The balancing of NO concentration fluctuations by adsorption/desorption process on activated carbon

The present work deals with adsorption/desorption process of NO on activated carbon. The goal of the experiments was to determine under which conditions is the activated carbon bed able to damp down the concentration fluctuations of NO in the gas entering the bed. It was found out that the residence time necessary to balance out the input concentration fluctuations of NO increases along with the average concentration of NO. The minimum mean residence time of 3–9 min was found as necessary to level the average NO concentration ranging from 357 to 1428 ppm. The decisive parameters for the extent of attenuation are discussed in the terms of linear driving force model for fixed-bed adsorber dynamics.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► NO concentration fluctuations in flowing gas are balanced by the flow through adsorbent. ► Adsorbent has to be saturated by NO. ► Activated carbon is suitable adsorbent. ► Sufficient residence time is necessary for concentration fluctuations balancing.