ADSORPTION OF NORMAL PARAFFINS IN ERIONITE AND 5A MOLECULAR SIEVE

Results are presented on the adsorption behavior of normal paraffins, n-C5 through n-C8, at 93° to 207° C. on erionite and 5A molecular sieve. In addition to equilibrium capacity, adsorption rates were determined to obtain some knowledge of the adsorptive diffusion constants. Rates of adsorption on erionite are low and decrease markedly with molecular weight of the paraffin, but on 5A molecular sieve remain nearly constant. This behavior is discussed with respect to differences in crystal structure of the two materials. Fick's second law of diffusion was used to describe the rate behavior and a nonlinear computerized regression was applied to the adsorption curve to obtain apparent diffusivities. The limitations of this law as applied to adsorptive diffusion are discussed and illustrated with a comparison of adsorption and desorption rates and effects of particle size. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.