A VERSATILE PROCESS SIMULATOR FOR ADSORPTIVE SEPARATIONS

Simulation of adsorptive separation processes is one of the most challenging problems in chemical engineering. We have recently developed and validated a nonisothermal, nonlinear, nonequilibrium and nonisobaric model to simulate accurately these processes. Using this simulator and fundamental adsorption data, we can predict the performance of a variety of adsorption cycles with relative ease. Features of the simulator include multiple adsorbents, multicomponent gas mixtures, choice of equilibrium and mass transfer models and multiple process steps. The transport equations, some of the thermodynamic models and other unique features of this simulator are discussed. Use of the simulator is illustrated for equilibrium (zeolite) and kinetic (carbon molecular sieve) based gas separation processes. Results from these simulations are compared against experimental data. Future challenges of adsorption modeling are also discussed.