Isotherms constant pattern behavior

Fig. 13. Schematic diagram showing (a) approach to constant pattern behavior for a system with a favorable isotherm and (b) approach to proportionate pattern behavior for a system with an unfavorable isotherm, jy axis cj qlj q,----------------------- < q,-- From ref. 7.

Favorable and unfavorable equihbrium isotherms are normally defined, as in Figure 11, with respect to an increase in sorbate concentration. This is, of course, appropriate for an adsorption process, but if one is considering regeneration of a saturated column (desorption), the situation is reversed. An isotherm which is favorable for adsorption is unfavorable for desorption and vice versa. In most adsorption processes the adsorbent is selected to provide a favorable adsorption isotherm, so the adsorption step shows constant pattern behavior and proportionate pattern behavior is encountered in the desorption step. 

Constant Pattern Behavior In a real system the finite resistance to mass transfer and axial mixing in the column lead to departures from the idealized response predicted by equilibrium theory. In the case of a favorable isotherm the shock wave solution is replaced by a constant pattern solution. The concentration profile spreads in the initial region until a stable situation is reached in which the mass transferrate is the same at all points along the wave front and exactly matches the shock velocity. In this situation the fluid-phase and adsorbed-phase profiles become coincident. This represents a stable situation and the profile propagates without further change in shape—hence the term constant pattern. 

Proportionate Pattern Behavior. If the isotherm is unfavorable (as in Fig. 1,111), the stable dynamic situation leading to constant pattern behavior can never be achieved. The equilibrium adsorbed-phase concentration then lies above rather than below the actual adsorbed-phase profile. As the mass transfer zone progresses through the column it broadens, but the limiting situation, which is approached in a long column, is simply local equilibrium at all points (c = c ) and the profile therefore continues to... 

Bohart and Adams [4] were the first to recognize the existence of this constant pattern behavior. They assumed irreversible adsorption and the control of the mass transfer kinetics by the rate of adsorption. Later Wicke [5] gave an analytical solution in the case of irreversible adsorption, assuming that the mass transfer kinetics are controlled by the diffusion rate inside the particles. The asymptotic nature of constant pattern behavior has been discussed by Cooney and Lightfoot [6], who demonstrated its existence for aU convex-upward isotherms. 

Equation 14.45 applies in linear chromatography. The correct HETP equation in frontal analysis imder constant pattern behavior, and with the same solid film linear driving force model is Eq. 14.36b. Comparison of these two equations shows that an error is made when the latter is used to replace the former, in the equilibrium-dispersive model. We should replace in Eq. 14.44 and 14.45 Atq by k — FAq)/AC. In the case of the Langmuir isotherm, this would give k = fc )/(l + bCo) = X. 

A more comprehensive analysis of constant pattern behavior for a binary system has been given by Rhee and Amundson [3]. In this work, these authors have extended to binary systems the analysis of the combined effects of mass transfer resistance and axial dispersion that they had previously made in the case of single-component bands [4]. Rhee and Amundson [3] assumed the solid film linear driving force model, finite axial dispersion, and no particular isotherm model. The system of equations becomes... 

In most adsorption systems the isotherm is favorable for adsorption and therefore unfavorable for desorption. In desorption the mass transfer zone is therefore dispersive, leading to a continuously spreading concentration prOfife (proportionate-pattern behavior) while in adsorptioii the mass transfer zone is compressive, leading to constant-pattern behavior. For example, for a system which obeys the Langmuir isotherm (Eq. (8.6)] I... 

Since the method depends on constant-pattern behavior it should never be applied to a system in which equilibrium isotherm is unfavorable and it clearly does not provide any information concerning the required regeneration conditions. 

If the isotherm is unfavorable q/q K c/c and the adsorbed phase concentration front lies below the fluid concentration front, as shown in Figure 8.19/>. Under these conditions constant-pattern behavior can never be achieved since equilibrium would be reached first c/Cq->c /c ). For a system with an unfavorable isotherm the asymptotic behavior in a long... 

Figure 7.1.7. Constant-pattern behavior in isothermal singlecomponent adsorption for a gas mixture. (After Sircar and Kumar (1983).)...

FIG. 16-2 Limiting fixed-bed behavior simple wave for unfavorable isotherm (top), square-root spreading for linear isotherm (middle), and constant pattern for favorable isotherm (bottom). [From LeVan in Rodtigues et al. (eds.), Adsorption Science and Technology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dotdtecht, The Nethedands, 1989 reptinted withpeimission.]... 

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