Abstract: A method for removing a first sorbate having a first desorption activation energy and a second sorbate having a second desorption activation energy from a sorbent, involves a two-stage desorber. In a first stage, the first sorbate, second sorbate and the sorbent are contacted with a stripping fluid having a first temperature sufficient to separate the first sorbate in a vapor phase from the sorbent. In a second stage, the second sorbate and the sorbent is heated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature to separate the second sorbate in a vapor phase from the sorbent. The second sorbate can then be condensed to a liquid phase and sold to offset the costs of the process. Heating in the second phase can be facilitated by the introduction of microwave or infrared energy for stripping the second sorbate from the sorbent. Use of the microwave or infrared energy can be facilitated with a purging gas which can also be heated to function as a stripping gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for purifying a contaminated fluid stream, for example an air stream contaminated with volatile organic compounds. A sorption media is directed between narrowly spaced plates which control the depth of sorbant flow. In an adsorber the plates are porous to allow the contaminated air to pass into an adsorption chamber where the media removes the contaminates from the fluid stream. In a desorber the plates may be transmissive or reflective of microwave energy and porous to a purging gas in a desorption chamber where the media releases the contaminates to refresh the media. An inclined plane or conical surface is contemplated for a desorber which can be coupled to an adsorber in a closed loop system.