3-D Modeling of Gas–Solid Two-Phase Flow in a π-Shaped Centripetal Radial Flow Adsorber

Abstract

Radial flow adsorber (RFA) is widely used in large-scale pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen production system because of high air separation. In this study, a 3-D modeling of gas–solid two-phase flow was established for the π-shaped centripetal RFA (CP-π RFA). The pressure difference, temperature changes, velocity profiles and oxygen distributions were comparatively studied using this model. Part of the results have been compared with the experiments results, which shows this model can give an accurately prediction. The results show that the pressure and velocity in the adsorber change greatly near the outer hole and central hole, but the overall pressure and velocity changes in the bed are stable. The oxygen product purity in the adsorbent filling area performed better on oxygen enrichment after eight cycles. The oxygen product flow rate will affect the oxygen production performance. The laws of the pressure, velocity, temperature and oxygen distributions can provide an important technical reference for CP-π RFA in the PSA for oxygen production.