GPSA Section 20 · UOP · BASF · Zeochem
Understand zeolite types, TSA regeneration cycles, MTZ concepts, and bed sizing fundamentals for dehydration systems.
It designs molecular sieve dehydration beds per GPSA Section 20, calculating bed sizing, mass transfer zone (MTZ), pressure drop, and regeneration requirements.
The calculator supports 3A, 4A, and 5A zeolite molecular sieves for gas dehydration applications.
It calculates bed sizing, MTZ length, pressure drop, and regeneration requirements for molecular sieve dehydration systems.
Molecular sieve dehydration achieves outlet water content of less than 1 ppm (less than 0.1 lb/MMSCF), making it suitable for cryogenic plant feed gas and LNG applications that require deep dehydration beyond the capability of glycol systems.
Bed sizing uses GPSA Section 20 methods including dynamic capacity with temperature and saturation corrections per GPSA Figure 20-37, mass transfer zone (MTZ) length for breakthrough analysis, and Ergun equation for pressure drop through the packed bed.
Regeneration cycles are typically 8-24 hours on-stream. The regeneration step requires heated gas to desorb water from the sieve, followed by a cooling period. The calculator determines heat duty and gas requirements for complete bed regeneration.
Common types include 3A, 4A, and 5A zeolites, each with different pore sizes. Type 4A is most common for natural gas dehydration. The calculator accounts for sieve type, dynamic capacity, and performance corrections from GPSA and vendor guidelines.