Correlation-Based Approach to the Optimization of Fixed-Bed Sorption Units

The sorption of copper, zinc, and cadmium ions onto bone char in fixed-bed columns has been studied. The effects of process variables such as bed height, flow rate, initial concentration, percentage breakthrough, and particle size have been investigated. The results have been used to predict the effect of parameter changes on the system by using the bed depth service time (BDST) approach. After the BDST results are obtained, the system variables can further be optimized based on the adsorbent exhaustion rate and the empty bed residence time (EBRT). The correlations for operating lines of the EBRT plot have been proposed and tested on three metal ion sorption systems. The mechanism of the metal ion sorption on bone char was also investigated.