Heavy Component (heavy + component)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Equilibrium theory analysis of dual reflux PSA for separation of a binary mixture

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 10 2004
Armin D. Ebner
A dual reflux (DR) PSA cycle that combines the features of a conventional (stripping reflux) PSA cycle with those of a new enriching reflux PSA cycle is analyzed to show its potential for separating gas mixtures. On the basis of isothermal equilibrium theory applied to linear isotherms, the ultimate separation is carried out where the binary feed is separated into two pure components with 100% recovery of each component. This very idealized analysis reveals that such a separation is possible over a wide range of conditions, even with pressure ratios as low as 1.1. This analysis also reveals that low throughputs and high heavy component recycle ratios are inherently associated with DR PSA cycles, both of which may be detrimental to the process economics. High throughputs and low heavy product recycle ratios are indeed achievable, but only when using low pressure ratios and less selective adsorbents, both counterintuitive results that make sense when considering the perfect separation is always being achieved. Although these trends may not carry over to actual practice, because the model developed here is overly simplified and invalid under certain conditions, this analysis shows that it may indeed be entirely feasible to separate a binary gas mixture into two relatively pure components with very high recoveries using a DR PSA cycle operating with a very low pressure ratio and, hence, expenditure of energy. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 2418,2429, 2004 [source]


Equilibrium theory analysis of rectifying PSA for heavy component production

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2002
Armin D. Ebner
An isothermal equilibrium theory analysis, based on linear isotherms and a binary feed stream, was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of a rectifying PSA process for producing a pure heavy component at high recovery. Analytic expressions were derived to describe the performance of this process at the periodic state. The performance was also analyzed in terms of the different concentration and velocity profiles exhibited during various cycle steps that included the analysis of complex shock and simple wave interactions. Based on a parametric study, periodic behavior was established for a wide range of process conditions; and a design study with the PCB activated carbon,H2,CH4 system at 25°C further demonstrated the feasibility of a rectifying PSA cycle for producing a 100% CH4 stream from a dilute feed stream (y = 0.01) with a respectable recovery (80%), and reasonable process conditions. It also demonstrated the potential usefulness of an actual rectifying PSA process for bulk gas separation and purification. [source]


A thermochemical boundary layer at the base of Earth's outer core and independent estimate of core heat flux

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008
David Gubbins
SUMMARY Recent seismological observations suggest the existence of a ,150-km-thick density-stratified layer with a P -wave velocity gradient that differs slightly from PREM. Such a structure can only be caused by a compositional gradient, effects of a slurry or temperature being too small and probably the wrong sign. We propose a stably stratified, variable concentration layer on the liquidus. Heat is transported by conduction down the liquidus while the light and heavy components migrate through the layer by a process akin to zone refining, similar to the one originally proposed by Braginsky. The layer remains static in a frame of reference moving upwards with the expanding inner core boundary. We determine the gradient using estimates of co, the concentration in the main body of the outer core, and cb, the concentration of the liquid at the inner core boundary. We determine the depression of the melting point and concentrations using ideal solution theory and seismologically determined density jumps at the inner core boundary. We suppose that co determines ,,mod, the jump from normal mode eigenfrequencies that have long resolution lengths straddling the entire layer, and that cb determines ,,bod, the jump determined from body waves, which have fine resolution. A simple calculation then yields the seismic, temperature, and concentration profiles within the layer. Comparison with the distance to the C-cusp of PKP and normal mode eigenfrequencies constrain the model. We explore a wide range of possible input parameters; many fail to predict sensible seismic properties and heat fluxes. A model with ,,mod= 0.8 gm cc,1, ,,bod= 0.6 gm cc,1, and layer thickness 200 km is consistent with the seismic observations and can power the geodynamo with a reasonable inner core heat flux of ,2 TW and nominal inner core age of ,1 Ga. It is quite remarkable and encouraging that a model based on direct seismic observations and simple chemistry can predict heat fluxes that are comparable with those derived from recent core thermal history calculations. The model also provides plausible explanations of the observed seismic layer and accounts for the discrepancy between estimates of the inner core density jumps derived from body waves and normal modes. [source]


Origin of the Silurian Crude Oils and Reservoir Formation Characteristics in the Tazhong Uplift

ACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 5 2010
YANG Haijun
Abstract: The Silurian stratum in the Tazhong uplift is an important horizon for exploration because it preserves some features of the hydrocarbons produced from multi-stage tectonic evolution. For this reason, the study of the origin of the Silurian oils and their formation characteristics constitutes a major part in revealing the mechanisms for the composite hydrocarbon accumulation zone in the Tazhong area. Geochemical investigations indicate that the physical properties of the Silurian oils in Tazhong vary with belts and blocks, i.e., heavy oils are distributed in the TZ47,15 well-block in the North Slope while normal and light oils in the No. I fault belt and the TZ16 well-block, which means that the oil properties are controlled by structural patterns. Most biomarkers in the Silurian oils are similar to that of the Mid-Upper Ordovician source rocks, suggesting a good genetic relationship. However, the compound specific isotope of n -alkanes in the oils and the chemical components of the hydrocarbons in fluid inclusions indicate that these oils are mixed oils derived from both the Mid-Upper Ordovician and the Cambrian,Lower Ordovician source rocks. Most Silurian oils have a record of secondary alterations like earlier biodegradation, including the occurrence of "UCM" humps in the total ion current (TIC) chromatogram of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons and 25-norhopane in saturated hydrocarbons of the crude oils, and regular changes in the abundances of light and heavy components from the structural low to the structural high. The fact that the Silurian oils are enriched in chain alkanes, e.g., n -alkanes and 25-norhopane, suggests that they were mixed oils of the earlier degraded oils with the later normal oils. It is suggested that the Silurian oils experienced at least three episodes of petroleum charging according to the composition and distribution as well as the maturity of reservoir crude oils and the oils in fluid inclusions. The migration and accumulation models of these oils in the TZ47,15 well-blocks, the No. I fault belt and the TZ16 well-block are different from but related to each other. The investigation of the origin of the mixed oils and the hydrocarbon migration and accumulation mechanisms in different charging periods is of great significance to petroleum exploration in this area. [source]