DYNAMIC MODELLING OF WATER VAPOR ADSORPTION BY ACTIVATED ALUMINA

Prediction of water vapor adsorption by activated alumina in a packed bed operated adiabatically is accomplished through the use of a simplified mathematical model. The model accounts for the heat and mass convection in the axial direction, and characterizes the heat and mass transfer associated with the adsorption process by a linear driving force. A linear isotherm was applied to approximate the equilibrium relationship of water vapor on activated alumina. Experimental data using Alcoa's commercial activated alumina, obtained from a 6 x 48 inch adiabatic column, were compared with model prediction; and a reasonably good agreement between these two was obtained. @KEYWORDS: Mathematical modeling, Adsorption, Activated alumina, Gas drying, Desiccant, Packed column.