Recent advances in simulation and optimal design of pressure swing adsorption systems

With the growing maturity and accuracy of bed models for adsorption, increasing sophistication of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycles and competitive demands for high-performance PSA separations, it is essential to develop systematic optimization strategies for the design of PSA systems. Moreover, over the past decade large-scale simulation and optimization tools have been developed that overcome many of the computational barriers related to process optimization with detailed models. This study discusses recent progress in this area. In particular, we discuss large-scale simulation and optimization algorithms along with their implementation on PSA systems. A case study on an O2VSA process demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Finally, future research directions in algorithmic development, optimal strategies for process control and operation, as well as application to more complex PSA cycles are outlined.