A Study on the Effect of Operating Parameters on the Efficiency of a Mercury Removal Unit from Natural Gas

In this study, an industrial fixed-bed for mercury adsorption from natural gas, was evaluated by mathematical models. Equilibrium isotherms, kinetics equations, and adsorption models were applied to available data to evaluate sorbent characteristics, and then study bed’s performance under different case studies. Models solutions are evaluated by linear-regression and coefficient of determination. The study confirmed that the system is characterized by irreversible equilibrium. Examining of kinetics equations indicated the inclusion of chemisorption and intra-particle diffusion as ratelimiting steps. Bohart-Adams model was found the best fitting model with good match between model’s assumptions and available bed’s information. Model prediction for bed’s design-basis was examined and found good match with manufacturer’s data-sheet.