Numerical simulation of low-concentration CO2 adsorption on fixed bed using finite element analysis

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 adsorp-tion 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 concentra-tion,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.