs) using ethanol, methanol and deionized water respectively as working fluids integrated with packed beds of varying configurations towards isothermal adsorption. The results show average bed temperature reduction varied with heat output from the bed and the thermal performance of the HCOHPs. The fully packed bed (FPB) integrated with the ethanol HCOHP (EOHP) achieved maximum average bed temperature reduction of 14.0 °C. The annulus packed bed (APB) integrated with the water HCOHP (WOHP) achieved a temperature drop of 10.1 °C. Adsorption peak temperature reductions on the other hand were strongly dependent on HCOHP start-up. Maximum adsorption peak temperature reduction of 20.8 °C in Mass Transfer Zone (MTZ) 1 was attained by the FPB-EOHP integrated system. For the APB, maximum adsorption peak temperature reduction of 13.2 °C in MTZ 3 was recorded for Small APB (SAPB)-Methanol HCOHP (MOHP) integrated system. Adsorption rates in the FPB were influenced by the mal-distribution of flow within the bed and increased slightly on integration with the HCOHPs. Maximum adsorption rates of 1.47 × 10−06 kg/s was achieved by the FPB-EOHP. For the APB, the SAPB-WOHP achieved maximum adsorption rates of 1.21 × 10−05kg/s. The adsorption rates in the Medium APB (MAPB) on the other hand did not appear to be influenced on integration with the HCOHPs. Overall, performances of the integrated systems were found to be influenced partly by the packed bed configuration, the HCOHPs’ performance and the heat transfer resistance between the evaporators and the vessel walls. We recommend further optimization of the system parameters and investigation of its regeneration potential for future practical applications.

Characterization of natural rocks as filler materials for medium-temperature packed bed thermal energy storage system

Abstract Packed bed thermal energy storage system is a promising alternative to reduce the overall investment cost of a concentrating solar power plant. However, the choice of suitable filler materials depends on different steps and criteria in order to satisfy the requirements of the target application (e.g. operating temperatures, charging/discharging thermal power, thermal and mechanical stabilities, etc.). Most of the previous experimental investigations have focused on the lifetime stability of rocks at high-temperature up to 500°C. However, they have not discussed the suitability of the unsuccessful ones and their application for medium temperatures (up to 300°C). In this scope, the main aim of the present experimental work is to correlate the petrographic properties of the investigated rocks with their effect on their thermophysical properties, and their thermal stability for a medium-range temperature between 100°C and 300°C. To achieve this objective, four natural rocks (two varieties of pegmatite, cipolin and garnetite) are subjected to several experimental characterizations: At first, a petrographic analysis is done in order to identify the mineralogical composition and the texture of the samples. Secondly, chemical and structural analyses are conducted on the rocks using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray and x-ray power diffraction techniques. Their thermophysical properties (density, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and diffusivity) are also measured. Finally, a thermo-gravimetric analysis is performed in order to test the thermal stability of the investigated rocks. The obtained results suggest that all the studied rocks are potential candidates to be used as filler materials in a packed bed configuration for a medium-range temperature.

Seed-packed dielectric barrier device for plasma agriculture: Understanding its electrical properties through an equivalent electrical model

Seeds have been packed in a dielectric barrier device where cold atmospheric plasma has been generated to improve their germinative properties. Special attention has been paid on understanding the resulting plasma electrical properties through an equivalent electrical model whose experimental validity has been demonstrated here. In this model, the interelectrode gap is subdivided into four types of elementary domains, according to whether they contain electric charges (or not) and according to their type of medium (gas, seed, or insulator). The model enables us to study the influence of seeds on the plasma electrical properties by measuring and deducing several parameters (charge per filament, gas capacitance, plasma power, etc.) either in a no-bed configuration (i.e., no seed in the reactor) or in a packed-bed configuration (seeds in the reactor). In the second case, we have investigated how seeds can influence the plasma electrical parameters considering six specimens of seeds (bean, radish, coriander, lentil, sunflower, and corn). The influence of molecular oxygen (0–100 sccm) mixed with a continuous flow rate of helium (2 slm) is also investigated, especially through filaments breakdown voltages, charge per filament, and plasma power. It is demonstrated that such bed-packing drives to an increase in the gas capacitance (ξOFF), to a decrease in the β– parameter, and to variations of the filaments’ breakdown voltages in a seed-dependent manner. Finally, we show how the equivalent electrical model can be used to assess the total volume of the contact points and the capacitance of the seeds in the packed-bed configuration, and we demonstrate that germinative effects can be induced by plasma on four of the six agronomical specimens.

Integrating Pd-doped perovskite catalysts with ceramic hollow fibre substrate for efficient CO oxidation

Doping Pd into perovskite catalysts helps to reduce light-off temperatures, improve thermal-chemical stability and lowered catalyst cost by decreasing Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). In this study, LaFe0.7Mn0.225Pd0.075O3 (LFMPO) and LaFe0.7Co0.225Pd0.075O3 (LFCPO) were synthesised, characterized and evaluated for catalytic treatment of automotive emissions, using CO oxidation as the model reaction. Such catalysts were further incorporated inside micro-structured ceramic hollow fibre substrates, and compared with a packed bed configuration by light-off temperatures. Performance evaluations suggest that, LFMPO deposited inside the hollow fibre substrate could be light up at 232 °C, which is 10 °C lower than a packed-bed counterpart with the same amount of catalyst (5 mg) and GHSV of ∼5300 h−1. While excessive incorporation of the catalyst (10 mg) generates significantly higher transfer resistance, which impairs catalytic performance of hollow fibre reactors, with CO conversion per gram of catalyst reduced from 0.01 mol g−1 to 0.0051 mol g−1.

Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide with Metal Oxides in Packed Bed Reactors—A Review from a Modeling Perspective with Practical Implications

Sulfur, and in particular, H 2 S removal is of significant importance in gas cleaning processes in different applications, including biogas production and biomass gasification. H 2 S removal with metal oxides is one of the most viable alternatives to achieve deep desulfurization. This process is usually conducted in a packed bed configuration in order to provide a high solid surface area in contact with the gas stream per unit of volume. The operating temperature of the process could be as low as room temperature, which is the case in biogas production plants or as high as 900 ∘ C suitable for gasification processes. Depending on the operating temperature and the cleaning requirement, different metal oxides can be used including oxides of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn. In this review, the criteria for the design and scale-up of a packed bed units are reviewed and simple relations allowing for quick assessment of process designs and experimental data are presented. Furthermore, modeling methods for the numerical simulation of a packed bed adsorber are discussed.