A two resistance mass transfer model for multi component batch adsorption process has been developed including an external film mass transfer coefficient and an internal effective diffusivity that controls the internal mass transport process. The model is based on the shrinking core formulation. The developed model is more generalized, can accommodate wide range of initial adsorbate concentration in feed and the nature of the isotherm. The model is tested for two binary systems reported in the literature [Chem. Eng. Sci. 36 (1981) 73 1]. The model equations are solved numerically and optimized using nonlinear parameter estimation technique in order to match with the experimental kinetic data [Chem. Eng. Sci. 36 (1981) 731]. In this procedure, the process parameters, i.e. the external mass transfer coefficient and internal effective diffusivity are determined for a particular system. Using the estimated parameters, a parametric study has been carried out to observe the effects of initial adsorbate concentration, particle size of adsorbent, mass of adsorbent, etc. on the system kinetics. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.