Process design studies for both batch and continuous (fluidized bed) processes have been conducted to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of applying this technology to industrial printing and coating operations. Process design models were developed based, in part, on experimental results to simulate the adsorption and regeneration bed dynamics and determine key operating variables for the total system such as adsorbent performance, pressure drop, optimal operating cycle, and microwave generator requirements.
Parametric studies were then performed to identify the optimal adsorbent selection, operating cycle, recovery configuration, regeneration pressure, regeneration final coverage, and column configuration. In general, it was found that microwave regenerated adsorption systems favor the use of low dielectric loss-factor polymeric adsorbents and should operate under vacuum conditions (about 5 torr absolute pressure).
Figure 1. Process flow diagram for a fixed-bed adsorption (batch) microwave regeneration system operating with a vacuum-purge.
Figure 2. Process flow diagram for a fluidized-bed adsorption (continuous) system with a moving-bed microwave-regenerated desorber.
1. Price, D.W., and P.S. Schmidt, "Design Analysis of Microwave-Regenerated Adsorbent Systems for Recovery of Volatile Organic Compounds", Proceedings of the Microwave and High-Frequency Heating Conference, Cambridge, UK September, 1995. pp. C4.1-4.
2. Price, D.W., and P.S. Schmidt, "VOC Recovery Through Microwave Regeneration of Adsorbents: Process Design Studies", 1997 (in review).