Modeling and optimization of adsorption-based separation systems for improved process performance

• Author / Creator

  Maruyama, Rafael

• This thesis focuses on two different separation processes based on adsorption. The first part focuses on column chromatography and simulated moving bed (SMB) operations for liquid phase separations. The second part focuses on the separation of gas mixtures for carbon dioxide capture applications.
  The first part of this thesis analyzes simulated moving bed chromatography operated with bypass lines for processes with reduced purity constraints. Initially, the system is thoroughly analyzed based on the local-equilibrium theory, considering ideal conditions and linear isotherms. It is then followed by computational analysis of different case studies considering a non-ideal column and non-linear isotherms. Specific conditions, under which the process performance improves,
  are illustrated.
  The second part focuses on the modeling, validation and optimization of carbon dioxide capture through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and it was divided into two chapters. It initially studies of the effects of reduced carbon dioxide constraints in post-combustion capture with PSA. In this scenario, the greenhouse gas is captured from a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide and the impact of the reduced recovery constraint is studied by analyzing the resulting energy consumption and process productivity. It is then followed by a study that focus on the modeling of a carbon dioxide capture unit installed in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant, based on a
  capture unit operated by TDA Research Inc. The unit is composed of eight adsorption columns working in parallel, where the desired gas is captured from a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The simulation results are compared with the data measured on the field for validation.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • simulated moving bed
  • carbon dioxide capture
  • reduced recovery
  • process modeling and optimization
  • bypass
  • vacuum swing adsorption

• Graduation date

  Fall 2019

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-nt18-me44

• License

  Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.