ABSTRACT
Adsorption is a physical process by which gaseous molecules are collected on the surface of a solid. Usually the adsorption rate is small unless the solid adsorbent is highly porous and possesses fine capillaries. The most important characteristics of adsorbents are their large surface-to-volume ratios and preferential affinity for individual components. Activated carbon and silica gel, alumina, and bauxite are used for selectively adsorbing certain gaseous constituents from gas streams. In air pollution control, activated carbon has the widest application as an adsorbent. Absorption systems for solvent recovery on an industrial scale are not small. Almost any configuration can be engineered, but space is an important consideration. An adsorption system for solvent recovery consists of super-heater, condenser, decanter, blower, blower motor, cooling tower, water pump, filters, filter housing, carbon charge, carbon vessels, screens, ducts, and piping.
