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Modeling and computational fluid dynamic simulation of acetaminophen adsorption using sugarcane bagasse

Abstract:

In this work, the mathematical modeling of acetaminophen (ACT) removal in a fixed-bed adsorption column using sugarcane bagasse (SB) as adsorbent was studied. Experimental data were fitted to six analytical models: Thomas, modified dose-response, Yoon-Nelson, Bohart-Adams, Wang, and Wolborska. Three experimental tests were carried out at 2.5 mL/min of flow rate, 57 mg/L of ACT concentration, and bed heights of 23, 33, and 43 cm. The pbkp_redicted breakthrough curve by modified dose-response model agreed acceptably (R2 > 0.91) with experimental curves. Besides, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was developed to simulate and analyze the ACT concentration inside of the adsorption column and the wall channeling effect. The simulated breakthrough curve had a good reproducibility with experimental data, the maximum error between experimental and pbkp_redicted points was 7.03%. In addition, the CFD model shows a high mass transfer zone and a slow adsorption rate in all three tests of ACT adsorption; the mass transfer zone grew as the bed height increased, whereas the wall channeling effects disappeared with increasing bed height. Also, the diffusion resistances and axial dispersion phenomenon were relevant. The results of this research work demonstrate the usefulness of computational fluid dynamics analysis to understand better the adsorption process.