Abstract
Packed open-cell foams are proposed as an alternative to standard packed bed configuration commonly adopted for the adsorption columns of a temperature swing adsorption process. In this contribution, heat transfer in an adsorption column with a packed foam configuration is investigated by experimental and modeling analysis, in comparison to a standard packed bed. The introduction of the packed foam allows for more rapid temperature transitions and substantial reduction of temperature gradients within the adsorption bed. The impact of this heat transfer enhancement on the separation performance of a temperature swing adsorption process is evaluated by modeling an example post-combustion CO2 capture application. Although the presence of the foam implies a loss of sorbent inventory (-26.5%), higher process productivity (+80%) is achieved thanks to faster temperature swings and more homogeneous temperature distribution within the adsorption columns.
Highlights
Among adsorption based separations, Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) processes include all those processes, commonly performed in fixed bed gas-solid contactors, where the regeneration of the solid sorbent is enabled by an increase in temperature of the system
Packed open-cell foams are proposed as an alternative to standard packed bed configuration commonly adopted for the adsorption columns of a temperature swing adsorption process
We report the – to the best of our knowledge – first experimental analysis of the application of packed open-cell foams to TSA processes, applied to a post-combustion carbon capture process using Zeolite 13X as sorbent
Summary
Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) processes include all those processes, commonly performed in fixed bed gas-solid contactors, where the regeneration of the solid sorbent is enabled by an increase in temperature of the system. Multitubular reactors with diameters in the range 2–15 cm packed with pellets and indirectly heated or cooled are widely employed in catalytic processes These systems are typically operated at high flow velocities for the combined needs of productivity, adequate contact time to reach target conversions, and efficient heat transfer to enable effective process temperature control [16]. Consistently with the expectations, the heat transfer properties of open-cell foams help in achieving a more homogeneous temperature distribution and faster column dynamics during operation, allowing for faster cycling of a TSA process This benefit overcompensates a partial loss of adsorption capacity, eventually resulting in a substantial increase of process productivity, at the inevitable cost of a slightly higher energy consumption
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