Ethanol Dehydration in a Pressure Swing Adsorption Process Using Canola Meal

Abstract

Canola meal was used as an adsorbent in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process for ethanol dehydration at different temperatures, vapor feed concentrations, and adsorbent particle sizes. Adsorption experiments were performed at breakthrough point and equilibrium. The results demonstrate that canola meal was able to break the ethanol–water azeotropic point 95.6 wt %, selectively adsorb water, and produce over 99 wt % pure ethanol. At elevated temperature and feedwater concentration, water mass transfer rate increased. In addition, the mass transfer rate decreased when the size of the adsorbent particles was increased. The water breakthrough curves were simulated by incorporating the Linear Driving Force model and the mass transfer resistances were evaluated. The internal mass transfer resistance was identified as the mass transfer limit. The water-saturated canola meal was regenerated at temperatures no higher than 110 °C under vacuum and successfully reused.