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ABSTRACT
This paper presents a method of experimental testing and performance evaluation on a small scale air separation equipment. Experiments are conducted according to the design parameters of the equipment and various test scenarios are simulated to measure the performance of the equipment. The results of these tests will help to assess the performance of the equipment and identify any potential fault in order to maximize efficiency and safety. The overall results of the tests are analyzed to determine the best operating conditions for the equipment to operate within design limits. In addition, statistical methods are applied to analyze the results for further comparison with predicted results. The conclusion and summary of the study is also presented.
INTRODUCTION
Air separation is a process of separating gaseous components from a mix of different gases. This technology has been widely used in many industries, such as production of synthesis gas and flat panel displays. A small scale air separation equipment, such as a membrane separation unit, can be designed to be both cost effective and efficient in operation. Experimental testing is essential to evaluate and verify the performance of such equipment.
This paper describes a method used to assess the performance of a small-scale air separation equipment. The purpose of this experimental work is to identify potential defects in the design and operating parameters of the equipment and to recommend the best operating conditions to maximize safety and performance.
EXPERIMENTAL SETTINGS AND METHODS
The experimental set up for the small-scale air separation equipment is shown in Figure 1. The feed air supply is obtained from a compressed air tank. The air is separated into high-pressure and low-pressure components. The high-pressure component is then drawn through the membrane separation unit. The permeate from the membrane unit is collected in a storage tank and the reject from the membrane unit is vented.
Figure 1. Experimental set up for the small-scale air separation equipment
Test scenarios are created for the following parameters: feed air pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Flow rates for both the permeate and reject were recorded. The permeate purity is also measured and compared against the design specifications. Tests were also conducted at different feed air temperatures to determine the effect of temperature on the overall performance of the equipment.
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
The results of the tests indicate that the feed air pressure, temperature, and flow rate have a significant effect on the equipment performance. At higher pressures, the operating efficiency increased and the permeate purity was higher than expected. At lower temperatures, the equipment operated at a higher efficiency and with a lower permeate purity.
Stastical analysis was used to analyze the obtained results from the various tests. Correlation between the variables, such as feed air pressure, temperature and permeate purity, was established and the best operating conditions for the equipment were determined.
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK
The results of this study demonstrated the importance of testing a small-scale air separation equipment for the purpose of assessing its performance and identifying potential fault. The experimental results indicated that the performance of the equipment is highly dependent on the feed air pressure, temperature and flow rate. The correlation between the variables was established and best operating conditions for the equipment were determined.
In future work, further studies should be conducted to determine the effect of other parameters, such as membrane type and surface may be also taken into account. A more comprehensive performance evaluation can then be conducted and the findings may be then applied to the design and operation of air separation units.
