Modelling electro-scrubbers for removal of VOCs

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2021-12, Vol.277, p.119419, Article 119419
• Main Authors: Escalona-Durán, Florymar, Muñoz-Morales, M., Fernández-Marchante, C.M, Lobato, J., Martínez-Huitle, C.A., Rodrigo, M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electro-scrubber; Modelling; Perchloroethylene; Polluted air stream; Toluene; VOCs removal
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.119419

•Simple phenomenological model can explain the main experimental observations.•Type of electro-scrubber affects significantly mass transport processes.•Anodic and cathodic processes affect to speciation of PCE and toluene.•Cobalt mediators and applied current density affect to kinetic parameters. This work focuses on the development and testing of simple phenomenological models for understanding the behaviour of processes happening at the same time in the electro-scrubbers during the electrochemically assisted absorption of two relevant volatile organic compounds: perchloroethylene and toluene. Formulation of the model considers physical absorption of the organics into the electrolyte and reactivity according to experimental observations. Different experimental case studies have been used to validate the model obtaining regression coefficients higher than 0.9 and 0.85 for perchloroethylene and toluene, respectively. The model points out the high relevance of the absorption technology and of the presence of cobalt. In the case of perchloroethylene, the model also highlighted the important contribution of the wet decomposition of this chlorinated hydrocarbon. Results obtained clearly evidence the industrial application of the electro-scrubbers technologies.