ABSTRACT
Basics of LBM, including its underlying principles and computer implementation, was introduced in Chapter 1. The approach to simulating 1D concentration profiles in a packed bed adsorber, using LBM-based models, was also described. Readers must have noted that 1D models are simple to develop and implement. Yet It has been theoretically as well as experimentally demonstrated that concentration gradients in radial direction of the packed columns may be non-uniform, especially in the narrow tubular adsorbers having tube-to-particle diameter ratio < 10. In such case, the finite size of adsorbent particles should be considered in calculating or predicting concentrations in the column. It has also been shown that averaging radial concentration gradients in the column often yields oversimplified and unrealistic results, including breakthrough times that are significantly different from those calculated from the comprehensive 2D/3D models. Therefore, although higher dimensional models are computationally extensive to implement, they are capable of predicting concentration and temperature profiles with increased accuracy, and the model results can be used with confidence for designing industrial sized packed bed adsorbers.
