An experimental study of a simulated counter-current adsorption system-I. Isothermal steady state operation

Abstract

Results of an experimental study of a simulated counter-current adsorption system for separation of glucose-fructose mixtures are presented. Efficient separation may be achieved under a wide range of conditions. It is shown that the behaviour of the system, under steady state conditions, may be well described in terms of an equivalent counter-current flow system. Concentration profiles calculated from the dispersed plug flow model, with the dispersion coefficient calculated from pulse chromatographic measurements, provide a good representation of the experimental profiles. Alternatively the behaviour may be described in terms of the equilibrium stage model and the McCabe-Thiele diagram provides a useful means of visualizing the effects of changes in process conditions. The chromatographic HETP is about 10 cm and is approximately the same for both glucose and fructose and independent of fluid velocity, suggesting that axial mixing is more important than mass transfer resistance. © 1985.