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Published on: October 10, 2013
Removal of mercaptans from a gas stream using continuous adsorption-regeneration
M G Conti-Ramsden1, H M A Asghar, S N Hussain
1The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Michael.Conti-Ramsden@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Summary
This study shows electrochemical regeneration of Nyex 1000 effectively removes mercaptans from water. This carbon adsorbent offers rapid, complete restoration of capacity for water treatment applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Mercaptans, such as 1-methyl-1-propanethiol, are common water pollutants.
- Conventional adsorbents like activated carbon have limitations in regeneration and capacity.
- Developing efficient adsorbents and regeneration methods is crucial for environmental remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of a non-porous, electrically conducting carbon adsorbent (Nyex 1000) for mercaptan removal from aqueous solutions.
- To evaluate the electrochemical regeneration efficiency of Nyex 1000.
- To model and assess a continuous adsorption-regeneration system for mercaptan treatment.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption experiments using Nyex 1000 to remove 1-methyl-1-propanethiol.
- Electrochemical regeneration of the saturated adsorbent in a divided cell.
- Modeling and testing of a continuous adsorption-regeneration system in a bubble column.
- Analysis of mass transfer and chemical reactions in the continuous system.
Main Results:
- Nyex 1000 demonstrated rapid adsorption, reaching equilibrium capacity within 5 minutes.
- Electrochemical regeneration restored 100% of the adsorbent's capacity in 20 minutes at 0.5 A.
- A continuous removal-destruction system achieved a 75% reduction in mercaptan concentration for 35 minutes at 5 A.
- Enhanced mass transfer due to adsorption and reaction with electrochemically generated chlorine species was observed.
Conclusions:
- Nyex 1000 is an effective adsorbent for rapid mercaptan removal from water.
- Electrochemical regeneration provides a highly efficient and complete method for restoring adsorbent capacity.
- The continuous adsorption-regeneration system shows promise for practical water treatment applications, combining adsorption with electrochemical destruction.
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