Abstract
The aim of this work is to study the performance of nanoporous carbon membrane for hydrogen recovery from off-gas streams. The study is based on a rigorous mathematical model which can predict the performance of nanoporous selective surface flow (SSF) carbon membrane. Basically, the developed model is based on two transport mechanisms: the dusty gas flow through porous media and the surface adsorption-diffusion. The model was employed to simulate the hydrogen recovery from off-gas stream using SSF carbon membrane at different operating conditions. The separation performance of hydrogen-hydrocarbon mixture by nanoporous carbon membrane was evaluated and described. A comparison between the model simulation and the experimental data related to hydrogen recovery from off-gas streams shows good agreement. A parametric study is further carried out to show the effects of pressure at the membrane feed and permeate sides. The effects of flow-rate and type of sweep gas at the membrane permeate side on hydrogen recovery are also shown. SSF membrane illustrates a significant potential to be used for hydrogen recovery from refinery off-gas streams.