A phenomenological-mathematical approach in simulating the loss in weight of chlorine during sodalite synthesis

► The standard Fourier solution of the diffusion equation is modified by using a phenomenological approach to simulate the observed weight loss during the synthesis of sodalite. ► The influences of actual measurement process on the mathematical modelling setting, in particular geometrical parameters. ► The final numerical results show an excellent agreement with the experimental data. ► Notwithstanding the proposed methodology is addressed to the specific problem, it could have application in different fields.