Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2002

Six types of Thai clays, namely bentonite, diatomite, talcum, china (Lumpang), china (Ranong) and ball clay have been studied on the adsorption of olefins in BTX feedstock. The suitable condition for olefin adsorption is observed at 120 ํC for 3 hours. The efficiencies of acid activated clays for olefin adsorption were investigated. The difference in adsorption efficiency appeared to be due to different types of clays. X-ray and FTIR data confirmed that the acid activation affected both the octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. For more adsorption efficiency, talcum and bentonite were selected to be modifed with KCl, CaCl[subscript 2] and alkyl ammonium salt. Modified bentonite showed higher adsorption value than the original one. However, its adsorption capacity was less than that of commercial Tonsil 616GSE. Talcum modified with KCl and CaCl[subscript 2] exhibited 53.49 and 58.07% olefin adsorption, respectively. Their adsorption capability is comparable to that of commercial Tonsil 616GSE.