Zeolite sorption kinetics experimental

Tn recent experimental work in this laboratory (1-3) we have studied the kinetics and equilibria of sorption of light hydrocarbons and some other simple non-polar molecules, in 5A zeolite. The crystal structure of the A-type zeolites is among the simplest of the zeolitic lattices (4). In this paper we show that many features of the sorption kinetics and equilibria may be explained by simple theoretical considerations. 

Fig. 4 a Schematic setup for experimental studies of sorption and sorption kinetics by micro -FTIR spectroscopy (so-called FTIR microscopy), b Flow cell for micro-FTIR investigations of sorption and sorption kinetics in zeolites [30,31]... 

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) unit is a dynamic separation process. In order to create a precise model of the process and thus an accurate design, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the mixture s adsorption behaviour. Consequently, the dilAision rates in the adsorbent particles and the mixture isotherms are extremely vital data. This article intends to present a new approach to study the adsorption behaviour of isomer mixtures on zeolites. In a combined simulation and experimental project we set out to assess the sorption properties of a series of zeolites. The simulations are based on the configurational-bias Monte Carlo technique. The sorption data are measured in a volumetric set-up coupled with an online Near Infra-Red (NIR) spectroscopy, to monitor the bulk composition. Single component isotherms of butane and iso-butane were measured to validate the equipment, and transient volumetric up-take experiments were also performed to access the adsorption kinetics. 

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