Abstract
With increasing nitrogen purity, PSA plants require an over-proportional air demand with the consequence that high-purity PSA systems engender a distinct interest in energy-saving measures. This paper presents process intensification strategies with the focus on a reduced energy consumption. Therefore, the influence of PSA configuration and cycle organisation on process performance was investigated. Results are presented at two product purity levels (10 ppm/1000 ppm O2) and two operating temperatures (25 °C/45 °C) in a lab-scale twin bed PSA (2 × 2 L). It is shown that dedicated strategies are available to intensify the PSA process; however, their effects are dependent on ambient conditions and product purity levels.
Highlights
At present, the production of nitrogen from the air is carried out mainly by three methods: cryogenic distillation, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and membrane separation [1]
There are three sources of pressure drop in the installation: (1) uncontrolled flow resistances in the piping system, e.g. pipes, bends, in-line filters, connectors, or adsorber column elements as perforated plates or sieves for the packed-bed support; (2) controlled flow resistances in the piping system, i.e. the control valves installed for a flow rate regulation of particular streams; and (3) the adsorbent fixed-bed
Whereas the column dimensions and armatures together with the size of the adsorbent pellets are selected at the plant design stage, the performance of already existing PSA plants can still be improved by the proper adjustment of controlled flow resistances in the piping system
Summary
The production of nitrogen from the air is carried out mainly by three methods: cryogenic distillation, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and membrane separation [1]. The selection of a suitable technique is primarily based on the required production rate, load profiles, utilisation (e.g. operating hours per week), and purity level of the product gas. While the operation of cryogenic air separation units (ASUs) is the most efficient method if large amounts of high-purity nitrogen are demanded, the utilisation of membranes would be in preference when the requirement for either quantity and purity is lower. The PSA technology for nitrogen generation is commercially established in the intermediate area, for product flow rates up to several thousand Nm3/h
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