Mathematical simulation of pressure swing adsorption cycle with pressure equalization step

Abstract

A quantitative analysis of multi-bed PSA cycles with pressure equalization is undertaken by a mathematical simulation. Multi-bed cycles considered in this study are 2, 4, 5, and 10-bed cycles shown in patents. Performances of cycles are examined and compared in view of purity, recovery, and productivity. The recovery generally increases as a number of beds increases; however, the extent of increase in recovery depends on operation pressure. The inferior performance of a Q-bed cycle at high-pressure operation is due to an inappropriate step sequence. The product productivity becomes lower as a number of beds increases.