Theory and simulation for measurement of molecular sieve adsorption equilibrium isotherm by zero length column (ZLC) method

The theory for measurement of adsorption equilibrium isotherm by zero length column (ZLC) method was introduced, and a set of mathematical models on ZLC were built. Then, a program was developed based on the equations and simulations were carried out. A good agreement between the simulation results and the experimental data validated the program and models. For the measurement of equilibrium isotherms with the ZLC method, simultaneous measurement of the outlet concentration and flow rate was required, and both of which were coupled by previous investigations. Then, two ways of estimating the true column outlet carrier flow rate were analyzed. With these two estimations, the isotherms were calculated, and compared with the curves from simulation and theoretical calculation. Finally, influential factors to the accuracy and the applicable scope of the ZLC method were discussed, and the accuracy of two revised methods was analyzed, serving as the basis for applying the ZLC method.