Normal butane/iso-butane separation

Patent · Tue Aug 26 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6450312

Volles, W K; Cusher, N A

This patent describes an improved pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of iso-butane from normal butane in an adsorption system having at least three adsorbent beds, each bed of which undergoes, on a cyclic basis and a processing sequence comprising: introducing a feed gas mixture of iso-butane and normal butane at an upper adsorption pressure to the feed end of the bed capable of selectively adsorbing normal butane as the more selectivity adsorbable component of the gas mixture. The iso-butane as the less readily adsorbable component passes through the bed and is discharged from the discharge end. The feed gas introduction is continued as a normal butane adsorption front is formed in the bed and passes through the bed from the feed end and breaks through at the discharge end of the bed, a portion of the iso-butane effluent stream thus discharged being diverted for passage as purge gas to another bed in the system; and countercurrently depressurizing the bed with release of gas from the feed end.

• Assignee: Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, CT
• Patent Number(s): US 4608061
• OSTI ID: 6450312
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

2-METHYLPROPANE
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400201* -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
ADSORBENTS
ADSORPTION
ALKANES
BUTANE
CONTROL
COST
DEPRESSURIZATION
DISPERSIONS
FLUID FLOW
GAS FLOW
HYDROCARBONS
MIXTURES
OPERATING COST
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRESSURE CONTROL
PRESSURE EFFECTS
PRODUCTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION