A Reynolds mass flux model for gas separation process simulation: II. Application to adsorption on activated carbon in a packed column

Simulations of adsorption process using the Reynolds mass flux model described in Part I of these serial articles are presented. The object of the simulation is the methylene chloride adsorption in a packed column (0.041 m id, packed with spherical activated carbon up to a length of 0.2 m). With the Reynolds mass flux model, breakthrough/regeneration curves, concentration and temperature as well as the velocity distributions can be obtained. The simulated results are compared with the experimental data reported in the literature and satisfactory agreement is found both in breakthrough/regeneration curves and temperature curves. Moreover, the anisotropic turbulent mass diffusion is characterized and discussed.

Graphical abstractAnisotropic turbulent mass diffusivity in unsteady-state adsorption process is characterized (see figure), with the idea of using the Reynolds mass flux model presented in Part I of these series works. Distributions of the adsorbate concentration are obtained, which show the details of the behaviors of adsorption in packed column. The agreement between the simulations and experimental measurements for breakthrough curves is satisfactory. It demonstrates that more precise simulation can be obtained if the anisotropy of turbulent mass diffusivity is taken into account.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide