Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the production of a secure supply of breathable air are important under conditions where threats from chemical and biological weapons may be present. A method and a multi-stage CATOX system for producing a purified air flow from ambient air which may have nitrogen containing toxicants is provided. The multi-stage CATOX system has a first stage and second stage, at least one of the first or the second stage has a first catalytic heat exchanger with a cold side supporting a first catalyst and a hot side configured to transfer heat therefrom to the first catalyst.

Abstract: A self-regulating system for reducing concentration of hydrocarbon vapor in a container may be performed by introducing air into the container and extracting a mixture of air and vapor from the container. The extracted mixture may be compressed with a compressor to produce a flow of compressed mixture of air and vapor. The compressed mixture may be passed through an oxidation reactor that may be either catalytic or thermal to produce a flow air and CO2. A turbine may be driven with the flow of air and CO2. The compressor may be driven with the turbine. Extraction from the container may continue until vapor concentration is low enough so that flow of CO2 and air from the reactor is insufficient to drive the turbine.

Abstract: A self-regulating system for reducing concentration of hydrocarbon vapor in a container may be performed by introducing air into the container and extracting a mixture of air and vapor from the container. The extracted mixture may be compressed with a compressor to produce a flow of compressed mixture of air and vapor. The compressed mixture may be passed through an oxidation reactor that may be either catalytic or thermal to produce a flow air and CO2. A turbine may be driven with the flow of air and CO2. The compressor may be driven with the turbine. Extraction from the container may continue until vapor concentration is low enough so that flow of CO2 and air from the reactor is insufficient to drive the turbine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the production of a secure supply of breathable air are important under conditions where threats from chemical and biological weapons may be present. A method and a multi-stage CATOX system for producing a purified air flow from ambient air which may have nitrogen containing toxicants is provided. The multi-stage CATOX system has a first stage and second stage, at least one of the first or the second stage has a first catalytic heat exchanger with a cold side supporting a first catalyst and a hot side configured to transfer heat therefrom to the first catalyst.