Numerical simulation of fast charge of natural gas on activated carbon in conjunction with variable velocity

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the dynamics of adsorption of pure methane in a packed column with activated carbon in order to optimize the fast charge process in adsorbed natural gas vessels. The investigation utilizes two main models. A model for the column that is described by mass, momentum, and energy balances in conjunction with the ideal gas equation and the monodisperse model for the adsorbent. The resulting equations are discretized by the finite-volume method. Several main findings were revealed from this investigation. Firstly, numerical results show that the mass transfer in the adsorbent has a great impact on the gas speed during the adsorption process. Secondly, the adsorbed mass of the column increases by reducing the gas inlet temperature. Lastly, it was observed that the saturation time in the column is a function of the applied pressure drop. In this case, the saturation time in the column varied between 500 and 1000 s. This range is considered satisfactory for the fast filling process of the column. •The fast charge of methane in activated carbon is optimized.•The gas adsorption is described by the mass, momentum, and energy balances.•The effect of pressure drop and inlet temperature on charge dynamics is investigated.•The results show that the mass transfer in the adsorbent has a great impact on the gas speed during the adsorption process.