Reduction in greenhouse gases emission in a loop reactor adsorber: Simulations and experiments

Loop reactors may compete with other heat recuperating technologies, like reverse-flow reactors, for catalytic abatement of low-concentration volatile organic compounds (VOC), with the advantage that unconverted flashes are avoided. These were recently demonstrated experimentally by the authors. The main goal of this research is to extend this concept to VOC oxidation and periodic CO2 adsorption and desorption on a bed packed with catalyst and Zeolite adsorber. Its operation incorporates three steps: combustion-adsorption, desorption and cooling. The optimal timing of these steps, the corresponding flow rates as well as the effect of various operating conditions, are examined experimentally and numerically, in order to achieve an optimal design. In these terms the best CO2 recovery degree simulated is 60–80% with a corresponding effluent concentration during desorption step that is 15–25 times the stoichiometric values. Yet, in the experimental 3-unit loop-reactor system the CO2 recovery degree achieved is only 25–30% and the CO2 concentration during this step is only 3 times the stoichiometric values. Better results require better adsorbents.