Regeneration of Activated Carbon Loaded with Toluene by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

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Abstract
Activated carbon loaded with toluene was regenerated by supercritical carbon dioxide. The adsorptive capacities after several regeneration cycles were still close to that of virgin carbon and remained stable. The effects of temperature, pressure, and flow rate on regeneration efficiency were studied. It was found that the operations at higher pressures were more favorable for regeneration, but the optimal operating temperature depended on pressure. The interphase mass transfer resistance was insignificant during regeneration. A one-parameter mathematic model assuming linear desorption kinetics is proposed which agrees well with the experimental data. The adsorption rates of activated carbon regenerated by the supercritical regeneration method and the steam regeneration method are compared in this study. It was found that the supercritical regeneration method is superior to the steam regeneration method.