Adsorptive separation of propylene-propane mixtures

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie00022a001· OSTI ID:5848025

Jaervelin, H; Fair, J R ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)

The separation of propylene-propane mixtures is of great commercial importance and is carried out by fractional distillation. It is claimed to be the most energy-intensive distillation practiced in the United States. The purpose of this paper is to describe experimental work that suggests a practical alternative to distillation for separating the C[sub 3] hydrocarbons: adsorption. As studied, the process involves three adsorptive steps: initial separation with molecular sieves with heavy dilution with an inert gas; separation of propylene and propane separately from the inert gas, using activated carbon; and drying of the product streams with any of several available desiccants. The research information presented here deals with the initial step and includes both equilibrium and kinetic data. Isotherms are provided for propylene and propane adsorbed on three zeolites, activated alumina, silica gel, and coconut-based activated carbon. Breakthrough data are provided for both adsorption and regeneration steps for the zeolites, which were found to be superior to the other adsorbents for breakthrough separations. A flow diagram for the complete proposed process is included.

• OSTI ID: 5848025
• Journal Information: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research; (United States), Vol. 32:10; ISSN 0888-5885
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
PROPANE
ADSORPTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
PROPYLENE
ACTIVATED CARBON
FLOW MODELS
KINETICS
MIXTURES
ADSORBENTS
ALKANES
ALKENES
CARBON
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
HYDROCARBONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
SORPTION
400105* - Separation Procedures