Hardware-Independent Mathematical and Numerical Modeling of a Four Bed Molecular Sieve - Part 1: Modeling and Verification of Gas Adsorption on Zeolite 5A

A finite-difference gas adsorption computer model for CO₂, H₂O, and N₂ on zeolite 5A is discussed. It is part of an effort to predict results, via simulation, of changing a spacecraft CO₂ removal system's operational configuration. The mathematical and numerical modeling approach, with emphasis on identification and independent verification of important adsorption physics, is described. The apparatus used to obtain single and multicomponent isotherms, and the subscale packed column bench test used to derive transfer coefficients and verify the model are described. The favorable comparison of simulation and test results show the potential for predictive capability with this modeling approach.