Modeling is an effective way to understand the intricate effects of parameters affecting the performance of multistage fluidized bed adsobers. In this study, a two-phase model was developed to predict the adsorption of 1,2,4- Trimethylbenzene on a polymeric adsorbent (Dowex Optipore V503) in a sixstage countercurrent fluidized bed adsorber. The model was used in two modes of emulsion gas in perfectly-mixed flow (EGPM) and in plug flow (EGPF). A simpler model, Equilibrium model, was also used for comparison. Results show that the Equilibrium model shows satisfactory results only if the gas and solids in each stage of the fluidized bed adsorber are in equilibrium or in nearequilibrium condition. The two-phase model, on the other hand, could successfully predict the experimental results, with EGPF mode showing better performance than EGPM (R2=0.90 and 0.80, respectively). The success of the proposed two-phase model lies in its ability to take into account the mass transfers (in emulsion phase, in bubble phase and between emulsion and bubble phases), as well as the residence time distribution of solids in stages.
展开▼
