Bulk Gas Separation by Pressure Swing Adsorption

An experimental and theoretical study has been performed on bulk gas separation by pressure swing adsorption using activated carbon. A 50/50 H₂/CO mixture was separated into two products, both at well over 90% purities and recoveries and at a high throughput. The data were successfully simulated by two models, both considering an energy balance and adsorption from all components in the mixture. The purge-to-feed ratio was important to the H₂ product purity only at low feed pressures. The CO product purity depended crucially on the step of cocurrent depressurization in the cycle. The function of this step was illustrated by a bed-loading analysis.