Theoretical predictions of heat- and mass-transfer coefficients of dynamic adsorption process

In this work, the approach proposed by Glueckauf is used to study the properties of the adsorption of a dilute component from a binary gas stream flowing through a bed packed with 13X zeolite. The numerical solution to the unsteady state heat- and mass-transfer equations describing the process is readily applicable to the design of a carbon dioxide removal system. The solution to these equations depends on the assumption of a nonlinear Isotherm equation to relate concentration on the solid phase to concentration In gas phase, and of a linear heat removal equation to account for the accumulation rate of heat In the solid phase. These assumptions are shown to be justifiable for a dilute adsorbate with large heat of adsorption. This approach permits the prediction of effects of adsorbate concentration, gas flow rate, and bed loading on the removal of the component. The equations Involve two parameters: one characterized by the nature of the adsorbate, another by the plate-fin spacing. Values of these parameters determined for CO2/13X and H2O/13X adsorption systems are presented. This work points out the mass transfer mechanism of the adsorption process and the type of experimental data needed for a design of an adsorption process. A comparison between a model proposed by others for the same set of experimental data and the model of this work is also presented