User-Oriented Batch Reactor Solutions to the Homogeneous Surface Diffusion Model

Fixed-bed absorber dynamics have been predicted successfully using the homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) for over 100 adsorbate-adsorbent systems which include a number of the organics found in drinking water and wastewater treatment. User-oriented solutions to the HSDM have been developed and can be used to: (1) Plan the scope of pilot-plant studies; (2) interpret pilot-scale test results; (3) investigate multistage absorber configurations; and (4) estimate preliminary costs for fixed-bed adsorbers. This paper presents the model development and user-oriented solutions for a batch reactor system. These are provided for the determination of the surface diffusion coefficient which is required for fixed-bed predictions. A step-by-step procedure for the determination of the surface diffusion coefficient is presented and includes methods testing, statistical analysis, simplified algebraic equations which give quick and approximate representations to model solutions, and detailed examples for both fast and slow diffusion molecules.