Permeability of subcritical hydrocarbons in activated carbon

A new diffusion and flow model is presented to describe the behavior of hydrocarbon vapors in activated carbon. The micro/mesopore size distribution (PSD) is obtained according to Do's method which consists of two sequential processes of pore layering and pore filling. This model uses the micro/meso PSD obtained from each adsorbate equilibrium isotherm, which reflects the dynamics behavior of adsorbing molecules through the solid. The initial rise in total permeability is mainly attributed to adsorbed-phase diffusion (that is, surface diffusion), whereas the decrease over reduced pressure of about 0.9 is attributed to the reduction of pore space available for gas phase diffusion and flow. A functional form of surface diffusivity is proposed and validated with experimental data. This model predicts well the permeability of condensable hydrocarbon vapors in activated carbon. (C) 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.