Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

3D printing; Adsorption; Biogas

Abstract

The current adsorption processes investigated for biogas upgrading encounter severe challenges with regards to both adsorbents and processes, which necessitate the design and development of novel approaches to effectively separate carbon dioxide from methane and, hence, produce pipeline-grade renewable natural gas (RNG) as a fuel. These key challenges include (i) moderate CO2/CH4 selectivity, (ii) relatively long cycle times, (iii) high regeneration energy requirements, (iv) high-pressure drop, and (v) short adsorbent lifetime. The current biogas upgrading processes typically rely on pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or temperature swing adsorption (TSA). While PSA cycles are fast, the system requires large amounts of energy to pressurize the feed. On the other hand, due to a long cooling step in TSA, the cycle time is usually long. Furthermore, the performance of these processes is usually hampered by dusting and material loss due to attrition associated with the traditional adsorbent structures. I focused on addressing the above challenges by considering novel cyclic processes such as magnetic induction swing adsorption (MISA) and electric swing adsorption (ESA) on the process side while also investigating the use of phase change materials (PCMs) and 3D-printed structured adsorbents in adsorption-based biogas upgrading processes. In addition, part of this dissertation focuses on in-situ separation and storage of biogas for onboard applications. Overall, this dissertation presents new knowledge on novel biogas upgrading approaches and explores the opportunities and challenges associated with dual-mode separation/storage in the context of biogas upgrading and RNG storage.

Advisor(s)

Rezaei, Fateme

Committee Member(s)

Rownaghi, Ali A.
Ludlow, Douglas K.br />Smith, Joseph D.
Ferdowsi, Mehdi

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

This dissertation consists of the following four articles, formatted in the style used by the Missouri University of Science and Technology:

Paper I, found on pages 10-39, has been submitted to American Chemical Society.

Paper II, found on pages 40-65, intended for publication, Electric Vacuum Swing Adsorption Analysis Using Multiconfiguration 3D-Printed Activated carbon Composite Metal Oxide Monoliths for Biogas Separation.

Paper III, found on pages 66-87, intended for publication, Thermal Management of Biogas Upgrading for Adsorption Columns Via Phase-Change Material.

Paper IV, found on pages 88-112, intended for publication, Analysis of High-Pressure Storage and Utilization of Biogas in Alternative-Fuel Vehicles.

Pagination

xv, 128 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(page 125)

Rights

© 2025 Kyle Newport , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12497

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