Is there a benefit to operating fixed beds in series?
There is. As the MTZ progresses through the carbon fixed beds, it reaches a point where the length of the MTZ is longer (deeper) than the remaining depth of the carbon in the vessel still capable of adsorption (not spent). At this point, the concentration of the contaminant begins to increase in the outlet of the carbon bed as the MTZ begins to exit the vessel. This is called breakthrough. If the vessel is taken out of service when this occurs, there may be a substantial amount of carbon that had not been fully utilized.
There is. As the MTZ progresses through the carbon fixed beds, it reaches a point where the length of the MTZ is longer (deeper) than the remaining depth of the carbon in the vessel still capable of adsorption (not spent). At this point, the concentration of the contaminant begins to increase in the outlet of the carbon bed as the MTZ begins to exit the vessel. This is called breakthrough. If the vessel is taken out of service when this occurs, there may be a substantial amount of carbon that had not been fully utilized. With the fixed bed in a series, the leading edge of the MTZ would progress into the second vessel. When the MTZ wave front completely exits the lead vessel, all of the carbon in that vessel would be spent. By operating in this manner, it is possible that 100% of the carbon capacity to adsorb the contaminant would be used. When the lead (or first) carbon bed is spent, the vessel is removed from service and the spent carbon removed for reactivation. The vessel that had b
