Numerical simulation of rapid pressurization and depressurization of a zeolite column using nitrogen

Abstract

The required durations of pressurization and depressurization steps of a rapid pressure swing adsorption process are primarily governed by adsorbent particle size, adsorption kinetics, column pressure drop, column length to diameter ratio, and the valve constant of the gas inlet and outlet control valve attached to the adsorbent column. A numerical model study of the influence of these variables for an adiabatic LiX zeolite column is presented using pure N2 as an adsorbate gas. An adsorbent particle size range of 200–350 μm was found to minimize (<1 s) the times required for the pressurization and depressurization steps.