Design of a device for contaminants (eg. Arsenic) adsorption
Adsorption is a relatively easy-to-model physico-chemical process under ideal conditions. However, these ideal conditions are never met in practice: flow rate, pH, temperature, and feed composition may vary, the material has non-uniform granularity, and the presence of other substances (phosphorus, vanadium, etc.) interferes with the desired adsorption.
All these deviations from ideality are considered in the model, which correctly manages variable conditions, accounts for interference from other substances, and considers bed granularity, even with varying spatial distribution. The model can also simulate filter batteries in series, parallel, or combined configurations.
This rigorous approach goes beyond the maximum adsorption capacity of the material, considering the transfer of the contaminant of interest from the liquid phase to particles and the diffusional migration within them.
The model accurately predicts the evolution of output concentration over time and, particularly, identifies the filter lifespan needed to ensure that arsenic concentration remains below regulatory limits. Additionally, it aids in sizing: by setting a desired filter lifespan, the required dimensions are provided.
The model’s most exciting feature is its flexibility: with adequate experimental data, it can be adapted to any type of fixed-bed adsorption, for either liquids or gases, while retaining full.
