Adsorption dynamics of isopropanol in structured fixed bed with microfibrous ZSM-5 zeolite structured composite

The micro-fibrous ZSM-5 zeolite structured composite (ZSM-5/PSSF), prepared by combining wet lay-up paper-making with sintering technique followed by secondary growth process, was applied in isopropanol (IPA) adsorption dynamics in structured fixed bed. ZSM/PSSF was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. Adsorption dynamics of isopropanol in structured fixed bed indicated a significant mass transfer enhancement. Bed pressure drop of structured packed bed decreased drastically attributed to excellent permeation nature of 3D network structure in paper-like stainless steel fiber (PSSF). Length of unused bed (LUB) reduced when ZSM-5/PSSF was packed in proper proportions. Breakthrough curves could be well fitted by both Yoon-Nelson and Bed depth service time (BDST) models, rate constant k' and k(a) also confirmed enhancement of mass transfer. In conclusion, excellent mass transfer, low bed pressure drop and high utilization of bed made great contributions in improving adsorption performance of IPA in structured fixed bed. (C) 2017 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.