ABSTRACT
The search for a suitable adsorbent is generally the first step in the develpoment of a Sorbex process application. A practical adsorbent has four primary requirements: selectivity, capacity, mass transfer rate, and long-term stability. Sorbex applications have been developed for a wide range of liquid properties, and bulk-phase mass transfer is one of the criteria used in determining process temperature. The simulated countercurrent, solid-liquid contacting in the Sorbex process provides the efficient staging of the separation elements needed for industrial-scale separations. Universal Oil Products has investigated many new adsorptive separations as a result of general market studies as well as specific client interest. Materials such as silica gel, activated alumina, activated carbons, polymeric resins, and molecular sieve zeolites are suitable, practical adsorbents. Traditional adsorbents, such as silica gel, activated alumina, and activated carbon, exhibit large surface area and micropore volume.
