Enhanced adsorption and regeneration of adsorbents for effective air pollution control and gas separation and purification

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Adsorption with regeneration is a desirable process for controlling the emissions of organic vapors and separation and purification of gas streams because it allows for the recycle and reuse of the adsorbate hence contributing to sustainable industrial development. Adsorbents are typically regenerated by heating or applying vacuum. Steam and hot inert gas have been widely used for the regeneration of adsorbents. The regeneration of adsorbents has become an emerging concern because of its long duration and high energy requirements. More recently microwave and resistive heating have emerged as more effective regeneration techniques because of their faster rate and higher efficiency compared to regeneration with steam or inert gas. Microwave regeneration has also potential to minimize or eliminate irreversible adsorption and heel buildup. Tailoring the electric (i.e. resistivity) and dielectric (i.e. loss factor) properties of the adsorbent can allow for more effective and energy efficient regeneration of the adsorbent, and can indicate the degree of saturation or regeneration of the adsorbent. The objectives of this research are: tailoring the electric properties of adsorbents to enhance their resistive heating regeneration ability; 2) tailoring the dielectric properties of adsorbents to enhance their microwave regeneration ability; 3) modifying the adsorbents by chemical treatment to enhance monitoring of the adsorbate loading onto and removal from the adsorbent during adsorption and desorption; and 4) evaluating the performance of microwave and resistive heating for the removal of heel buildup. This research will contribute to sustainable development in Canada by improving the air quality through more effective capture of air pollutants emissions, lower energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Hence this research will allow Canadian industry to be more competitive and more environmentally friendly. It will also contribute to the training of high quality personnel in areas of strategic importance to Canada to improve industrial activities without compromising the quality of the environment and air.