SEPARATION OF N ISO-PARAFFINS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE SWING ADSORPTION/

A mathematical model for PSA separation of n/iso-paraffins has been de veloped. A cycle described in patent literature (Minkkinen et al., US Patent 5,233,201, 1993) was simulated. Model parameters (equilibrium i sotherms and kinetic parameters) were found from independent experimen ts in our laboratory and from correlations available on literature (ax ial mass and heat dispersion; film mass and heat transfer). Isothermal and adiabatic cases are studied. Simulated results were consistent wi th patent data. The effects of temperature, feed pressure and feed flo wrate on process performance are addressed. Lower performances are obt ained by decreasing temperature, feed pressure and by increasing feed flowrate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.