Next-Gen Water Treatment: Adsorption Process Intensification
Developing an advanced carbon regeneration system for sustainable large-scale water treatment.
Project Type: Master's Thesis Research
Year: 2020
Institution: University of Bath (UK)
Context
Micropollutants—such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and persistent organic chemicals—pose a growing threat to global water systems. Traditional water-treatment technologies, especially fixed-bed Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems, often struggle to effectively remove highly polar or water-soluble contaminants.
This project explored a next-generation adsorption process using continuous moving-bed systems combined with in-situ steam regeneration—aiming to develop a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional carbon filters.
The work focused specifically on removing metaldehyde, a notoriously persistent pollutant, using Phenolic Resin Carbon (PRC) as the adsorbent.
This project explored a next-generation adsorption process using continuous moving-bed systems combined with in-situ steam regeneration—aiming to develop a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional carbon filters.
The work focused specifically on removing metaldehyde, a notoriously persistent pollutant, using Phenolic Resin Carbon (PRC) as the adsorbent.
Research Objectives
1. Develop a Process Model for PRCs
Created a mathematical model integrating moving-bed adsorption and in-situ steam regeneration to optimize carbon use, regeneration efficiency, and breakthrough performance.2. Design a Detailed Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
Mapped carbon circulation rates, steam requirements, condensate treatment, regeneration temperature profiles, and carbon recycling loops.3. Conduct an Economic Analysis
Evaluated the financial viability of the intensified process compared to conventional GAC filters, considering capital and operating costs.4. Perform a Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)
Used openLCA to compare the environmental impacts of the intensified system vs. traditional fixed-bed systems across energy, materials, and long-term sustainability metrics.Key Findings
1. Breakthrough & System Performance
Optimal breakthrough conditions occurred at a linear velocity of 10.8 m/h and bed height of 10 m. Best performance for PRC adsorption was achieved with a 7.5% carbon recirculation rate.
2. Regeneration & Steam Consumption
In-situ steam regeneration at 200°C proved effective for metaldehyde removal. Steam consumption was significantly lower than expected due to:
- Low pollutant concentrations
- High adsorptive capacity of PRC
- Efficient process-intensified design
3. Economic & Environmental Benefits
The Process-Intensified (PI) system outperformed traditional carbon filters in:- Operational cost savings
- Energy efficiency
- Lifecycle environmental impact
- Carbon utilization efficiency
Overall Impact
The intensified moving-bed adsorption system is a technically superior, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional fixed-bed GAC systems for micropollutant removal.
This research contributes to advancing water-treatment infrastructure that is adaptable, scalable, and aligned with global sustainability goals.
Tools & Methods
MATLAB
openLCA
Lifecycle Assessment
Process Modeling
Engineering Design
Economic Analysis
Environmental Impact Assessment
openLCA
Lifecycle Assessment
Process Modeling
Engineering Design
Economic Analysis
Environmental Impact Assessment
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