Mathematical simulation on adsorption of zinc ion and copper ion with resin

Zinc(Ⅱ) ion and Copper(Ⅱ) ion come from the process of producing potassium aurocyanide, gold-plated material. Adsorption process of zinc ion and Copper ion resin in a φ10 mm×20 mm adsorption column was simulated and studied with the aid of Aspen Adsorption. Ion concentration at exit of adsorption column vs time curve and bed axial loading distribution of ion were obtained from simulation results with discrete partial differential equations of first order upwind difference method. The time of breakthrough was shortened, as feed flow rate and feed concentration increase respectively. The adsorption breakthrough curves did not change with mass transferring coefficient any more When the mass transfer coefficient is greater than the critical value, K_S(Zn²⁺)=4.3×10^-3 s^-1, K_S(Cu²⁺)=1.00×10^-2 s^-1. The modeling study provides reference data for scale-up experiment and industrial application.