adsorberer

An adsorber, or adsorber device, is a component or vessel containing an adsorbent material that removes selected substances from a gas or liquid by adsorption, the accumulation of molecules on a solid surface. This is distinct from absorption, where substances dissolve into a liquid. Adsorbers are used to control moisture, contaminants, or trace components, often as part of purification, drying, or gas separation processes.

Adsorption occurs at the surface of an adsorbent and is influenced by surface chemistry, porosity, and temperature. Common adsorbents include activated carbon, zeolites, silica gel, alumina, polymeric resins, and some metal‑organic frameworks. Materials are chosen for capacity, selectivity, and regeneration compatibility with the target species.

Configurations vary and include fixed-bed (packed-bed) columns, fluidized beds, and rotating drum systems. Cyclic regenerations, such as temperature swing adsorption (TSA), pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and vacuum swing adsorption (VSA), are widely used to restore adsorption capacity for continuous operation. Performance is characterized by adsorption capacity (amount adsorbed per mass of adsorbent), selectivity for target species, and breakthrough behavior. Design involves bed depth, flow rate, particle size, and contact time, with attention to pressure drop and heat effects.

Regeneration removes the adsorbed species and restores the adsorbent’s capacity, typically by increasing temperature, reducing pressure, or applying a vacuum. Regeneration energy, adsorbent degradation, and fouling influence operating costs and equipment lifespan. Applications span air and gas purification, moisture removal, solvent recovery, hydrogen purification, and carbon capture.

See also: adsorption, adsorbent, PSA, TSA.