TOLUENE VAPORS ADSORPTION IN THE FIXED AND FLUIDIZED BED BY NANO-ZEOLITE

Background and Objectives: Toluene is one of the most contaminations in the industries such as petrochemicals and painting. This compound are known with toxic effect on the respiratory and nervous system. Adsorption of solvents in a suitable bed is an effective controlling method for volatile components. Adsorption have been evaluated in the fixed and fluidized bed. The goal of this study is investigation of toluene vapors adsorption on a fixed and fluidized bed of Nano-zeolite Y. Materials and Methods: Dynamic concentration of toluene vapors in the range of 30-100 ppm were obtained which stable flow of toluene vapors was generated. Toluene vapors adsorption with 2 g of Nano-zeolite Y was assessed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector. Various parameters such as type of bed, air flow rate for bed fluidization, and toluene absorption capacity was investigated. Results : Size of zeolite Y particle was estimated 154/34 ± 8/59 nm by scanning electron microscopy. Dynamic adsorption of toluene in the concentration of 30-100 ppm was saturated in the time of 40-50 min by 2 g Nano-zeolite Y. The results show flow rate of 3 L/min provide suitable flow for bed fluidization. Toluene vapors adsorption in the fluidized bed was higher than the fixed bed. Adsorption capacity of fixed and fluidized bed for 100 g of Nano-zeolite Y was evaluated 45/45 and 62/65 mg, respectively. Conclusion : Smaller particle size increased the adsorption level but adhesion of particles in the fixed bed reduce the adsorption efficiency. In the fluidized bed, due to air flow, adhesion of nanoparticles was reduced and the adsorption of toluene vapors have been increased. It can be concluded that fluidized bed of Nano-particles adsorption is better than fixed bed. How to cite this article: Ansari S, Jafari MJ, Sedghi R, Rezazadeh Azari M, Zendehdel R. Toluene vapors adsorption in the fixed and fluidized bed by Nano-Zeolite . J Saf Promot Inj Prev. 2015; 3(3):155-60.