Swing Adsorption Equalization Vessels for Cycle Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swing adsorption processes face inefficiencies due to long regeneration times and dependency between adsorbent beds, leading to increased cycle times and system size, particularly in high-pressure applications where depressurization and re-pressurization steps are time-consuming and require synchronization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dedicated equalization vessels for each adsorbent bed, allowing for independent operation and reducing cycle time by storing and reusing gas within these vessels during depressurization and re-pressurization steps, thereby minimizing the need for inter-bed synchronization and piping length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adsorbent beds are interconnected for equalization between beds, then pressure balance and process efficiency are improved, but synchronization complexity and cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the equalization function into separate equalization vessels associated with each adsorbent bed, allowing independent pressure balance without requiring synchronization between beds. Each bed has its own equalization vessel that handles pressure equalization independently, eliminating the complex inter-bed coordination required in conventional interconnected systems.
2Speed
If multiple depressurization and re-pressurization steps are used, then pressure change rate is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is stored in advance in equalization vessels during adsorption phases, so that when depressurization or re-pressurization steps are needed, the gas is already prepared and ready for immediate transfer. This preliminary storage eliminates waiting time and allows rapid pressure changes without extending the overall cycle time.
3Ease of operation
If adsorbent beds are located far apart, then system flexibility and maintenance access are improved, but piping length and equalization time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Equalization vessels serve as intermediary storage points between adsorbent beds, allowing pressure equalization to occur locally at each bed without requiring direct long piping runs between distant beds. The vessels act as intermediate nodes that receive and transfer gas efficiently, reducing the effective piping length and equalization time despite beds being physically separated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces overall cycle time, decreases the size and weight of the adsorption system, and allows for independent operation of each bed, enhancing flexibility and maintenance efficiency while maintaining high product recovery and purity.
Implementation Method 1
Gas separation is important in many industries and can be accomplished by conducting a mixture of gases over an adsorbent material that preferentially adsorbs a more readily adsorbed component relative to a less readily adsorbed component of the mixture
Implementation Method 2
the adsorbent bed is regenerated following the adsorption step using a variety of methods including pressure swing (PSA), vacuum swing (VSA), temperature swing (TSA), purging
Data Source
AI summary
A swing adsorption process for removing contaminants from a gaseous feed stream through a combination of a selective adsorbent material containing an effective amount of a non-adsorbent filler, adsorbent contactor design, and adsorption cycle design.