Modeling of propane separation from light hydrocarbons by adsorption on 4A molecular sieve zeolite

• Adsorption of light hydrocarbons on 4A zeolite was investigated.
• Effect of process variables on propane purity and productivity was studied.
• Equilibrium model well correlate the two experimental responses.
• 98% propane purity and 0.413 mmol/min g productivity were reported.

Experimental and theoretical results were reported on an adsorption process for the separation of propane from methane, ethane, and propane mixture using 4A molecular sieve zeolite as the adsorbent. The performance of adsorption was represented by the purity and productivity of propane. The measured value of purity and productivity are compared with those predicted by the equilibrium model, and the results support the ability of this model to simulate the process performance variables for different operating conditions studied at the ambient temperature. The effect of feed flow rate, feed concentration, and adsorbates composition on the propane purity and productivity were studied. Typical results under experimental conditions are presented giving approximately 98% propane purity and 0.413 mmol/min g productivity (molar flow rate per unit mass of adsorbent).

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