CTS-9523284 Conner University of Massachusetts The performance of hydrophobic molecular sieves (zeolites) in selectively removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for recycle or resuse will be evaluated with industrial collaboration. The removal of cyclohexane from a chemical process stream will adsorbents supplied by Philadelphia Quartz. The energy necessary to desorb the solvent for recycle back into the process will be determined. The desorption of cyclohexane will be done by microwave radiation and also by using a hot purge gas for comparison. Fundamental studies will focus on competitive adsorption and transport of VOCs and water in a variety of inorganic molecular sieves. KSE Corp. will participate in evaluating the economic and technological aspects of the process. The SGER/GOALI project will explore a new strategy to use microwave radiation in solving environmental problems associated with chemical processing.
