فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

An integrated experimental–analytical framework was employed to assess the dehydration behavior of natural gas using nano-scale aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) as an adsorptive medium in a fixed-bed configuration. Key operating variables—including adsorption temperature and pressure, adsorbent particle diameter, reactor dimensions, superficial gas velocity, and inlet water vapor concentration—were independently and systematically varied to elucidate their influence on process performance. Dehydration efficiency was quantified through the dimensionless moisture ratio (C/C₀) at the reactor outlet. The results indicate that particle size reduction plays a decisive role in enhancing adsorption kinetics, attributable to higher specific surface area and improved pore accessibility, whereas changes in bed height and column diameter exhibit comparatively marginal effects. Under optimal operating conditions (temperature of 95 °C, pressure of 16 bar, bed height of 4 cm, bed diameter of 1.8 cm, and particle size of 58 nm), the system achieved a minimum C/C₀ value of 0.022, corresponding to a moisture removal efficiency of 97.8%. A comprehensive techno-economic assessment revealed that compression energy constitutes the primary contributor to operating costs, while pressure escalation significantly increases vessel capital expenditure in a nonlinear manner. Benchmarking against conventional dehydration technologies—such as triethylene glycol (TEG) absorption and refrigeration—demonstrated superior performance of the nano-alumina adsorption system, with markedly lower specific energy demand (≈ 0.4 kWh/kg H₂O removed) and reduced treatment cost (≈ 0.018 USD MCF⁻¹). Optimization via response surface methodology confirmed that the identified operating point represents a global minimum with respect to combined energy consumption and cost. Overall, the outcomes underscore the viability of nano-Al₂O₃–based adsorption as a compact, solvent-free, and economically attractive alternative for large-scale natural gas dehydration applications. This work advances the state of the art by providing the first integrated evaluation of nano-sized alumina for high-pressure natural-gas dehydration, combining multiparametric experiments, hydrodynamic analysis, predictive RSM modeling, and lifecycle techno-economic assessment. The results establish nano-Al₂O₃ as a low-cost, stable, and industrially viable alternative to conventional desiccants and emerging nanomaterials.