ADSORPTION MODEL OF HF ON WOOD CHIPS IN A PACKED-BED REACTOR

The adsorption process of HF on wood chips in a packed-bed reactor was studied. Two adsorption rate limiting mechanisms exist for this proce ss, namely HF supply control and intrinsic adsorption control. In the initial period of this process, the adsorption rate is determined by t he HF supply rate; after the initial period, the adsorption rate is de termined by the intrinsic adsorption rate. Consequently, the HF loadin g profile for this adsorption process includes two distinct parts: an initial linear part and a following non-linear part, corresponding to the two different rate limiting mechanisms. This conceptual model of H F adsorption in the packed-bed reactor was supported by experimental o bservations from a bench-scale, packed-bed reactor. Based on this conc eptual model, a mathematical model was developed to predict the HF loa ding for a given adsorption time under given operating conditions. To demonstrate its application, the mathematical model was used to analyz e the effect of the heat dissipation rate of the reactor on the adsorp tion process.