Modelling and development of a modular oscillating-bed adsorption reactor system for copper ion removal from water in emergency

High flow resistance and low pollutants removal are the major problems when closely-packed adsorbents in bags are used during emergency water treatment. To address these issues, Modular Oscillating-Bed Adsorption Reactor (MOBAR), which could fluidize adsorbents in bags by mechanical oscillation to enhance pollutants removal with low flow resistance, was developed in this study. A predictive model was proposed by dimensional analysis through dynamic experiments of the copper ion (Cu(II))/001*7 resin system in MOBAR. The results show that the adsorption capacity of 001*7 resin toward Cu(II) was 65.80 mg/g under the following optimum conditions: filling capacity in the bags, 50%; operating velocity, 17 r/min; initial Cu(II) concentration, 100 mg/L; and ratio between spacing of bags and water depth, 0.2. ANOVA results reveal that the model was highly reliable and accurate for the description of adsorption in MOBAR. Thus, the model could help in optimization of the operational variables for application of MOBAR in emergency water treatment. Finally, industrial-scale design of MOBAR, which can be rapidly assembled, was proposed, and the combination of MOBAR with other emergency disposal technologies was explored.