Non-uniform flow distribution along the axial direction usually exists in a Z-flow type radial flow adsorber which will decrease the utilization of adsorbents and even result in operating safety problems in cryogenic air separation. The structure parameters in a differential equation which determined the flow characteristics of Z-flow type radial flow adsorber were dimensionlessly processed

and the effects of structure parameters on flow distribution in the adsorber were investigated. The theoretical result of the flow distribution in an experimental radial flow adsorber was in agreement with the experimental data. Reducing the axial height of adsorption bed and the diameter of adsorbent particle could significantly improve flow distribution in the Z-flow type radial flow adsorber. However

the amount of processed air had little impact on flow distribution when kinematic viscosity of air and other structure parameters remained unchanged.