Pressure swing adsorption dynamic model

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) unit is a dynamic separation process. In order to create a precise model of the process and thus an accurate design, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the mixture s adsorption behaviour. Consequently, the dilAision rates in the adsorbent particles and the mixture isotherms are extremely vital data. This article intends to present a new approach to study the adsorption behaviour of isomer mixtures on zeolites. In a combined simulation and experimental project we set out to assess the sorption properties of a series of zeolites. The simulations are based on the configurational-bias Monte Carlo technique. The sorption data are measured in a volumetric set-up coupled with an online Near Infra-Red (NIR) spectroscopy, to monitor the bulk composition. Single component isotherms of butane and iso-butane were measured to validate the equipment, and transient volumetric up-take experiments were also performed to access the adsorption kinetics. 

Kopaygorodsky, E.M., Guliants, V.V., and Krantz, W.B. Predictive dynamic model of single-stage, ultra-rapid pressure swing adsorption. AIChE Journal, 2004, 50, 953. 

Ruthven, D. M. (1990) Dynamic modelling of pressure swing adsorption separation processes, in Separation of Gases, 5th BOC Priestley Conference, Royal Society of Chemistry, pp. 256-272 Ruthven, D. M., Farooq, S. and Knaebel, K. S. (1994) Pressure Swing Adsorption, VCH, New York... 

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