Mass transfer in VOC adsorption on zeolite: Experimental and theoretical breakthrough curves

From experimental results of adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs ) on zeolite, we propose simulations of the breakthrough curves based on th e Linear Driving Force model. Experiments were run on fixed beds of hydroph obic commercial zeolites. Pollutants chosen are from-several chemical class es with different polarities. A good agreement between experimental and num erical results is found when an adjustable value of the internal mass-trans fer coefficient is used. A constant value of effective diffusivity is found independent of the nature and the amount of VOCs adsorbed. A relation link ing intrapellet mass-transfer coefficient and equilibrium constant is propo sed, including the average effective diffusivity, to make predictions of br eakthrough curves for any kind of volatile organic pollutant in gaseous eff luents.