Laboratory testing of the pollutant removal performance of sorbent media is typically conducted under relatively high-concentration conditions (ppm level). This paper presents a mechanistic model-based method and procedure to use the laboratory test data for predicting the performance of the sorbent bed under relatively low concentration levels (ppb level) that are typically found in indoor environments. A mathematical model, including its analytical solution, is presented and evaluated for its applicability. Methods are developed to determine the key model parameters, which are based on the laboratory test data assisted by the theory of volatile organic compound diffusion and sorption in porous media. The modeling method is first validated with experimental data and is then used to design a sorbent-bed-based air cleaner for a residential house. The simulation results match up with experimental data well, and the model proves to be useful for predicting the performance of air cleaners.

Units: SI