Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Dr Anand Prakash
Second Advisor
Dr. Abhishek Shukla
Abstract
The three objectives of this project were to study and compare the hydrodynamics of zeolite particles and glass beads, two different zeolites from different suppliers, and to perform preliminary studies of the adsorption characteristics of zeolite particles for heavy metals, namely, copper, zinc, cobalt, cesium, and strontium. Hydrodynamic studies indicated that pressure and expansion measurements could be used to predict the minimum fluidization velocity of the particles, and to indicate the width of the particles’ size distribution. It was also discovered that particles could easily be drained from the equipment in the fluidized state. A model was developed to describe this behavior. Preliminary metal adsorption studies consisted of batch and column adsorption studies with the four zeolites in question. The selectivity sequences of the zeolites were determined from these experiments. The batch studies also indicated that the adsorbent dosage can be optimized. The column studies further demonstrated the efficient adsorption that can be achieved for heavy metals using zeolite particles
Recommended Citation
Gallant, Jennifer L., "STUDY OF FLUIDIZATION AND ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF ZEOLITE PARTICLES FOR REMOVAL OF TRACE METALS FROM WASTEWATERS" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4545.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4545