Modeling hydrogen fluoride adsorption by sodium fluoride

In the current study, hydrogen fluoride (HF) adsorption onto the sodium fluoride pellets is modeled. For this purpose a two-dimensional, non-isothermal model was developed and the governing equations were solved numerically. The contributions of diffusion transport in axial and radial directions also were considered in mathematical formulations. The model results of effluent concentration and breakthrough curves of HF were compared with the experimental data obtained in a lab-scale adsorption unit, reported in our previous work [1]. The results indicate while the feed gas velocity decreases, the HF adsorption capacity on NaF is significantly enhanced and there is a delay in breakthrough time. The adsorption capacity of HF on NaF decreases slightly when inlet HF concentration increases. Moreover, the model results were compared with the obtained results from a one-dimension model. This comparison indicates that one-dimensional model can well predict the HF dynamic adsorption behavior for lab-scale fixed beds. Comparing the experimental breakthrough curves of HF adsorption on NaF pellets with the model results shows the ability and accuracy of the model with maximum 7.82% errors. (C) 2010 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.