3D Modeling of the Adsorption Rate of Pyridine on Activated Carbon Cloth in a Stirred Tank under Turbulent Conditions

The experimental and numerical analysis of pyridine adsorption onto activated carbon cloth in a stirred batch adsorber under transition and turbulent regime is presented in this work. Three-dimensional numerical modeling of the adsorption process was implemented for the identification of local velocity, local concentration, and concentration gradients inside the adsorber. This represents a costly computational effort in comparison with conventional batch adsorption models, as for instance the Langmuir kinetic model. Both types of modeling yield comparable results, but the advantage of the 3D modeling is a more detailed resolution of variables, thus avoiding the perfectly mixed assumption. Varying the agitation rate (30-200 rpm) and pyridine initial concentration (99 to 487 mg/L), several kinetic and transport parameters were reported. Hydrodynamic and mass boundary layers are identified around the activated carbon adsorbent following the trajectory of agitation. Furthermore, the major pyridine mass flux takes place around the adsorbent, mainly in the posterior zone regarding the agitation direction. This information is crucial in searching for and designing more efficient and intensive adsorbent systems.

Automated summary

This work presents the experimental and numerical analysis of pyridine adsorption onto activated carbon cloth in a stirred batch adsorber under transition and turbulent regime. By implementing three-dimensional numerical modeling, local velocity, local concentration, and concentration gradients inside the adsorber were identified. It was found that varying the agitation rate and pyridine initial concentration can impact the kinetic and transport parameters of the adsorption process, and the formation of hydrodynamic and mass boundary layers around the adsorbent.