Application of equilibrium and mass transfer models to dynamic removal of Cr(VI) ions by Chitin in packed column reactor

The dynamic removal of hexavalent chromium by chitin flakes was studied in a packed column reactor. The values of column parameters were predicted as a function of flow rate, bed depth, particle size and inlet metal ion conce ntration. On evaluating the breakthrough curves, sorption isotherms were ob tained and modelled according to the Langmuir, the Redlich-Peterson and the Freundlich models. Kinetic and mass transfer aspects of the dynamic remova l of Cr(VI) ions by chitin were investigated using several mathematical mod els. Column studies showed a good correlation between the experimental data and the calculated breakthrough curves obtained by the Adams-Bohart or the Wolborska models and the Clark model. The simulation of the whole breakthr ough curve was effective with the Clark model, but the breakthrough was bes t predicted by Adams-Bohart. or related derived models. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.