What is Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) ?

The TSA process (Temperature Swing Adsorption) process is based on adsorption at operating conditions and regeneration at an elevated temperature. The adsorption capacity of an adsorbent at higher temperature is lower than at lower temperatures. Using this physical aspect drying of gases is possible with molecular sieves. The regeneration is done by increasing the temperature of the adsorber that needs to be regenerated.

There are several possibilities to introduce the heat in to the adsorber:

  • Heating ambient air
  • Heating part of the feed gas
  • Heating part of the product gas
  • Heating a separate inert gas

The choice for the best way of regeneration is depending on the application and the required dewpoint.

After a certain number of cycles, the absorbent material loses its affinity to the gas molecules. This is because the pores are either filled with affinity gases. Another cause is the absorption of moisture when operating at near ambient temperatures. Moisture is a major factor in the degeneration of the absorbent bed.

Temperature Swing Absorption (TSA) helps regenerate the absorbent. The process increases the temperature from near ambient to 200 ˚C, evaporating the moisture. This coupled with low pressure PSA process will release the moisture and absorbed gases thus regenerating the absorbent bed.

What is PSA ?

Pressure swing Absorption (PSA) leverages the “affinity” that some gas molecules have to absorb onto certain solid absorbent material. The process occurs at high pressure. As the pressure reduces, the separation of the gas molecule from the solid surface occurs. Although this occurs at near ambient temperatures, temperature control is still necessary to provide high pressures for the absorption process.

The solid absorbent surface traps the target gas molecules on the porous surface of the absorbent, while other gas molecules travel through the absorbent bed unhindered. These gases are then available for extraction on the outlet or exhaust.

Absorbent materials, such as zeolite, have an affinity towards nitrogen at high pressure. Under low pressure, nitrogen separates from the zeolite resulting in regeneration of the absorbent. PSA technology physically binds gas molecules to the absorbent. The face of this binding depends upon various factors like partial pressure of the gas, operating temperatures, and the polarity of the gas molecule and the absorbent material. Electric immersion heaters play a crucial role in controlling these factors.

Process description of the T.S.A. (Temperature Swing Adsorption)

Regeneration step

The saturated adsorber is being regenerated at high temperatures of 110-280 deg C (depending on the required dewpoint, the process parameters, the gas composition and the used material). The regeneration gas is taken from the inlet of the dryer package. Part of the gas flow is split-up and the purge gas is first heated in an electric heater to the required regeneration temperature. The heated purge gas is fed counter current in to the adsorber that is being regenerated and the regeneration takes place at somewhat higher pressure than the adsorption pressure. After the purge gas leaves the regenerated adsorber, the gas is cooled in a water cooled heat exchanger and the condensed water is separated from the gas in a water separator with automatic drain. The gas is fed back to the inlet downstream the pressure control valve and is entering the TSA system again.

Drying step

The gas that need to be dried is fed into one of the adsorbers. First the gas is reduced to a somewhat lower pressure in order to allow the purge gas to be re-injected in the inlet. The water is adsorbed on the drying material. The gas can be dried to a dew point (at atmospheric pressure) better than -90 deg C.

Our Success Stories

Dpstar engineered a customized design that would meet the customer’s needs. Choosing the right heater is very important, as the right type of heater will ensure a durable system, minimal downtime, and ease of operation. The earlier the correct product will ensure better chances of reducing capital and operating costs in the long run.

Item Supplied & Product Overview

Dpstar has the Maltec heater specially developed for Regeneration Gas Heating. Dpstar assist our customer for design, verification and fabrication of a Regeneration Heater. We are proud to announce the successful delivery of the completed project to our customer’s Plant, located in Penang. Dpstar shipped 500KW heater bundle to factory acceptance, client witness testing and nitrogen purging prior to shipment to their site.

 

Dpstar’s Flanged Immersion Heaters

Flange immersion heaters are designed for heating or temperature maintaining of liquids, gas or mixture in static or circulation conditions. The design is based on customer process conditions: fluid to heat (type and properties), in/out temperature, pressure, heat exchange conditions (stagnant or flowing), and environment conditions (ATEX or not, onshore or offshore, etc.)

Flange immersion heaters enable to heat any kinds of fluids such as water, thermal fluid, oil, heavy fuel, corrosive fluid, gas mixture, natural gas and many others fluids. Flange immersion heaters can be straight or L-shaped.

Flanged immersion heaters are one of the most widely used industrial heater options in the oil & gas sector. Compared to other oil & gas heaters, they are easier to install, are specifically designed for use in pressurized vessels and more manageable. Typical applications include preheating different grades of oil & gas, cleaning tanks and heat transfer.

Why Choose Us

Design and manufacturing experts since 90’s

Process & Cost Optimisation 

Calculation and design tools specifically developed for industrial heating applications

End-to-end control of design and production chain for products which suit your process perfectly

The key to success in this application was Dpstar’s ability to provide the engineering expertise the customer lacked, and to add custom options that enhanced the overall performance of the system. Our products include thermal oil and thermal fluid heating systems, indirect process bath heaters, electric process heaters, biomass fired energy systems, direct fired process heaters, system automation, parts, retrofits/upgrades, and support services. Our staff of dedicated and experienced engineers can help to provide solutions specific to your project needs. Whether you need a standard package heater, a highly engineered process heating system, or just a tune up on your current system, our engineers and technicians have the knowledge and experience to make your project a success.

Get In Touch With Our Experts Today!

Dpstar Group
No 35, Jalan OP ½, Pusat Perdagangan One Puchong,
Off Jalan Puchong, 47160 Puchong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Dpstar Group!
Follow Dpstar’s social media to stay updated with our latest news.