Modelling the Breakthrough Curves Obtained from the Adsorption of Propene onto Microporous Inorganic Solids

Abstract

The modelling of breakthrough curves obtained in the adsorption of propene as a model compound onto different inorganic solids is described. All the runs were performed in a fixed bed at atmospheric pressure, employing a process temperature of 30 °C and propene concentrations in the range 0.0022–0.0222 mol/Nm 3 . The experimental conditions were therefore similar to those observed in the initial flue gases of cold start engines. The work described was mainly focused on the study of the influence of the adsorbent characteristics (composition, porous structure and surface area) on the kinetics of the adsorption process. The equilibrium adsorption values were initially determined from the breakthrough curves and satisfactorily fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model. These values were then used together with experimental breakthrough curves to analyse the kinetic expressions obtained applying the Linear Driving Force (LDF) model to the dynamic adsorption process. Values of the mass-transfer coefficient, surface and effective diffusion coefficients of propene have been calculated and are reported.