Simulation of an Adsorption Column for The Removal of Ethyl Acetate From Air

Abstract

Adsorption of a toxic VOC, ethyl acetate is studied. The adsorbent used for this study is granular activated carbon. The adsorption isotherms are obtained at four distinct temperatures of 30, 35, 45, and 55o C. The physical properties of the adsorbent is provided by E-merck India. The Langmuir parameters and other data required in the simulations for this study are taken from Manjare & Ghoshal [2] [13]. The results are in agreement with that provided in Manjare & Ghoshal. The equation of state chosen for the modelling is Peng-Robinson equation of state and the momentum balance equation used is Ergun equation, best suited for both laminar and turbulent flow. The assumptions made while developing the mathematical model of the adsorption process include adiabatic and isothermal processes. The driving force is assumed to be linear. Results show that the isotherm best checks with the Langmuir isotherm model. The saturation capacity of the activated carbon varies from 0.73 to 0.487 kg/kg. The molecular diffusivity of the components is of the order of 10-6 m2/s