| A generalized mathematical model consisting of (4N) partial differential equations (N is the number of sorbates) was developed to describe the process of multicomponent adsorption on activated carbon in fixed beds. In the physical model, both intraparticle and interparticle diffusional resistances were included. The non-linear Fritz isotherm was used to describe the adsorption equilibrium. Numerical, finite difference, solutions for the adsorption of binary and ternary organic mixtures were shown to match satisfactorily to previously published experimental data. The extension of the model to an N-component system was also developed. The model was also used to predict breakthrough curves for a ternary system with feed concentrations subject to step changes and sinusoidal disturbances of forms encountered in practice. A simplified model to decrease computation time was developed and shown to be useful for certain operating and system conditions. This generalized comprehensive model is expected to reduce the need for costly and time-consuming pilot scale experiments considerably. |
