Discrete Equilibrium Data from Dynamic Column Breakthrough Experiments

A new method for extracting discrete equilibrium data from a set of dynamic column breakthrough experiments is described. Instead of the classical approach where an isotherm model, i.e., a function, is used to describe the equilibrium, this approach represents the isotherm as a set of discrete points. For a given set of discrete fluid phase concentrations, an optimization method is used to determine the corresponding solid loadings that lead to the best-fit prediction of the experimental breakthrough profile. In this work, we develop the algorithm and validate it using single-component case studies, for a variety of isotherm shapes. The practical use of the method is demonstrated by applying it to experimentally measured breakthrough profiles taken from the literature.