FLUIDIZED BED ADSORBER MODELLING AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

A mathematical model for adsorption in a batch fluidized bed is developed considering fluidized bed behaviour. A criterion is also developed to determine the validity of the proposed model. The unsteady state equation of the model is solved by assuming a non-linear equilibrium relationship. A simple procedure is also evolved to estimate back the parameters of the equilibrium relationship from simple batch experiments. Experiments are reported on the adsorption of moisture in air on silica gel for various air flow rates and bed mass. The best values for the parameters of the assumed equilibrium relationship are estimated. It is found that a unique set of values for these parameters predict the experimental results satisfactorily for the whole range of variables studied, thus proving the applicability of the proposed method of obtaining the equilibrium relationship and the proposed model.