Analyzing concurrent multi-stage adsorption process of activated carbon with a favorable parameter of Langmuir equation

The difference in the ratios of concurrent multi-stage adsorbent to single-stage adsorbent was employed to argue the importance of separation factor (RL) or favorable parameter (KLC0) of the Langmuir equation. Porous activated carbon prepared from betel nut stalks and activated with steam was used to adsorb three phenols (phenol, o-cresol, and 4-chlorophenol), two dyes (methylene blue and Acid Blue 264), and tannic acid in various aqueous solutions at 30 °C. The adsorption on the activated carbons was of the pseudo-rectangular, new moon, and mildly rising curve types. Using a practical example, the number of stages necessary for the adsorption process was calculated and analyzed. It was proved that there is a favorable parameter for determining the optimal number of stages for an adsorption process.