Dynamic Modeling of Gaseous Multicomponent Trace Contaminant Adsorption

Activated carbon is a porous material in the Trace Contaminant Control (TCC) system that physically adsorbs volatile organic compounds generated within spacecraft and spacesuit environments. Several isotherm models exist to predict adsorption equilibria for processes involving multicomponent systems. This paper investigates the use of Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) for predicting multicomponent trace contaminant adsorption behavior using single-component isotherms based on potential theory. Developing simulations of high velocity, low aspect ratio (HVLA) adsorption processes and classic low velocity, high aspect ratio (LVHA) adsorption processes will gauge the validity of the theorem on the sizing and design of TCCS architecture. Model results are compared with available test data and predictions of the FORTRAN TCCS computer program (TCCS-CP) used historically.