(42g) Induction Vacuum Swing Adsorption over Magnetic Sorbent Monoliths and Extrudates for Ethylene/Ethane Separation

Electrification of adsorption processes is emerging as an adaptable solution for future gas separations. This study develops magnetic sorbent structures for use in induction vacuum swing adsorption (IVSA) process specifically designed for olefin/paraffin separation. Two sorbents, including Fe₃O₄/ZIF-7 (ethane-selective) and Fe₃O₄/13X (ethylene-selective) were developed and formulated into extrudates (Fe₂₀/ZIF-7-P) and monoliths (Fe₂₀/13X-M), and tested under different regeneration scenarios, including simultaneous and subsequent induction-evacuation, induction only, and evacuation only. The dynamic adsorption results demonstrated that regeneration under subsequent induction-evacuation improves desorption rate, regeneration capability, with a fast-cooling rate. Under this regeneration scenario, Fe₂₀/ZIF-7-P achieved an ethane desorption rate of 0.24 mmol/g.min, representing a remarkable 37.5% enhancement over the induction-only scenario. Similarly, Fe₂₀/13X-M exhibited an ethylene desorption rate of 0.35 mmol/g.min, representing a 34.2% enhancement. Moreover, the IVSA cyclic runs highlighted the excellent regeneration capability and stability of both Fe₂₀/ZIF-7-P and Fe₂₀/13X-M with Fe₂₀/13X-M exhibiting ethylene purity, recovery, and productivity of 99.4%, 99.6%, and 39.9 mol/kg.h, respectively. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of the hybrid induction/vacuum process as an effective technique for achieving efficient regeneration of sorbents in olefin/paraffin separation.