Breakthrough analysis of continuous fixed-bed dehydration of gas streams using 4A zeolite molecular sieve

The experimentally investigation for dehydration of gas streams in a fixed-bed adsorption column using a 4A molecular sieve was reported for the first time. Different operating conditions of the adsorption system were performed, such as flow rate (2.0, 5.0 and 8.0 L min.-1) and bed depths (10, 20 and 30 cm). A significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in exhaustion time of the adsorption column was verified as a result of the increase in the flow rate. On the other hand, a significantly increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the rupture time and the mass transfer zone (MTZ) were observed when the bed depths rise. Furthermore, the experimental data were satisfactory described by the Yoon-Nelson model due to high values of correlation coefficient (R2). These results suggested the suitability of 4A zeolite molecular sieve for the dehydration of gas streams in continuous operating mode. Moreover, it could be interesting for the scientific communities and industry.