An Equilibrium Model for Pressure Swing Adsorption Process with Equalization Step

Abstract

An equilibrium model for pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process with equalization step is developed by using the method of characteristics. The concentration profiles at the cyclic steady state are obtained by tracking the movement of wave fronts derived from the characteristic lines during the transient cycles. The results of this model compare quite well with the conventional finite difference method, but with less computational effort. Multiple waves in PSA processes are clearly demonstrated by this model. Effects of equalization step on PSA process performances are also analyzed using this model.