Improvement of methane storage capacity in activated carbon bed with bidisperse packing

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation of the dynamics of methane adsorption in granular activated carbon beds with bidisperse packing in order to reduce the void spaces between the adsorbent particles and to improve the storage capacity in adsorbed natural gas vessels. Two distinct particle sizes (d and D) were used for the packing of the bidisperse bed, and the following particle size ratios were investigated: δ = d/D = 1 (monodisperse bed), 1/5, 1/10, 1/15, and 1/20. Compared with the monodisperse bed condition, the results obtained showed that bidisperse packing increases bed density by about 30% and methane storage capacity by up to 20%. The results also showed that the charging time could be optimized by increasing the pressure drop applied to the bed and that the storage capacity can be increased by cooling the admitted gas in the vessel.