Additionally, to assess the adsorbents’ macroporosity, the porosimetry by mercury (Hg) intrusion appears as an indispensable technique, once it provides the
quantitative description of the porous structure of the solid [86].
An important criterion is whether the adsorbent will tolerate the operating
conditions in the adsorber after it has been packed. The physical limitation of the
adsorbent pellets results in dust formation, causing the increase of the pressure drop
and, consequently, the substitution of the adsorbent. The possibility of this occurrence is readily assessed by crushing strength determination. The crushing strength
is a function of the density, moisture content, and temperature [87].
In summary and as explained, before the application of the adsorption-based
technology itself, the process begins with the selection of an adsorbent for a given
separation. Usually, this choice is made through the literature review to select
possible materials that best suit our requirements. After the first screening of existing
materials, the final selection is made, taking into account the feasibility of shaping
the material and producing it on a large scale.
The characterization of the shaped material is then carried out, as well as the
characterization of the whole system by measuring the adsorption equilibrium and
dynamic data. Only at this stage, it is possible to choose the operating conditions and
combine the material with the most favorable technology for a given separation.
However, throughout this process, from the characterization to the measurements
of dynamic and equilibrium data, it is necessary to understand the obtained experimental results and make appropriate conclusions. For this, it is essential to find the
theoretical models that best fit the system under study, adjust the data, and interpret.
These theoretical models are also crucial for the mathematical modeling of the
process, to represent the system behavior as best as possible. For this reason, this
choice is of the utmost importance, taking into account that it is from the mathematical modeling that it is possible to design, analyze, optimize, and upscale the
process.
Mathematical modeling for the design, analysis, and optimization of processes is
becoming increasingly important in the industry since it offers several advantages
over traditional design methodologies. In this field, the gPROMS (general PROcess
Modelling System) software is a tool as an equation-based modeling language to
describe and simulate complex systems of chemical engineering [88].
In this chapter, we will present the several steps necessary to prove the concept at
pilot scale, since the equilibrium to the dynamic studies and modeling to the final
optimization and industry-scale process design itself, through some examples available in the literature.
3.1 Pure Component Adsorption Equilibrium
The usual way to obtain adsorption equilibrium parameters, required for system
modeling and characterization, involves first measuring adsorption equilibrium
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V. F. D. Martins et al.
quantitative description of the porous structure of the solid [86].
An important criterion is whether the adsorbent will tolerate the operating
conditions in the adsorber after it has been packed. The physical limitation of the
adsorbent pellets results in dust formation, causing the increase of the pressure drop
and, consequently, the substitution of the adsorbent. The possibility of this occurrence is readily assessed by crushing strength determination. The crushing strength
is a function of the density, moisture content, and temperature [87].
In summary and as explained, before the application of the adsorption-based
technology itself, the process begins with the selection of an adsorbent for a given
separation. Usually, this choice is made through the literature review to select
possible materials that best suit our requirements. After the first screening of existing
materials, the final selection is made, taking into account the feasibility of shaping
the material and producing it on a large scale.
The characterization of the shaped material is then carried out, as well as the
characterization of the whole system by measuring the adsorption equilibrium and
dynamic data. Only at this stage, it is possible to choose the operating conditions and
combine the material with the most favorable technology for a given separation.
However, throughout this process, from the characterization to the measurements
of dynamic and equilibrium data, it is necessary to understand the obtained experimental results and make appropriate conclusions. For this, it is essential to find the
theoretical models that best fit the system under study, adjust the data, and interpret.
These theoretical models are also crucial for the mathematical modeling of the
process, to represent the system behavior as best as possible. For this reason, this
choice is of the utmost importance, taking into account that it is from the mathematical modeling that it is possible to design, analyze, optimize, and upscale the
process.
Mathematical modeling for the design, analysis, and optimization of processes is
becoming increasingly important in the industry since it offers several advantages
over traditional design methodologies. In this field, the gPROMS (general PROcess
Modelling System) software is a tool as an equation-based modeling language to
describe and simulate complex systems of chemical engineering [88].
In this chapter, we will present the several steps necessary to prove the concept at
pilot scale, since the equilibrium to the dynamic studies and modeling to the final
optimization and industry-scale process design itself, through some examples available in the literature.
3.1 Pure Component Adsorption Equilibrium
The usual way to obtain adsorption equilibrium parameters, required for system
modeling and characterization, involves first measuring adsorption equilibrium
154
V. F. D. Martins et al.