Description

UOP15 demonstrates the adsorption of a solute, carbon dioxide, from a binary gas mixture onto the surface of a solid adsorbent, activated carbon. The process takes place in a fixed bed adsorption column.

The adsorption and desorption/regeneration processes are monitored using temperature sensors sited at intervals along the column and also by carbon dioxide measurement of the exit gas using an infra red (IR) detector.

The UOP15 introduces students to the fundamentals of adsorption and desorption processes using a packed bed reactor. The unit is fitted with a stainless steel reactor column in which the adsorbent, activated carbon, is packed.

There are six thermocouples (T1 – T6) sited along the length of the column, which enable the adsorption/desorption fronts to be followed (adsorption/desorption of CO2 leads to changes in temperature).

A hot water circulation system, also containing a thermocouple (T7), is connected to the jacket of the column to enable accurate temperature control via a PID temperature controller. This way the desired processing temperature is accurately maintained.

The system is equipped with all the valves required for flow direction control, flow rate control and pressure relief for safety.

Electronic flow meters monitor the flow rate of both the carrier gas, helium, and the absorbate, carbon dioxide. These combined with the column temperature sensors and the IR detector, for measuring CO2 concentration, enable the processes to be followed closely and a wide range of operating variables to be examined.

There is a divert path around the column, which is used for calibration of the IR detector and also setting up of process conditions prior to beginning an experiment.

The recommended operation variables are flow rates of 0 – 5 SLPM and pressures of 0 – 0.3 bar. Such operating pressures suit safe operation and provide ideal conditions for the adsorption/desorption processes.

The UOP15 column is easily loaded with the activated carbon supplied or the operator could use their own variety thus enabling performance comparison of different adsorbents.

All important sensors used on the unit are electronic and provide outputs for data logging and analysis. The data logger, provided with the unit, interfaces between the UOP15 unit and the user’s computer using a USB port.

The associated software enables graph plotting and provides full instructions on setting up the equipment and performing the experiments.