Modeling of breakthrough curves of N2, CH4, CO, CO2 and a SMR type off-gas mixture on a fixed bed of BPL activated carbon

Abstract In this work multicomponent breakthrough curve experiments of a SMR type off-gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide on a BPL activated carbon fixed bed have been performed at 3 bar and temperatures ranging between 298 K and 338 K. The experimental results have been compared to predicted breakthrough curves simulated with a mathematical model with high accuracy. Pure component breakthrough curve experiments have been previously performed in order to obtain the adsorption capacities. The Langmuir isotherm model has been used for pure component adsorption and the Extended Langmuir isotherm model for multicomponent adsorption.