Abstract
Use of the Wheeler–Jonas (WJ) equation to predict adsorbate breakthrough for a packed bed of granular activated carbon requires the calculation of the overall adsorption rate constant (kν) and the amount adsorbed. These quantities can be calculated from the intercept (A) and slope (B) of a linear fit to the elapsed time as a function of the logarithm of the ratio of the adsorbate concentration (C0 – Cx)/Cx based on the breakthrough curve. Because kν varies with the flow rate (F), numerous measurements at different values of F were performed to find the appropriate value of kν. One relatively simple method for calculating kν directly from the WJ equation is presented and the physical meaning of A and B revealed. The key factors that lead to a simplified calculation of kν are the ratio of the breakthrough time to the equilibrium time (t0.05/t0.50) and the ratio of the equilibrium time to the saturation time (t0.50/t0.95), both of which remain nearly constant for different values of F, concentration and temperature. Knowledge of kν, A and B, and their relationships, are very helpful for predicting the breakthrough behaviour of packed bed adsorbents using the WJ equation.