Volumetric adsorption isotherm measurement units (from vacuum to 100 bar)

A series of Belsorp instruments (Mini, Max, HP and VC) are used to measure single and dual component adsorption/ desorption isotherms on solids with gases such as H₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, N₂, Ar and H₂O over a pressure range from high vacuum to 100 atm and temperatures from 77 K to 673 K.

High throughput instrumentation for solid material testing

Four or eight solid samples can be tested in a fully automated breakthrough unit (0.2-2.0 g of each sample) working at temperatures up to 800ºC and pressures up to 30 atm and high steam (up to 10 atm water vapour. External users can have their sorbent samples tested in harsh conditions in an efficient way. An automated gas feeding and mixing system (H₂, CO₂, CO, CH₄, N₂, H₂O, H₂S, and misc.) can be used. Effluent gas analyses are done by online IR or MS analysis.

Automated breakthrough unit for sorbent evaluation

A two-column breakthrough unit operating at temperatures up to 800 ºC and pressures up to 30 atm with bed volume between 5 and 10 ml. The fully automated unit can perform multicycle testing. A variety of gas compositions can be mixed by an automated gas feeding and mixing system (H₂, CO₂, CO, CH₄, N₂, H₂O, H₂S, and misc.). Effluent gas analyses are done by IR or MS.

Four-column pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) unit

The fully automated four-column PSA setup can be used from ambient temperature to 200 ºC and at pressures from vacuum up to 70 atm. Rapid cycle PSA can also be conducted. Each column (25 mm inner diameter) needs around 100 ml extruded or pelletized adsorbent. Between 1 and 4 of the columns can be used. Analyses can be conducted by IR, MS and/or GC. The unit also includes a gas feeding system comprising CH₄, CO₂, CO, H₂, N₂, Ar, and misc. The unit has, in part, been constructed and manufactured by the ECCSEL I infrastructure project funded by the Research Council of Norway.

A major part of the infrastructure contains various experimental techniques used to evaluate the performance of solid sorbents, both high surface area low temperature adsorbents and dense medium to high temperature sorbents. All techniques offered are modern and the results obtained are expected to be of high scientific quality. The experiments can be conducted under realistic conditions from ambient to high temperatures and pressures, and also under high partial pressures of steam. In addition, tests in a sulphur environment can be carried out. The equipment is run and monitored by skilled technicians/scientists. The choice of the right experiment/experimental conditions for a specific test should be established through discussion with our experts.

The uniqueness in the infrastructure lays in its completeness: it covers the whole food chain from sorbent synthesis and activation, adsorption characteristics (equilibrium and kinetics) to testing at realistic conditions in various lab scale reactors. The infrastructure is most relevant for early-stage development of sorbent-based processes but can also be relevant for optimization of a single sorbent to find optimal conditions for its utilization. The pilot is very well suited for testing new promising sorbents before they are tested in larger units. Estimates of cyclic sorption capacities, cycle times, energy requirements, column heights, and operational aspects of the sorbent can be deduced from the experimental data and process modelling.

We offer the above-mentioned experiments to be carried out in one infrastructure. Skilled scientists and technicians are available to assist visiting researchers. Beside the infrastructure itself are more standard laboratories available where sample preparation and other tasks can be performed. A number of GC, MS and IR gas analysers are available if needed. Also, a desk with internet access will be available during the stay.

SINTEF Industry has implemented and maintains a quality management system which fulfils the requirements of the standard NS-EN ISO 9001:2008 within research and development within materials technology, advanced materials and nanotechnology, applied chemistry and biotechnology, oil and gas, and green energy and process industry.