Pressure Swing Adsorption: An Energy Conservation Success Story

Abstract

Pressure swing adsorption is being successfully used as an efficient separation process in refining, chemical, petrochemical and gas processing industries. This separation process provides a simple and economical alternative to conventional means. Gasoline vapor recovery is a good example of a pressure swing adsorption solution to an air pollution problem. A net income of more than 25 million dollars each year is realized by bulk gasoline loading terminals in the United States which utilize pressure swing adsorption for vapor recovery and pollution abatement. A relatively new application of pressure swing adsorption is found in the gas processing industry. Raw fuel gas currently used in gas engines for compressor drivers can be conditioned by pressure swing adsorption to improve fuel quality. Conditioned fuel can increase efficiency and decrease maintenance costs. This paper discusses the technical principles of adsorption and how these principles are related to energy conservation concepts. Discussions of specific applications provide insight into pressure swing adsorption as a separation process and stimulates ideas for viable new applications.