Simplified graphical approach for complex PSA cycle scheduling

A simple, graphical, unit block approach for rapid complex pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle scheduling has been developed. This new methodology involves a priori specifying the cycle steps, their sequence, and the number of beds, and then following a systematic procedure that requires filling in a 2-D grid. The outcome or solution is a unit block which can easily be extended to form the complete cycle schedule. This new approach has been tested successfully against several multi-bed and multi-step cycle schedules taken from the literature. It should thus be very useful for quickly scrutinizing different PSA cycle schedules for further PSA process development.