Gerhard Klein

Bio: Gerhard Klein is an academic researcher from University of California, Berkeley. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ion exchange & Brine. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 14 publications receiving 253 citations.

On the theory of multicomponent chromatography

Abstract: A theoretical study of multicomponent chromatography is here presented in which the system is considered to be one-dimensional, isothermal, locally at equilibrium and to have negligible diffusion effects. The discussion starts with constant initial and entry conditions and goes on to stepwise constant data with an arbitrary number of discontinuities. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is perfectly fitted to the exposition of the mathematical theory of quasilinear equations for it leads to explicit forms for the Riemann invariants and characteristic parameters. This paper develops the theory of simple waves and of shock waves on an independent basis and illustrates this theory by the construction of solutions and the analysis of the interaction of waves. It is shown incidentally that the entropy change across a shock is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics. The separation of solutes is discussed and brief consideration is given to the problems associated with non-uniform geometry and non-isothermal adsorption.

Biosorption Processes for Heavy Metal Removal

Abstract: For the removal of heavy metals from the food cycle, natural processes can be used. The bio-molecules that bind metals in natural systems can make certain types of biomass suitable for metal sequestration in industrial biosorption processes which are described in this chapter. Biosorption can serve as a tool for the recovery of precious metals and the elimination of toxic metals. The term "biosorption" is used to describe the passive accumulation of metals or radioactive elements by biological materials. Usually, dead biomass serves as a basis for a family of biosorbents. In most cases, working with dead biomass offers more advantages and is therefore the object of the majority of more practically oriented biosorption studies. Some authors consider only an exchange of electrostatically bound ions to be ion exchange, and in the chapter the authors adopt a broader definition of this term. The occurrence of the groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfhydryl, sulfonate, and phosphonate) in different types of biomass is discussed. The influence of the most important parameters on the biosorption equilibrium is described in qualitative terms. The chapter deals with quantitative modeling of the key phenomena, and presents the biosorption equilibrium models. These models are the basis for modeling of dynamic processes, e.g., in columns, that are of greater industrial relevance and are described in detail. Important progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of biosorption and in quantitative modeling of this process under controlled laboratory conditions.