Experimental and theoretical analysis of iso-butane recovery from linear paraffinic hydrocarbons by adsorption on 5A zeolite

• Recovery of iso-butane from n-paraffinic mixtures was investigated.
• Steric based adsorption technique was adopted using 5A zeolite.
• The effects of variables on process performance were studied.
• Recovery of 92.68% and 0.046 mmol/min g productivity were reported.
• Extended Freundlich and equilibrium models were used for analysis.

Recovery of iso-paraffins from corresponding n-paraffins could be considered as one of the most important processes in petrochemical industries and petroleum refining. In this work, adsorption separation of iso-butane from n-propane and n-butane mixtures was investigated experimentally and theoretically. Steric based adsorption using molecular sieve zeolite of type 5A was adopted for separation process. Accordingly, both propane and butane were selectively adsorbed with no significant adsorption of iso-butane. The performance of iso-butane recovery was identified by its purity and productivity in effluent stream. The extended Freundlich isotherm and equilibrium model were utilized for analysis of process performance. Optimum performance represented by iso-butane purity of 92.68% and 0.046 mmol/min g productivity was reported within studied conditions of 101.2 mmol/l initial concentration, 0.552 l/min flow rate, and 58.75% adsorbates composition.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (155 K)Download as PowerPoint slide