On the basis of the Dubinin theory of micropore volume filling, a mathematical model of dynamics of pressure swing adsorption processes for synthesis gas separation has been developed. The model takes into consideration the influence of the processes of mass and heat transfer in gas and solid phases on the kinetics of diffusion transfer of adsorbate (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen) in the adsorbent layer and accounts for all devices included in the process diagram (adsorber, compressor, vacuum pump, valves, throttle, receiver). Numerical studies of the process of separation of synthesis gas and concentration of hydrogen in a four-adsorber unit with granulated zeolite adsorbent 13X were carried out by methods of mathematical modeling: the influence of disturbing influences (composition and temperature of the initial hydrogen-containing gas mixture), regime parameters (cycle duration, pressure at the compressor outlet, pressure at the vacuum pump inlet, backflow coefficient) and design parameters (length of the adsorbent bulk layer and inner diameter of the adsorber) on the purity of the product hydrogen, its recovery rate and productivity of the unit were studied. The most dangerous disturbances and the most effective regime parameters of pressure swing adsorption process of synthesis gas separation were determined. It is established that the increase of temperature from 298 to 323 K and decrease of hydrogen concentration from 68 to 48 % (vol.) in initial gas mixture result in ~10 % lower efficiency of the unit due to the decrease of product hydrogen recovery rate. Practical recommendations on effective choice of operation regimes of an adsorption unit to ensure the achievement of required purity of product hydrogen at the level of 99.99 % (vol.), regardless of the impact of disturbances are formulated.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF DYNAMICS OF PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIS GAS SEPARATION AND HYDROGEN PRODUCTION