Experimental validation for a mathematical model describing beryllium retention on flow-through fixed bed reactor of Amb-IR-120

A mathematical model has been reviewed and used to simulate retention of beryllium ions on flow-through fixed bed reactor of Amb-IR-120. The interlinked effects of structural parameters, kinetics, hydrodynamic and operating conditions have been incorporated in the mathematical model. The mathematical model was experimentally validated using different sets of experiments at different values of linear velocity, bed thickness, initial concentration and pH of the feeding solution. Analysis of the respective experimental results in accordance with predictions of the theoretical model gave a satisfactory agreement at the present set of the investigated parameters. The results and analysis may help in optimizing the reactor design and the operating conditions.

► Work on beryllium adsorption onto ion exchanger is considered to be scarce. ► Model predictions for beryllium retention were compared to the experimental data. ► Better understanding of the ion exchanger and column design may be concluded.