MULTIPLE PERIODIC STATES FOR THERMAL SWING ADSORPTION OF GAS-MIXTURES

This paper reports the results of a theoretical study. The adsorption of two dilute components from inert gas in an adiabatic fixed bed is considered. The adsorption cycle is operated for recovery of both components rather than to separate them from one another. Cycles with two and three steps are considered. Multiple, stable, periodic states are found. For a single heating time, two different adsorption times may exist, corresponding to different depths of penetration of the heavy component into the bed at breakthrough of the light component. The system studied is benzene and cyclohexane adsorbed from nitrogen onto activated carbon. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.