Analysis of a tubular zeolite membrane process

Abstract

Models for analyzing the adsorption and diffusion of a sorbate from an inert carrier gas through a zeolite membrane grown on a porous tubular support are proposed. For a system with negligible support resistance, analytical solutions are developed for the cases of constant and concentration-dependent diffusivities. A Langmuir isotherm model has been assumed and chemical potential gradient is considered as the driving force for diffusion in order to represent the concentration dependence of crystal diffusivity. Possibility of estimating meaningful kinetic parameters from permeance data is also discussed in detail.