Separation of volatile compounds by condensation in a fluidized bed

A depollution process by separation in fluidized bed has been studied. Volatile compounds are condensed and captured by fluidized porous particles before being renewed in an evaporation reactor. This study shows that low superficial gas velocity, cold bed temperature gave a high and stable abatement rate as well as they provided a good use of the internal porosity of the particles to stock the liquid condensates. The bed remained correctly fluidized until the particles are saturated with adsorbate. Simulations by a previously developed model have then be compared to empirical results. Particle internal porosity proved to be well used as a storage capacity for the liquid fractions of pollutants before any liquid fraction concentrated on the external surface provoked defluidization. Experiences of particle regeneration by heating confirmed the mass balance precision and also proved the feasibility of the whole process.