Hydrogen separation by multi-bed pressure swing adsorption of synthesis gas

The performance of multi-bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process for producing high purity hydrogen from synthesis gas was studied experimentally and theoretically using layered beds of activated carbon and zeolite 5A. Nonisothermal and nonadiabatic models, considering linear driving force model and Dual-site Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, were used. The effects of the following PSA variables on separation process were investigated: linear velocity of feed, adsorption time and purge gas quantity. As a result, we recovered a high purity H2 product (99.999%) with a recovery of 66% from synthesis gas when the pressure was cycled between 1 and 8 atm at ambient temperature.