Abstract
Primary element of an oxy-combustion plants is ambient air separation unit. This paper presents the results of experimental research concerning the parameters of the separation of N2/O2 from ambient air, using capillary polymer membranes, potentially applicable in oxy-combustion technology, under variable operational conditions. Collected data were utilized to approximate continuous functions describing the variability of essential parameters of the air separation based on such membranes. The functions were introduced to develop a complete mathematical model of the separation unit, intended to be applied in oxy-Moderate or Intense Low Oxygen Dilution (oxy-MILD) zero-emission plants. Computational analyses were performed for three variants of the unit’s configuration: serial connection of membrane modules, unit with retentate recirculation and unit with permeate recirculation. The results of the research, in the form of sets of characteristic curves, depicting parameters of the separation process as a function of the variable operational conditions, show that crucial differences to the subsequent separation parameters (permeate purity, real selectivity coefficient, recovery coefficient) and with regard to the power consumed, were obtained. The highest parameters of the module were gained for serial connection, whereas the lowest – for permeate recirculation. The lowest energy consumption was acquired for the retentate recirculation variant.
Highlights
Technological processes of energy generation are mainly based on the combustion of fossil fuels, such as hard coal, lignite, natural gas, or crude oil
The first of the investigated configuration variants involved the serial connection of successive modules by the permeate duct
The graph shown in fig. 6a depicts an estimation of the separation factor on number of modules, depending on feed flow QN
Summary
Technological processes of energy generation are mainly based on the combustion of fossil fuels, such as hard coal, lignite, natural gas, or crude oil. The byproducts of those processes include a series of volatile chemical compounds. Particulate matter, formed due to the imperfect oxidation of coal, which is commonly lifted with the above-mentioned gases, should be listed from the outset [1,2,3,4] Due to their toxic influence on humans and the natural environment, a number of such compounds should be separated from the stream of exhaust gases before its emission to the atmosphere. Compounds affecting global warming should be separated as well [1,5,6,7].All technologies, devoted to reduce emissions of potentially dangerous compounds from the solid fossil fuels, are commonly denoted as the clean coal technologies (CCT) [1,2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
