Sung-Sup Suh

A new mass transfer model for cyclic adsorption and desorption

This article presents a new mass transfer model which describes mass transfer rates in a spherical particle where cyclic adsorption and desorption occur. The parameters in the model equation were determined by matching the exact numerical solution to the prediction of this rate law over a range of cycle times. The maximum error was found to be 4.3%. Since the parameters are independent of cycle time, this model equation can be generally used for cyclic adsorption and desorption process regardless of the cycle time and cycle configuration.

Comparison of Local Equilibrium Model and Mass Transfer Model for Prediction of PSA Performance

A PSA process for bulk gas separation was analyzed by a local equilibrium model and mass transfer model. The effects of feed flow rate and purge-to-feed ratio on the product purity and recovery were investigated in the mass transfer model. The maximum recovery was found at a fixed purity. The recovery calculated from the local equilibrium model was compared to the simulation results from the mass transfer model. The recovery change with the feed composition and operating pressure was more distinct in the local equilibrium model.