Skip to main content
Log in

On the Optimisation of Periodic Adsorption Processes

  • Published:
Adsorption Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A rigorous mathematical programming based approach to the optimisation of general periodic adsorption processes is presented. Detailed dynamic models taking account of the spatial variation of properties within the adsorption bed(s) are used. The resulting systems of partial differential and algebraic equations are reduced to sets of algebraic constraints by discretisation with respect to both spatial and temporal dimensions. Periodic boundary conditions are imposed to represent directly the “cyclic steady-state” of the system. Additional constraints are introduced to characterise the interactions between multiple beds in the process as well as any relevant design specifications and operating restrictions. The optimal operating and/or design decisions can be determined by solving an optimisation problem with constraints representing a single bed over a single cycle of operation, irrespective of the number of adsorption beds in the process.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alpay, E., Rapid Pressure Swing Adsorption Processes, Ph.D. thesis, University of Cambridge, 1992.

  • Alpay, E., C.N. Kenney, and D.M. Scott, "Simulation of Rapid Pressure Swing Adsorption and Reaction Processes," Chem. Engng. Sci., 48, 3173-3186 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton, P.I. and C.C. Pantelides, "Modeling of Combined Discrete/ Continuous Processes," AIChE J., 40, 966-979 (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird, R.B., W.E. Stewart, and E.N. Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carey, G.F. and B.A. Finlayson, "Orthogonal Collocation on Finite Elements," Chem. Engng. Sci., 30, 587-596 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, M.B., "Method of Lines Solution of Differential Equations- Fundamental Principles and Recent Extensions," Foundations of Computer-Aided Process Design, R.S.H. Mah and W.D. Seider (Eds.), Engineering Foundation, pp. 369-402, New York, New Hampshire, 1981.

  • Chou, C.T. and W.C. Huang, "Incorporation of a Valve Equation into the Simulation of a Pressure Swing Adsorption," Chem. Engng. Sci., 49, 75-84 (1994a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chou, C.T. and W.C. Huang, "Simulation of a Four-Bed Pressure Swing Adsorption Process for Oxygen Enrichment," Ind. Engng. Chem. Res., 33, 1250-1258 (1994b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Croft, D.T. and M.G. LeVan, "Periodic States of Adsorption Cycles-I. Direct Determination and Stability," Chem. Engng. Sci., 49, 1821-1829 (1994a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Croft, D.T. and M.G. LeVan, "Periodic States of Adsorption Cycles-II. Solution Space and Multiplicity," Chem. Engng. Sci., 49, 1831-1841 (1994b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Farooq, S. and D.M. Ruthven, "Numerical Simulation of a Kinetically Controlled Pressure Swing Adsorption Bulk Separation Process Based on a Diffusional Model," Chem. Engng. Sci., 46, 2213- 2224 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  • Finlayson, B.A., Nonlinear Analysis in Chemical Engineering, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glueckauf, E. and J.I. Coates, "Theory of Chromatography: Part IV. The Influence of Incomplete Equilibrium on the Front Boundary of Chromatograms and on the Effectiveness of Separation," J. Chem. Soc., 1315 (1947).

  • Habgood, H.W., "The Kinetics of Molecular Sieve Action. Sorption of Nitrogen, Methane Mixtures by Linde Molecular Sieve 4A," Can. J. Chem., 36, 1384-1397 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassan, M.M., D.M. Ruthven, and N.S. Raghavan, "Air Separation by Pressure Swing Adsorption on a Carbon Molecular Sieve," Chem. Engng. Sci., 41, 1333-1343 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassan, M.M., N.S. Raghavan, and D.M. Ruthven, "Pressure Swing Air Separation on a Carbon Molecular Sieve-II. Investigation of a Modified Cycle with Pressure Equalization and No Purge," Chem. Engng. Sci., 42, 2037-2043 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis, R.B. and C.C. Pantelides, "DASOLV-a Differential-Algebraic Equation Solver," Technical report, Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Imperial College, 1992.

  • Jones, R.L. and G.E. Keller, "Pressure Swing Parametric Pumping- A New Adsorption Process," J. Sep. Proc. Tech., 2, 17-23 (1981).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kowler, D.E. and R.H. Kadlec, "The Optimal Control of a Periodic Adsorber," AIChE J., 18, 1207-1219 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kvamsdal, H.M., Studies on Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of PSA Systems, Ph.D. thesis, University of Trondheim, 1995.

  • McCabe, W.L., J.C. Smith, and P. Harriott, Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 4th edition, 1985.

  • Nilchan, S., On the Optimisation of Periodic Adsorption Processes, Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1997.

  • Oh, M., Modelling and Simulation of Combined Lumped and Distributed Processes, Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1995.

  • Oh, M. and C.C. Pantelides, "A Modelling and Simulation Language for Combined Lumped and Distributed Parameter Systems," Comp. chem. Engng., 20, 611-633 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  • Paloschi, J.R., The Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Equations Representing Chemical Processes, Ph.D. thesis, University of London, 1982.

  • Pritchard, C.L. and G.K. Simpson, "Design of an Oxygen Concentrator Using the Rapid Pressure-Swing Adsorption Principle," Chem. Engng. Res. Des., 64, 467-472 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  • Round, G.F., H.W. Habgood, and R. Newton, "A Numerical Analysis of Surface Diffusion in a Binary Adsorbed Phase," Separation Sci., 1, 219-244 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruthven, D.M., Principles of Adsorption and Adsorption Processes, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiesser, W.E., The Numerical Method of Lines, Academic Press, New York, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skarstrom, C.W., U.S. Patent No. 2,944,627, to Exxon Research and Engineering, 1960.

  • Smith IV, O.J. and A.W. Westerberg, "The Optimal Design of Pressure Swing Adsorption Systems," Chem. Engng. Sci., 46, 2967- 2976 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  • Turnock, P.H. and R.H. Kadlec, "Separation of Nitrogen and Methane via Periodic Adsorption," AIChE J., 17, 335-342 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C.C. Pantelides.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nilchan, S., Pantelides, C. On the Optimisation of Periodic Adsorption Processes. Adsorption 4, 113–147 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008823102106

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008823102106

Navigation