Abstract: Nonuniform flow distribution along the radial direction usually exists in a Z-flow type radial flow adsorber, which will decrease the utilization of adsorbent and the switching time and may result in operating safety problems in cryogenic air separation. In order to improve the uniformity of the flow distribution along the radial direction in the adsorber, a differential equation is derived through pressure drop analysis in the Z-flow type radial adsorber with a cone in the middle of the central pipe. The differential equation determines the ideal cross-sectional radii of the cone along the axis. The result shows that the cross-sectional radius of the cone should gradually decrease from 0.3 m to zero along the axis to ensure that the process air is distributed uniformly in the Z-flow type radial flow adsorber and the shape of the cone is a little convex. The flow distribution without the cone in the central pipe is compared under different bed porosities. It is demonstrated that the proposed differential equation can provide theoretical support for designing Z-flow type radial flow adsorbers.

Key words: radial adsorber, uniform distribution, cryogenic air separation

摘要： Nonuniform flow distribution along the radial direction usually exists in a Z-flow type radial flow adsorber, which will decrease the utilization of adsorbent and the switching time and may result in operating safety problems in cryogenic air separation. In order to improve the uniformity of the flow distribution along the radial direction in the adsorber, a differential equation is derived through pressure drop analysis in the Z-flow type radial adsorber with a cone in the middle of the central pipe. The differential equation determines the ideal cross-sectional radii of the cone along the axis. The result shows that the cross-sectional radius of the cone should gradually decrease from 0.3 m to zero along the axis to ensure that the process air is distributed uniformly in the Z-flow type radial flow adsorber and the shape of the cone is a little convex. The flow distribution without the cone in the central pipe is compared under different bed porosities. It is demonstrated that the proposed differential equation can provide theoretical support for designing Z-flow type radial flow adsorbers.

关键词: radial adsorber, uniform distribution, cryogenic air separation