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Numerical simulation of low-concentration CO2 adsorption on fixed bed using finite element analysis
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  • Yonghou Xiao,
  • Shuang Qiu,
  • Qidong Zhao,
  • Yuhao Zhu,
  • Chirag B. Godiya,
  • Gaohong He
Yonghou Xiao
Dalian University of Technology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Shuang Qiu
Dalian University of Technology
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Qidong Zhao
Dalian University of Technology
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Yuhao Zhu
Dalian University of Technology
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Chirag B. Godiya
Dalian University of Technology
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Gaohong He
Dalian University of Technology
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Abstract

Accurately predicting distributions of concentration and temperature field in fixed-bed column is essential for designing adsorption processes. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D), axisymmetric, nonisothermal, dynamic adsorption model was established by coupling equations of mass, momentum and energy balance, and solved by finite element analysis. The simulation breakthrough curves fit well with the low-concentration CO2 adsorption experimental data, indicating the reliability of the established model. The distributions of concentration and temperature field in the column for CO2 adsorption and separation from CO2/N2 were obtained. The sensitivity analysis of the adsorption conditions shows that the operation parameters such as feed flow rate, feed concentration, pellet size, and column height-to-diameter ratio produce a significant effect on the dynamic adsorption performance. The multi-physics coupled 2D axisymmetric model could provide a theoretical foundation and guidance for designing CO2 fixed-bed adsorption and separation processes, which could be extended to other mixed gases as well.