Breakthrough curve modelling of ZSM-5 zeolite packed fixed-bed columns for the removal of MTBE

Abstract

ZSM-5, as a hydrophobic zeolite, has a good adsorption capacity for MTBE in batch adsorption studies. This study explores the potential of ZSM-5 as an adsorbent for MTBE in a laboratory scale fixed-bed column study. A series of column tests were carried out to determine the breakthrough curves and evaluate the adsorption performance at different bed lengths. Logit method, Adams-Bohart model, Yoon and Nelson model and Dose-Response model were applied to fit the experimental data in order to predict the breakthrough curves and determine the adsorption kinetics of MTBE onto ZSM-5 in the fixed-bed columns. Dose-Response model was found to best describe the breakthrough curves and the maximum adsorption capacity increased with the increase of bed length. In addition, ZSM-5 can be thermally regenerated at 80 °C and the MTBE removal percentage still remained at >85% after 4 regeneration cycles.