Kinetic and mass transfer effects for adsorption of glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructooligosaccharides into X zeolite

This work aims to investigate the single component adsorption of glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using six cationic forms (Na+, Ca+2, Ba+2, Sr2+, K+ and Mg2+) of the X zeolite in a stirred tank reactor. A mathematical model was proposed taking into account the kinetic and mass transfer phenomena. The estimated parameters were used to evaluate adsorption rates and mass transfer resistances involved in the process. Based on experimental results, it was found that the separation of glucose, fructose and sucrose from the reaction medium could be performed using the following forms of zeolites: NaX, NaX/BaX and MgX/CaX. However, a low adsorption capacity and a high mass transfer resistance for separation of FOS were found. The analysis of the estimated process parameters and experimental data led to the conclusion that the NaX type zeolite was the most appropriated, since a higher adsorption rates and lower mass transfer resistance was found out in comparison to any other cationic forms.

► The single component adsorption of sugars was investigated. ► A mathematical model taking into account the kinetic and mass transfer phenomena was proposed. ► The stirred tank reactor was used. ► The NaX zeolite was the most appropriated adsorber. ► In the NaX zeolite was observed high adsorption rates and low mass transfer resistance.