Breakthrough dynamics of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon on silver exchanged titanosilicates (Ag-ETS-10)

Breakthrough curves of N2, O2, and Ar on Silver exchanged titanosilicates (Ag-ETS-10) extrudates and granules were measured using a laboratory scale dynamic column breakthrough (DCB) apparatus. In order to investigate the dynamics of the mass transfer, effect of flow rate, temperature and pressure on the composition and temperature curves were studied. In a separate attempt, N2 breakthrough curves on two columns filled with Ag-ETS-10 extrudates and granules with two different sizes were obtained. Influence of axial-dispersion, macropore, and film resistance within the column was investigated using fundamentals of mass transfer and fluid dynamics which assisted in classifying the dynamics of this separation. The experimental results indicated the rapid mass transfer and the potential for rapid cycles using Ag-ETS-10 for high-purity O2 production. A fully predictive mathematical model was shown to describe the experimental curves to a high level of precision.