Question

An ion exchange column containing 99.3 g of amberlite ion exchange resin was used to remove Cu2+ from a solution where Co = 0.452 M CuSO4. The tower height = 30.5 cm and diameter =2.59 cm. The flow rate was 1.37 cm3 solution/s to the tower. The breakthrough data are shown below:

Time (s)                                 C [ g Cu mol/L ]

420                                            0

480                                           0.0033

510                                          0.0075

540                                          0.0157

600                                          0.0527

660                                           0.1063

720                                           0.1433

780                                          0.1634

810                                          0.1722

870                                           0.1763

900                                           0.180

The concentration at desired breakthrough is C/Co = 0.010.

Determine the following:

1.1 The breakthrough time.

1.2 Fraction of total capacity used up to the breakthrough point.

1.3 Length of unused bed.

1.4 Saturation loading capacity of the solid adsorbent.

NB: Units of C/Co is gmol/L

Answer 1

First calculate the value of for every concentration.

Then make a curve between times v/s C/Co

The breakthrough time from the curve can be calculated around = 490 seconds. ( The point where C/Co = 0.010)

(1.2) Total or stoichiometric capacity of the packed bed =

The time equivalent to the usable capacity of the bed up to the break-point time is =  

Hence, the fraction of total capacity used up to the break-point is

(1.3) Length of unused bed =

(1.4) Saturation loading capacity of the solid adsorbent =

To determine the saturation capacity of the carbon, air flow rate is

Density of

Totoal alcohol adsorbed is

Saturation capacity is