Simulation of Gel-Type Multicomponent Fixed-Bed Ion Exchange

Abstract

The modelling of fixed-bed, multicomponent ion exchange processes using gel-type resins was investigated. Based on the earlier developed kinetic model a complex, fixed-bed ion exchange model, utilizing the Nernst-Planck diffusion kinetics, was developed. A computer program was created to describe multicomponent breakthrough and elution curves for gel-type ion exchangers using the Nernst-Planck diffusion equation. By calculating breakthrough curves for two-, three- and five-component ion exchange systems, the accuracy of the model was successfully tested. By comparison, our simulation results, which were based on the experimentally measured breakthrough data, showed suitable fits.