New model for performance prediction in fixed-bed reactors based on the approach of the unused bed zone

• Published in: Water research (Oxford) Vol. 39; no. 16; pp. 4004 - 4010
• Main Authors: Fanfan, P.N., Mabon, N., Carletti, I., Claustriaux, J.J., Thonart, P., Lognay, G., Copin, A, Barthélemy, J.P.
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2005; Elsevier Science; Pergamon Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Bioreactors; Biotechnology; Environment and pollution; Environmental sciences & ecology; Equipment Design; Exact sciences and technology; Fixed-bed reactors (FBR); Forecasting; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Lead removal; Life sciences; Modeling; Models, Theoretical; Natural zeolite; Other industrial wastes. Sewage sludge; Pollution; Sciences de l’environnement & écologie; Sciences du vivant; Temperature; Unused bed zone (UBZ); Wastes; Water Movements; Water Pollutants - isolation & purification; Water Purification - methods; Water treatment and pollution; New Zealand; Oceania; Natural zeolite; Lead removal; Fixed-bed reactors (FBR); Modeling; Unused bed zone (UBZ); Pollutant; Laminar flow; Fixed bed reactor; Zeolite; Forecast model; Optimization; Operating conditions
• ISSN: 0043-1354; 1879-2448; 1879-2448
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2005.07.027

In the present study a practical model useful for designers dealing with pilot scale reactors for pollutant control has been developed. Investigations were undertaken for a single-component lead study on New Zealand clinoptilolite at the temperature of 25±1 ° C. Fifteen runs under different operating conditions such as particle characteristics (expressed as d p * / D ), column geometry (as l * / D ) and flow speed (as R e *) have been performed. The results were interpreted by a response surface method (RSM) from which an equation giving the unused bed zone (UBZ) was obtained. From those dimensionless parameters, a sequence of contour plots was drawn, making it easy for a designer to choose optimum design parameters while controlling the operation performance. The flow rate ( R e *) range was established over the laminar flow conditions from 1 to 8, ( l/ D*) was extended from 7 to 20 and ( d p/ D*) varied from 3% to 10%. Optimization of performance of the reactor as UBZ could vary from 10% to 40% of the material operating capacity.