This experimental and theoretical research project will obtain equilibrium and rate relationships for the thermal desorption of adsorbed species from molecular sieves. These relationships are needed to establish a theoretical basis for predicting the dynamic behavior of a novel separation process, "Variable Temperature Stepwise Desorption" (VTSD). The method permits separation of two or more adsorbed components in a sequential fashion through a preferential adsorption-desorption cycle. Separations processes are the backbone of one of the most successful major industries of the United States in the international marketplace. Consequently, separations is one of the largest consumers of energy and a major contributor to chemical manufacturing costs. Techniques like VTSD may make major contributions to chemical industry efficiency in the coming decade. One process very similar to VTSD, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), is already making major contributions to development of advanced separations technology for the next century. VTSD has the potential to make a comparable contribution, essentially serving to compliment PSA. This project will obtain experimental data necessary for developing and testing mathematical models necessary for the further development of VTSD.
