Removal of water from anisole by 3A molecular sieve in batch and fixed-bed column systems

Abstract

3A molecular sieve, conducted by three thermodynamic and two kinetic adsorption experiments for testing its adsorption ability, was the adsorbent for the removal of trace of H2O from anisole solution in both batch and fixed-bed column operations. The effects of flow rate, initial H2O concentration and bed height on the adsorption characteristics of 3A molecular sieve in the fixed-bed column system were investigated. Data analysis confirmed that the breakthrough curves were dependent on the three factors. Three kinetic models, namely Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart, were applied to experimental data to predict breakthrough curves and to determine the column characteristic parameters that were useful for process design. The data were in good agreement with the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models. It was concluded that 3A molecular sieve could be used to remove trace H2O in anisole solution.