A review of models developed to predict gaseous phase activated carbon adsorption of organic compounds

Abstract

Models developed to predict thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of gaseous phase activated carbon adsorption of organic compounds are reviewed. Recent advances permit accurate predictions of critical factors of dynamic physical adsorption processes (e.g., time to contaminant breakthrough, dispersion of the breakthrough curve, and adsorption capacity of carbon) for single adsorbate systems. The effects of water vapor and the presence of other organic adsorbates on the adsorption of an organic vapor are also reviewed. Additional developments are required concerning these latter effects to permit rational process design and accurate prediction of process operation for multiadsorbate gaseous phase adsorption systems under a range of environmental conditions. Specific aspects which require further research are identified.