Prediction of breakthrough curves for light hydrocarbons adsorption on 4A molecular sieve zeolite

Abstract

Breakthrough curves for the adsorption of methane, ethane, and propane mixture on 4A molecular sieve zeolite were obtained experimentally and theoretically at a constant temperature of 301 K. The equilibrium model and linear driving force model were used to predict the experimental breakthrough curves for this multi component mixture. The equilibrium model gave a satisfactory fit for experimental data. The model equations were solved by a numerical method based on backward finite difference with a fixed griding technique. The effect of feed flow rate (0.385–3.465 l/min), feed concentration (60.72–182.16 mmole/l), and adsorbates composition (11.73–20.11%) on the breakthrough curves were examined.