Apparatus and system for swing adsorption processes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swing adsorption processes for hydrocarbon recovery have limitations, including high capital and operational costs due to the use of dedicated high-temperature heaters, longer cycle times, and reduced operational life and efficiency of adsorbent materials during startup modes.

Innovation Solution

A process and system for swing adsorption that includes a purge step using an external gas stream to remove contaminants from adsorbent bed units, with a cyclical system featuring manifolds and valves to manage fluid flow, allowing for reduced heating temperatures and pressures, and transitioning from startup to normal operation modes efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated high-temperature heaters are used during startup mode, then contaminants are effectively removed from adsorbent beds, but capital and operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removal effectivenessVSAvoidcapital and operational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating function from dedicated high-temperature heaters and transfers it to the feed stream itself. The feed stream is heated externally and then passed through the adsorbent beds, providing the necessary heat for contaminant removal without requiring separate heating equipment. This eliminates the need for dedicated high-temperature heaters while maintaining effective contaminant removal during startup mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The feed stream serves multiple functions: it acts as both the process material to be treated and as the heat transfer medium for regenerating the adsorbent beds during startup mode. By heating the feed stream externally and passing it through the adsorbent beds, the system achieves both contaminant removal from the feed and simultaneous heating of the adsorbent material, eliminating the need for separate heating systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high temperatures are applied during startup mode, then contaminant removal is achieved, but adsorbent material operational life and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removal effectivenessVSAvoidadsorbent material operational life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heating locally and selectively during startup mode. The feed stream is heated externally to a controlled temperature and then passed through the adsorbent beds, providing heat only where needed for contaminant removal. This localized heating approach avoids subjecting the entire adsorbent bed to excessive temperatures that would damage the material, thereby extending operational life while maintaining effective contaminant removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on operational mode. During startup mode, the feed stream is heated to a moderate temperature sufficient for contaminant removal without exceeding thresholds that would damage adsorbent material. During normal operation, different temperature parameters are applied. This parameter optimization ensures effective contaminant removal while preserving adsorbent material integrity and extending its operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional startup mode processes are used, then adsorbent beds are prepared for operation, but cycle time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorbent bed preparationVSAvoidcycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates idle time in the startup mode by maintaining continuous useful action. The feed stream is continuously heated and passed through the adsorbent beds during startup, simultaneously achieving both feed stream treatment and adsorbent bed heating. This continuous process avoids the sequential steps of conventional methods where heating occurs after feed introduction, thereby reducing cycle time while ensuring proper adsorbent bed preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 reduces costs, shortens cycle times, and extends the operational life of adsorbent materials by using a more efficient and cost-effective method for contaminant removal during startup modes in swing adsorption processes.

Implementation Method 1

passing an external gas stream through an adsorbent bed unit to remove one or more contaminants from an adsorbent bed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 2

passing a gaseous feed stream through an adsorbent bed unit having an adsorbent bed to separate one or more contaminants from the gaseous feed stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10427091B2Apparatus and system for swing adsorption processes

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve performing a startup mode process prior to beginning a normal operation mode process to remove contaminants from a gaseous feed stream. The startup mode process may be utilized for swing adsorption processes, such as TSA and/or PSA, which are utilized to remove one or more contaminants from a gaseous feed stream.