Adsorption dynamics of ethane in two granular fixed beds and structured fixed beds with microfibrous composites was studied. 5A zeolite membrane 5A/PSSF (paper-like sintered stainless steel fiber) and microfibrous entrapped activated carbon (MEAC) composites were prepared by wet layup papermaking/sintering technique and

in-situ

hydrothermal method. Microfibrous composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction

scanning electron microscopy and N

2

adsorption/desorption. Structured fixed beds were designed by filling granular adsorbents (5A zeolite or activated carbon) and microfibrous composites at the inlet and outlet of the beds

respectively. Effects of flow rate

bed height and structure on the breakthrough curves were investigated. The length of unused bed (LUB) was determined

and Yoon–Nelson model was used to fit the breakthrough curves. The experimental results showed ethane was effectively adsorbed on the granular adsorbents and microfibrous composites. Both composites could decrease the LUB values and enhance bed utilization. All breakthrough curves fitted well to Yoon–Nelson model

with correlation coefficient exceeding 0.89. The adsorption rate of ethane could be improved in the structu

red fixed beds

which showed an enhanced mass transfer efficiency for ethane adsorption. LUB values of structured fixed beds with 5A/PSSF composites were larger

the bed utilization values were lower

and the adsorption rate constants were higher than those with MEAC composites under the same conditions.