Figure2. The thermodynamic diagrams for the system in terms of
(a) x-y diagram and (b) ternary and residue curve map
Figure 4 plots components and temperature profile for the system under
study. Figure 4a shows that as time progresses, ethanol and diethyl
ether are adsorbed on activated carbon surface and no comparable VOCs is
seen in outlet of the bed. As time proceeds, more VOCs are presented in
outlet of the bed and finally all surfaces of activated carbon are
equipped and it no longer adsorbs impurities. Then, breakthrough happens
and the bed saturates till same input and output concentration for VOCs
is seen. Before breakthrough happening, the adsorption stage should be
terminated and regeneration of activated carbon should be conducted. For
mixture adsorption, it is seen that ethanol is more adsorbed on
activated carbon than diethyl ether under same adsorption condition and
accordingly, ethanol breakthrough happen after diethyl ether.