Ion-Exchange Calculations Using Spreadsheets

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 4 Issue 6 (1999) pp 231-237

Ion-Exchange Calculations Using Spreadsheets

M. Carmona, J.F. Rodríguez and A. Durán*

Department of Chemical Engineering, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, CIUDAD REAL 13004 SPAIN

Published online: 1 December 1999

Abstract. A simple set of calculations using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet can help students determine ion-exchange equilibrium parameters, essential for the design of industrial equipment. Equilibrium parameters are evaluated from experimental isotherms obtained from different zeolites using the action-law model by means of nonlinear curve fitting (Marquardt method). Students will be able to discriminate between ideal and nonideal systems by observation of activity coefficients. The possibility of using the spreadsheet with different types of ion-exchange materials is also validated by comparing the model results with experimental data from papers available in the recent literature. Although the laboratory experience is laborious, it is very satisfactory.

Key Words: Computers in Chemistry; computer assisted instruction; equilibrium; ion exchange; multimedia

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: aduran@inqu-cr.uclm.es)

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