Values of the mass transfer coefficient of the linear driving force model for VOC adsorption on activated carbons

Modelling of activated carbon cartridges is essential in personal protective equipments against toxic gases in order to know the duration of protection. The linear driving force model seems to be more adapted than the actual Wheeler–Jonas model because it has more physical significance. The difficulty is that the mass transfer coefficient can not be calculated a priori. Values of the LDF mass transfer coefficient are disseminated in the literature and thus there is no overview of the range and variations with different adsorbents, adsorbates and concentrations. The object of this paper is thus twofold: obtaining values of the mass transfer coefficient at different concentrations and adsorbates in order to have a comprehensive view of variations and appreciating the validity of the LDF constant pattern model.

► Modelling adsorption fronts by the linear driving force model requires the determination of the mass transfer coefficient.
► Investigation of the values of the coefficient for two compounds at several feed concentrations was made.
► Values are determined by adjusting the calculated breakthrough curve on experimental values.
► Values can be considered as constant for feed concentration higher than 250 ppm.