A lattice Boltzmann model for adsorption breakthrough

A lattice Boltzmann model is developed to simulate the one-dimensional (1D) unsteady state concentration profiles, including breakthrough curves, in a fixed tubular bed of non-porous adsorbent particles. The lattice model solves the 1D time dependent convection–diffusion–reaction equation for an ideal binary gaseous mixture, with solute concentrations at parts per million levels. The model developed in this study is also able to explain the experimental adsortption/desorption data of organic vapours (toluene) on silica gel under varying conditions of temperature, concentrations and flowrates. Additionally, the programming code written for simulating the adsorption breakthrough is modified with minimum changes to successfully simulate a few flow problems, such as Poiseuille flow, Couette flow, and axial dispersion in a tube. The present study provides an alternative numerical approach to solving such types of mass transfer related problems.