Adsorption of Methane and Carbon Monoxide from Petroleum Refineries Using Activated Carbon from Oil Palm Shells

Carbon monoxide and methane gas are widely found in off-gas from petroleum refineries. The off-gas is potentially used as raw material for the petrochemical industry. For off gas to be utilized, carbon monoxide and methane must be removed from the off-gas. This study aims to adsorb carbon monoxide and methane using oil palm shell activated carbon and commercial activated carbon simultaneously with a batch and continuous system. This research was carried out in 2 stages, which are 1) Preparation and characterization of activated carbon, 2) carbon monoxide, and methane adsorption tests. From the activation experiment using carbon dioxide at a flow rate of 150 ml/minute, which is 978.29 m²/g, Nitrogen at a flow rate of 150 ml/minute produces a surface area of 1241.48 m²/g, and carbon dioxide and nitrogen at a flow rate of 200 ml/minute with surface area 300.37 m²/g. Adsorption on activated carbon from oil palm shells absorbs 305.23 mg/gr of carbon monoxide and 12.06 mg/gr of methane, and commercial activated carbon absorbs 204.87 mg/gr and 5.95 mg/gr of carbon monoxide and methane.