Method for metal loading of a multi-bed adsorbent system

Abstract

A novel and efficient process for the loading of metals onto adsorbent beds in an overall adsorption system comprising at least two beds can overcome many of the problems associated with traditional metal-loaded adsorbent preparation techniques. These problems include waste stream generation and disposal, drying requirements, and shrinkage/swelling effects. In addition to an adsorption bed, the system includes either an upstream bed (e.g. a pretreatment bed) or a downstream bed (e.g. a post treatment bed). These supplemental beds are often not loaded initially with metal, but can serve to guard against poisons and foulants that detrimentally affect the overall adsorption. The method is useful for in-situ ion exchange loading of metals for which the adsorbent has a strong affinity. The method is particularly advantageous for loading iodine-reactive metals (e.g. silver) onto zeolitic or resin-based adsorbents used for treating iodine-containing feeds, such as commercial acetic acid product streams.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.