Analytical solution to an axial dispersion model for the fixed-bed adsorber

An axial dispersion model for the operation of a fixed-bed adsorber with a linear adsorption isotherm was formulated and solved analytically using the separation of variables method. The asymptotic solution for a large Peclet number and/or a small operation time was also obtained using two limiting cases. The results can be used to correlate or to predict both the mass-tra nsfer zones and the breakthrough curves of a fixed-bed adsorber. Influence of both the Peclet number and the retardation coefficient on the operation of a fired-bed adsorber was also studied As an example, the axial dispersio n model was applied to the experimental data of the removal of phenol from the solution in the activated carbon and the Amberlite resin XAD-4 fixed-be d adsorbers.