SIMULATION OF PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION FOR C3 SEPARATION

Abstract

In this present work simulation of Pressure Swing Adsorption for C3 (propane/propylene) separation is the focus of the study. Two types of adsorbents, namely polymer membranes, and microporous and mesoporous materials (sieve), were previously proposed to be highly effective materials for gas separation using a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle. The separation of C3 (propane/propylene) gas mixtures is one of great industrial importance. It is also one of the most difficult and costly to achieve. In present study Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) process for separation of propane/ propylene mixtures using zeolite SSZ13 adsorbent is modelled and simulated as an alternative to distillation. The PSA cycle used comprises four steps: pressurization, adsorption, depressurization and desorption, to intermediate pressure and counter-current blow down for propane/propylene separation. Adsorptive and catalytic potential of SSZ13 for C3 (propane/propylene) separation is explored, and the behaviour of concentration and temperature with respect to time and bed length over PSA system is discussed by solving the mathematical model equations. Breakthrough curves have been generated using the zeolite for propane/propylene and analysis is carried out for breakthrough curve due to variation of different variables and isotherm parameters. Its adsorption potential is evaluated for propane/propylene separation by measuring adsorption/desorption nature in the PSA cycle. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that zeolites SSZ13 demonstrates good potential for kinetic separation of C3 (propane/propylene) separation at near ambient condition. Analysis of the breakthrough curve for single and multi-component feed streams has been done, and parametric study has been done.