Mathematical modeling of low-pressure biogas H2S removal by

granular activated carbon in fixed bed column

Fabiano Bisinella Scheufelea,*, Helton José Alvesb, Rodrigo Sequinelb, Bárbara Bulhões
Cazulab, Eliane Soares da Silvab, Laressa Cacianob, Carlos Eduardo Borbab,
Thiago Fernando Magrini Lopezc, Alessandra Freddoc, Giovani Silvero Patuzzoc
a Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering - COEBB, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Toledo, 85902-490, Brazil
b
Materials and Renewable Energy Laboratory - LABMATER, Federal University of Paraná, Palotina 85950-000, Brazil
c Centro Internacional de Energias Renováveis - Biogás (CIBiogás-ER), Foz do Iguaçú 85867-900, Brazil

Abstract

This work focused to obtain kinetic and equilibrium experimental data for the H2S adsorption by using a babassu derived
granular activated carbon (GAC) in fixed bed column and to investigate the mechanism involved in the process by
applying mathematical modeling aiming to support the design and scale up of fixed bed adsorption systems. For this, a
lab-scale fixed bed column was assembled, and breakthrough curves were experimentally obtained for feed H 2S
concentrations of 0.152, 1.327, 2.577 mg L-1 (i.e. 50, 500 and 1000 ppmmol) under low pressure conditions (2 bar). The
developed mathematical model based on the linear driving model and Langmuir isotherm was able to adequately describe
the experimental data, and to determine the equilibrium (qmax = 20.61 mg g-1 and b = 16.84 L mg-1) and kinetic parameters
(kG = 3.3×10-2 min-1 and Dax = 6.226 cm2 s-1) of the adsorption process. The proposed mathematical modeling also showed
predictivity capacity, hence it is expected to support the design of real scale adsorption systems. Overall, the GAC showed
desirable features, especially considering the low-pressure condition, such as favorable kinetics, long bed operation times,
high adsorbent-adsorbate affinity and adsorption capacity, as well as practical advantages such as low pressure drop in
the fluid flow. Hence, the H2S adsorption by the GAC in fixed bed column shows remarkable potential for application,
even in small-scale biogas plants, since it requires straightforward infrastructure facilities for the treatment systems.

Keywords: mass transfer; LDF model; equilibrium; kinetics; Ergun equation.

mainly related to the adsorbent. Therefore, the

1. Introduction
Biogas stands out as one of the most promising
renewable sources for energy production. Several
residual sources may be used for the anaerobic
biodigestion. The swine manure presents several
advantages and desirable characteristics as a
residual feedstock to the biogas production;
however, it is associated to high levels of hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) in the biogas. The H2S is a toxic and
odorous compound and can lead to pipelines and
combustion engines corrosion, also the H2S is
potentially harmful for the environment wherein
SOx and can be converted to sulfuric acid and cause
acid rain [1,2]. Hence, the sulfur compounds
removal from biogas is a major drawback for the
biogas chain supply and strongly impacts in the
feasibility of this fuel [3].
Amongst the desulfurization techniques, the
adsorption using activated carbon is one of the most
used [2], wherein the overall process’ costs are
development of a suitable adsorbent material as well
as the optimization of the operational conditions are
a key factor to the process.
Given its complexity, the design and optimization
of an appropriate fixed bed adsorption system
generally requires a deep understanding on the
mechanisms and relevant transport phenomena
involved in the adsorption dynamics for a selected
adsorbent. For this purpose, a predictive model
using in dependently established equilibrium and
kinetic parameters may provide a method of
estimating the column dynamic performance
without extensive experimentation and further
support the design of large-scale equipment [4,5].
In this context, the aim of this work was to obtain
kinetic and equilibrium experimental data for the
H2S adsorption by a granular activated carbon in
fixed bed column and to assess the data through
mathematical modeling aiming to support the design
and scale up of fixed bed adsorption systems.
2. Materials and Methods
The activated carbon assessed was a granular
activated carbon (GAC) specified as 8×30 with a
particle diameter ranging from 3 to 5 mm from
Brascarbo Agroindustrial Ltda., produced from
babassu peels, an organic waste from the babassu
processing industry. The gases used in the
experiments were primary standard mixtures (White
Martins) of nominal concentrations of 50, 500 and
1000 ppmmol H2S (0.152, 1.327, 2.577 mg L-1) in N2
(balance).
Aiming to survey experimental data to support
the design of real-scale adsorptions systems for
hydrogen sulfide removal from biogas a pilot-scale
column was assembled to study the kinetic and
equilibrium behavior and the operational conditions
influence over the fixed bed performance. Further,
based on the experimental data a mathematical
model was developed in order to describe the kinetic
and equilibrium behavior of the fixed bed column
and to simulate other operational conditions aiming
the scale up of the system to real scale systems.
Fixed bed column H2S adsorption onto the
commercial activated carbon assays were performed
in a temperature-controlled stainless-steel column
lined with Teflon of 2.5 cm internal diameter and
48.5 cm of total height, which was packed with a
defined mass of activated carbon reaching a bed
height of 8.1 cm.
In all adsorption assays, a volumetric flow rate of
1.8 L min-1 (30 mL s-1) was used in upstream flow.
Analyzes of the standard gas samples (before
starting the adsorption experiments) and the samples
collected at bed exit were performed on a gas
chromatograph Micro GC model C2V-200, Thermo
Scientific, with a nano thermal conductivity detector
(TCD) and Plot type columns - MS5A (Molecular
Sieve 5A) and Bond-U type (divinylbenzene type
U). Helium (99.99%) was used as carrier gas.
The pressure (2 bar) and temperature (45°C)
operational conditions were defined in previous
experiments by a complete factorial experimental
design 2³ (data not shown), with a H2S feed
concentration of 500 ppmmol in N2 up to the
breakthrough time (𝑡𝑏 ) (which was defined based on
the maximum concentration for H2S in biomethane
(i.e. 𝐶 = 10 𝑝𝑝𝑚) preconized by the National
Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels -
ANP (ANP Resolution n° 8/2015).
The breakthrough curves were obtained, in which
the concentration of H2S at the bed exit was
quantified until reaching 𝑡𝑡 (𝑞𝑠𝑎𝑡 ) adsorption
capacity were determined, by applying Eq. (1) and
(2), respectively.
𝐶0 𝑄 𝑡𝑏 𝐶|𝑧=𝐿
𝑞𝑏 = ∫ (1 − ) 𝑑𝑡 (1)
𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑠 0 𝐶0
𝐶0 𝑄 𝑡𝑡 𝐶|𝑧=𝐿
𝑞𝑒 = ∫ (1 − ) 𝑑𝑡 (2)
𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑠 0 𝐶0
Where, 𝑞𝑏 and 𝑞𝑒 are the concentration in the solid
phase at the breakthrough time and at the saturation
condition (mg g-1), respectively; 𝐶0 is the H2S feed
concentration in the gas phase (mg L-1), 𝑄 is the
volumetric flowrate in the gas stream feed in the bed
(L min-1), mads is the adsorbent mass (d.b.) (g), 𝐶|𝑧=𝐿
is the H2S concentration in the bed exit (mg L-1), 𝑡𝑏
and 𝑡𝑡 are the breakthrough and saturation time of
the bed (min). The bed efficiency was also
calculated given by the ratio of the solid phase
concentration at the breakthrough time and at the
saturation (i.e. 𝜂 = 𝑞𝑏 /𝑞𝑠𝑎𝑡 ).
3. Mathematical modeling
In order to evaluate the dynamic and equilibrium
behavior of H2S adsorption by the activated carbon,
as well as to investigate and understand the mass
transfer mechanisms associated to the adsorption
process in fixed bed column a representative
mathematical model was elaborated considering the
following hypotheses were considered in kinetic
model: (i) Isothermal process; (ii) Physical
properties constant in both phases; (iii) Constant
porosity of the bed; (iv) Constant interstitial
velocity; (v) Gas phase behavior as ideal gas; (vi)
Thermodynamic equilibrium at the liquid-solid
interface (described by the isotherm model); (vii)
Negligible radial and angular dispersion in the fixed
bed column.
The mass balance for the gas phase was described
by Eq. (3) which describes the term of gas phase
accumulation, solid phase accumulation (mass
transfer rate term), mass transport due to convective
and diffusive effects, respectively.
𝜕𝐶 ρ𝐿 𝜕𝑞 𝜕𝐶 𝜕2𝐶
+ + 𝑣0 − 𝐷𝑎𝑥 2 = 0 (3)
𝜕𝑡 ε𝐿 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
Where, 𝐶 is the H2S concentration in the gas phase
(mg L-1), 𝑞 the H2S concentration in the solid phase
(mg g-1), ρ𝐿 is the bed density (g L-1); ε𝐿 is the bed
porosity (dimensionless); 𝑣0 is the interstitial
velocity of the gas in the bed (cm min-1); and 𝐷𝑎𝑥 is
the axial dispersion (cm2 min-1).
For the description of the mass transfer term
between the gas and solid phase (rate term), it was
considered in this work that the overall mass
transfer rate is controlled by diffusive effects. The
approach that considers the mass transfer rate is
proportional to the concentration difference in the
solid phase in relation to the equilibrium condition,
called Linear Driving Force (LDF). The LDF model
is a concentrated parameter model, which is an
approximation that assumes that a global resistance,
associated with diffusive effects (internal and
external), describes the mass transfer process [6,7].
The LDF model is given by Eq. (4), and considers
the following hypotheses: (i) particles of the
adsorbent solid are considered as a homogeneous
phase (i.e. constant effective diffusivity); (ii)
reaction kinetics (adsorption at the active site) is
much faster than the mass transfer steps.
𝑑𝑞
= 𝑘𝐺 (𝑞𝑒 − 𝑞) (4)
𝑑𝑡
Where, 𝑘𝐺 is the overall mass transfer coefficient
(min-1), and 𝑞𝑒 is the H2S concentration in the solid
phase in the equilibrium (mg g-1).
To complete the mathematical model, it is
necessary to represent the thermodynamic
equilibrium relationship at the solid and gas
interface (i.e. 𝑞𝑒 = 𝑓(𝐶)). For this, the Langmuir
equilibrium isotherm model (see Eq. (5)) was used,
which is a theoretical model that considers the
following hypotheses [8]: (i) Active sites have the
same activity (energetically equivalent); (ii) There
are no interactions between the adsorbed species;
(iii) Adsorption occurs in monolayer onto
homogeneous surface.
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑏𝐶𝑒
𝑞𝑒 = (5)
1 + 𝑏𝐶𝑒
Where, 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 is the maximum adsorption (mg g-1),
𝑏 is the affinity constant, associated to the dynamic
equilibrium between the adsorption and desorption
(L g-1), 𝑞𝑒 and 𝐶𝑒 are the H2S concentrations in the
solid phase (mg g-1) and in the gas phase (mg L-1) in
the equilibrium, respectively.
For the mathematical model solution, composed
by mass balances in the gas (Eq. 3) and in the solid
phase (Eq. 4), as well as the equilibrium relation Eq.
(5), the initial conditions were used:
𝐶(𝑧, 0) = 𝐶0 (6)
𝑞(𝑧, 0) = 0 (7)
Also, two boundary conditions were necessary,
given by Eq. (8) and (9) [9].
𝜕𝐶
𝐷𝑎𝑥 | = 𝑣0 (𝐶(𝑡, 0) − 𝐶0 ) (8)
𝜕𝑧 𝑧=0
𝜕𝐶
| =0 (9)
𝜕𝑧 𝑧=𝐿
The mathematical model elaborated to describe
the dynamics of H2S adsorption breakthrough
curves in the fixed bed column distinguishes in three
groups of variables: (i) directly measured and/or
experimentally obtained parameters (𝐻𝐿 , 𝑄, 𝜌𝐿 and
𝑣0 ) or indirectly determined from experimental
determinations and calculated through fundamental
equations (𝜌𝑓 , 𝜇𝑓 , 𝐷𝑚 ); (ii) parameters calculated
through existing correlations in the literature (ε𝐿 e
𝐷𝑎𝑥 ); and (iii) fitted parameters from equilibrium
and kinetic experimental data (𝑘𝐺 , 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑏), which
were estimated by the mathematical model.
The bed porosity (ε𝐿 ) was determined by the
correlation proposed by Ribeiro et al., [10], based
on the experimental determination of the mean
particle diameter (𝑑̅𝑝 ) by the results of granulometry
analysis.
The Reynolds number (𝑅𝑒) for flow in porous
beds, was determined by Eq. (10).
̅̅̅
𝑑𝑝 𝑣𝑠 𝜌𝑓
𝑅𝑒 = (10)
𝜇𝑓 (1 − 𝜀𝐿 )
The Schmidt number, which describes the ratio of
momentum diffusivity to mass diffusivity, was
calculated by Eq. (11).
𝜇𝑓
𝑆𝑐 = (11)
𝜌𝑓 𝐷𝑚,𝑖
The molecular diffusivity for each component
(𝐷𝑚,𝑖 ) in the gas mixture is a function of the binary
diffusivities (𝐷𝑖,𝑗 ) and the molar fraction of the
remaining component (𝑦𝑖 ), given by Eq. (12).
1 − 𝑦𝑖
𝐷𝑚,𝑖 =
𝑦𝑗
∑𝑛𝑗=1
𝑐 (12)
𝐷𝑖,𝑗
𝑗≠𝑖
The determination of the binary diffusivities (𝐷𝑖,𝑗 )
as well as the fluid viscosity (𝜇𝑓 ) the Chapman-
Enskog theory was used, which considers the
determination of Lennard-Jones Potential (6-12)
parameters to predict the transport properties for
low density gases [11,12].
The binary diffusion coefficient of each component
𝑖 in another component 𝑗, was determined by Eq.
(13) [12].
0,00266𝑇 3/2
𝐷𝑖,𝑗 = 1/2 2 (13)
𝑃𝑀𝑖,𝑗 𝜎𝑖,𝑗 Ω𝐷
Where, 𝑇 is the absolute temperature (K), 𝑃 is the
1/2
pressure (bar), 𝑀𝑖,𝑗 = 2[(1/𝑀𝑖 ) + (1/𝑀𝑗 )]−1,
𝜎𝑖,𝑗 is the Lennard-Jones characteristic length for
binary mixture (Å) and Ω𝐷 the integral collision for
diffusion (dimensionless), which were respectively 4. Results and Discussion
determined by Eq. (14) and (15).
𝜎𝑖 + 𝜎𝑗 After the definition of the operational conditions
𝜎𝑖,𝑗 = (14)
2 from the experimental design (data not shown), the
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶4
Ω𝐷 = + + + (15) breakthrough curves were performed to obtain the
𝜔 𝐷1 exp (𝜔𝐷2 ) exp (𝜔𝐷3 ) exp (𝜔𝐷4 )
H2S adsorption equilibrium and kinetic data at the
Where, 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 , 𝐶4 , 𝐷1, 𝐷2 , 𝐷3 e 𝐷4 are the
nominal concentrations of 50, 500 and 1000 ppmmol
parameters of the collision integral function for
(0.152, 1.327 and 2.577 mg L-1). Table 1 presents
diffusivity, found elsewhere Neufeld et al., [13] and
the operational conditions in the experiments, as
𝜔 is the dimensionless temperature (𝜔 = 𝜅𝑇/𝜖𝑖,𝑗 ),
well as parameters employed in the modeling and
where 𝜅 is the Boltzmann constant simulation of the experiments.
(𝜅= 1.38064852×10-23 m2 kg s-2 K-1), and 𝜖𝑖,𝑗 =
√𝜖𝑖 𝜖𝑗 is the Lennard-Jones characteristic energy (J). Table 1. Operational conditions and parameters
used in the modeling of H2S adsorption experiments
Finally, the axial dispersion in the bed (𝐷𝑎𝑥,𝑖 ), for by GAC in fixed bed column.
each component 𝑖 was calculated by the Operational Conditions
mathematical correlation of Wakao & Funazkri 𝐶0 (𝑚𝑔 𝐿−1 ) 0.152 1.327 2.577
𝑚 (𝑔) 18.0373 18.4052 18.3893
[14], which is valid for 3 < 𝑅𝑒 < 10000, given by 𝑃 (𝑏𝑎𝑟) 2
Eq. (16). 𝑇 (°𝐶) 45
𝜀𝐿 𝐷𝑎𝑥,𝑖 𝑄 (𝐿 𝑚𝑖𝑛−1 ) 1.8
= 20 + 0.5𝑆𝑐𝑖 𝑅𝑒 (16) Particle properties Bed properties
𝐷𝑚,𝑖
𝜌𝑝 (𝑔 𝑐𝑚−3 ) 2.704 𝐻𝐿 (𝑐𝑚) 8.08
It must be highlighted that the effect of axial ̅̅̅
𝑑𝑝 (𝑐𝑚) 0.150 𝑑𝐿 (𝑐𝑚) 2.5
dispersion is commonly neglected in the analysis of 𝜌𝐿 (𝑔 𝑐𝑚−3 ) 0.4691
fixed bed column adsorption processes, aiming to 𝜀𝐿 (−) 0.373
facilitate the mathematical resolution of the model. Fluid properties
However, especially in the case of gaseous fluid
systems, such consideration may lead to significant 𝜌𝑓 (𝑔 𝐿−1 ) 2.1178
errors [14,15]. 𝜇𝑓 (𝑔 𝑐𝑚−1 𝑠 −1 ) 1.8450×10-4 1.8448×10-4 1.8444×10-4
The pressure drop in the bed was calculated using Flow properties
𝑅𝑒 (−) 16.74 (Laminar flow regime)
the Ergun equation, according to Eq. (17).
𝐷𝑎𝑥 (𝑐𝑚2 𝑠 −1 ) 6.226
∆𝑃 𝜇𝑓 (1 − 𝜀𝐿 )2 𝜌𝑓 (1 − 𝜀𝐿 ) 2
= −150 𝑣𝑠 − 1.75 𝑣𝑠 (17)
𝐻𝐿 ̅̅̅
𝑑𝑝2 𝜀𝐿3 ̅̅̅
𝑑𝑝 𝜀𝐿3
From the breakthrough curves obtained for
Where, ∆𝑃 is the pressure drop in the bed (Pa).
different concentrations of H2S in the feed 0.152,
1.327 and 2.577 mg L-1, as presented in Figure 1, the
Also, the determination of fluid viscosity (𝜇𝑓 )
equilibrium data were determined. By observing the
based on the composition of the gas mixture was breakthrough curves profiles, the characteristic
also determined on the Chapman-Enskog theory, sigmoidal profile of the fixed bed experiments is
similarly for the binary diffusivities. verified, which is related to the mass transfer
The solution of the mathematical model was resistances in the bed.
performed by using the “line method”, in which the Table 2 shows the performance parameters of the
partial differential equations (PDEs) were breakthrough curves obtained at the different
discretized in relation to the axial spatial coordinate concentrations of H2S, wherein higher values for
(𝑧 coordinate), resulting in a system of ordinary used bed height (𝐻𝑈 ) for the lower H2S feed
differential equations (ODEs) in relation to the time concentrations (0.152 mg L-1) were observed,
variable (𝑡) [5]. The resulting ODE system was consequently lower mass transfer zones (𝑀𝑇𝑍),
solved by using the Rosenbrock method [16]. The what leads to higher bed efficiencies. Thus, the H2S
model was coded in Maple software. The estimation feed concentration significantly influences the bed
of the adjustable parameters was performed by the efficiency, reaching high efficiencies for low
Simplex Downhill optimization method proposed concentrations (i.e. 0.152 mg L-1 – 𝜂 = 92.41%).
by Nelder & Mead [17], which consisted in the
objective function minimization search (𝑂𝐹).
 Figure 1. Experimental breakthrough curves for H2S Figure 2. Experimental H2S adsorption equilibrium
adsorption by GAC as a function of concentration and data by GAC and Langmuir model fitting.
the LDF model (Experimental conditions: 𝑃 = 2 bar, 𝑇
= 45°C, 𝑄 = 1.8 L min-1, 𝐻𝐿 = 8.08 cm).
The estimated parameters for the Langmuir
isotherm model were 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 20.607 ± 0.107 mg g-1
Table 2. Performance parameters of the
and 𝑏 = 16.842 ± 0.652 L mg-1 with a
breakthrough curves for H2S adsorption by GAC in
𝑟² = 0.99982. Figure 2 shows that the highest H2S
fixed bed column.
adsorption capacity experimentally obtained was
Parameter
𝑪𝟎 20.02 mg g-1, at the H2S concentration of 2.577 mg
(𝒎𝒈 𝑳−𝟏 ) 𝒕𝒃 𝒕𝒕 𝑯𝑼 𝑴𝑻𝒁 𝒒𝒃 𝒒𝒆 −∆𝑷 𝜼
(min) (min) (cm) (cm) (mg g-1) (mg g-1) (Pa) (%) L-1 in the gas stream (1000 ppmmol). Therefore,
0.152 973.9 1044.9 7.47 0.61 13.73 14.86 55.1 92.4 based on the equilibrium parameters as well as by
1.327 92.7 154.1 4.85 3.23 12.03 19.86 55.1 60.5 graphical interpretation, a favorable asymptotic
2.577 33.9 79.4 3.45 4.63 8.54 20.02 55.1 42.7
behavior for equilibrium data was observed, what
evidences the high affinity to the GAC-H2S system.
After the estimation of the equilibrium parameters,
By applying Ergun equation, it was estimated the
the mathematical modeling of the breakthrough
gas pressure drop in the bed, which was 55.13 Pa. It
curves was performed. By analyzing Fig. 2, one
was also observed that the term of the laminar
may notice an adequate prediction of both the
pressure drop contribution was more expressive
breakthrough time (𝑡𝑏 ) and the saturation condition
(46.1 Pa), in agreement with the observed flow
(𝑡𝑡 ) for all evaluated concentrations. The results of
regime, which is in the transition region, but very
the estimated kinetic parameters for the H2S
close to a laminar condition (𝑅𝑒 = 16.74 - see
adsorption data in fixed bed column by the GAC are
Table 1). This value indicates that for these
presented in Table 3.
conditions of volumetric flowrate and bed height, a
small pressure drop associated with energy
Table 3. Estimated kinetic parameters for the H2S
dissipation in fluid flow through the bed was
adsorption by the GAC in fixed bed column by the
observed. This has an advantage for large-scale
LDF model.
systems in view of the energy demand for fluid flow
𝑪𝟎 (mg L-1)
through the bed [6]. Parameters
0.152 1.327 2.577
The experimental equilibrium data of H2S between 𝑘𝐺 (𝑚𝑖𝑛−1 ) 3.3×10-2
the solid and gas phases, along with the Langmuir 𝐷𝑎𝑥 (𝑐𝑚² 𝑚𝑖𝑛 −1 ) 373.57
isotherm model fitting, are presented in Figure 2, 𝑂𝐹 0.7467 0.0861 0.1124
which shows a typical behavior of a favorable 𝑟² 0.9534 0.9945 0.9891
isotherm, evidencing a high affinity between the
GAC for the H2S even at low solute concentrations By analyzing Table 3, one may notice the same a
in the gas phase. kinetic constant (𝑘𝐺 = 3.3 × 10−2 𝑚𝑖𝑛−1 ) for all
concentration values, as well as the axial dispersion
(𝐷𝑎𝑥 ). Such behavior is expected, considering that
in theory the kinetic constants are independent of
the gas phase concentration of the species. In fact,
the kinetic constant may be dependent on other
parameters such as the temperature as commonly
described by Arrhenius’s Law. However,
considering that, except for the concentration, the
other operational conditions were kept constant,
hence the non-dependence on the kinetic constant is
quite plausible.
Overall, it can be observed by the fitting quality
parameters (𝑟² e 𝑂𝐹) that the LDF model
adequately described the experimental data for all
evaluated feed concentrations. Therefore, the
proposed model, based on mass balances in the
liquid and gas phase, as well as on the equilibrium
isotherm behavior, was able to adequately describe
the kinetic behavior of the breakthrough curves
Thus, based on the pilot-scale experimental data
obtained, along with the proposed
phenomenological model, it is expected to simulate
and predict other operating conditions aiming the
scale up of adsorption systems for the H2S removal
from biogas. In fact, the proposed model showed
predictivity capacity for other independent
experiments (data not shown).
5. Conclusions
The results obtained in this work evidenced that
GAC showed a high adsorption potential of H2S
activated carbon under low pressures (2 bar).
Equilibrium data indicated a high affinity and
adsorption capacity of H2S by the GAC. Also, the
breakthrough curves indicated a favorable kinetics
and long bed operation times. Small pressure drops
in the bed were observed by applying Ergun
equation, indicating that the flow through the bed
does not lead to significant pressure drop, what is
also a practical advantage reducing or even
eliminating the fluid flow costs. Given the
favorable features presented by the GAC for H2S
removal under low-pressure conditions, the fixed
bed adsorption process has a potential for
application, since it requires simple infrastructure
facilities for H2S treatment systems.
Acknowledgements
This research was partially supported by
CIBiogás/ITAIPU-Brazil (Project RD&I UFPR 80-
2018).
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