Prediction and experimental verification of HFC-134a adsorption by activated carbons

Theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted on the adsorptio n characteristics of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) by granular and e xtruded activated carbons (GAC and EAC). HFC-134a is currently regarded as an excel-lent replacement for CFC-12 (Freon 12), a refrigerant previously u sed in all automobiles and many cooling systems. Experimental results of co lumn adsor-ption were employed to verify the theoretical breakthrough curve s generated from the pro-posed model and excellent model fit of the breakth rough curves of HCFC-134a adsorption were obtained. Investigations were als o made on the effects of gas velocity, inlet HFC-134a concentration and ope rating temperature on the adsorption efficiency.