V-PSA (UK3.1)
Multi-column Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption
UoEdinburgh
capture
Other CCUS Projects
2008-2014
Carbon Capture from Power Plant and Atmosphere
2012-2013
Carbon Capture in the Refining Process
2011
Development of a Pre-combustion Capture IGCC Process integrated with H2 PSA
Multi-column VPSA system at UoE consisting of gas dosing system, six columns in the oven, vacuum pump and control system.
Solenoid valves
Six columns in the oven
Gas analyser
Dynamic gPROMS simulation of a cyclic adsorption system
Process flow diagram
Multi-column VPSA system at UoE consisting of gas dosing system, six columns in the oven, vacuum pump and control system
Credits: The University of Edinburgh
The adsorptive gas separation system is to test a variety of pressure swing adsorption systems in a wide range of column pressure from vacuum to 40 bar. This system was designed to operate for both CO2 recovery (low pressure) and H2 production (high pressure). To achieve a high product recovery, the rig contains six identical adsorption columns with all the column interconnected to each other through the lines. All the columns are placed in an oven for temperature control. Each column has a dimension of 600 mm length x 25 mm diameter. It was designed on the basis of the feed flowrate of 5 LSTP/min.
In addition to the four steps of Skarstrom cycle, other steps for performance improvement can be incorporated into an adsorption cycle, such as product pressurisation, pressure equalization and light/heavy reflux. The gas compositions are analysed in situ by a mass spectrometer.
A dynamic simulator has been developed for the multi-column VPSA system with gPROMS, based on rigorous mathematical models developed by the rig owner.
Scientific Environment
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State of the Art, Uniqueness & Specific Advantages
nd
Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QA)
Activities / Tests / Data are
Controlled: nd
Facility Availability
Unit of Access (UA)
Week
Availability per Year (in UA)
Around 2 - 3 months each year
Duration of a Typical Access (Average) and Number of External Users Expected for that Access
2 weeks
Operational or Other Constraints
Specific Risks
Tests must be planned well ahead to have sufficient time for preparing for the experiments. Adsorbents to be tested must be provided by the user along with their full data sheet. Risk assessment must be carried out before access to the rig is granted. A user must be accompanied by an experienced UoE staff in accessing the rig.
Legal Issues
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