Abstract: A description is given of agglomerates of faujasite X with an Si/Al ratio of 1, the inert binder of which, on the one hand, has been converted to active zeolite by conversion to zeolite in an alkaline liquor, and which have been subjected, on the other hand, to an exhaustive lithium exchange. These adsorbents develop a nitrogen adsorption capacity (1 bar/25° C.) of at least 26 cm3/g, which makes them excellent adsorbents for the non-cryogenic separation of gases from air and for the purification of hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-50 prepared using a quaternary ammonium cation templating agent having the structure 1

Abstract: An adsorbent for a hydrocarbon, comprising a calcined &bgr;-type zeolite showing a powder X-ray diffraction such that the sum of X-ray diffraction intensities at lattice spacings d=1.15±0.03 nm and d=0.397±0.01 nm, is at least 90% of the diffraction intensity at d=0.346±0.01 nm of Catalysis Society reference catalyst JRC-Z-HM-20(3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel family of zeolite adsorbents comprising a mixture of zeolite X and zeolite LSX, these adsorbents being predominantly exchanged with sodium or with strontium. These adsorbents are particularly suited to the decarbonatation of gas flows contaminated by CO2.

Abstract: A formed adsorbent material includes an adsorbent solid phase and a gas phase ensuring transport of the gaseous components right to the adsorbent, being such that the constants for the transport kinetics of the components adsorbable in the gas phase and in the solid phase are in a ratio of between 0.1 and 10 defined for a gas discharge velocity of 0.2 m/s measured on air at 1 bar and 20° C. or in a ratio of between 0.1 and 10, defined for a gas discharge velocity of 0.01 m/s measured on hydrogen at 30 bar and 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention, relating to a method for removing dimethyl sulfide and tertiary butyl mercaptan present in city gas as the odorants, is aimed at removal of the sulfur compounds from city gas. The present invention removes dimethyl sulfide and tertiary butyl mercaptan in city gas in the presence of a sulfur compound adsorbent containing one of faujasite, &bgr;, L and MFI type zeolite. The adsorbent, being composed of zeolite and an inorganic binder, can be regenerated under heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of novel molecular sieve adsorbents for the separation of a gaseous mixture of oxygen, nitrogen and argon. The adsorbent is useful for the separation of oxygen and/or nitrogen from air. More specifically, the invention relates to the manufacture of a molecular sieve adsorbent, which is selective towards nitrogen from its gaseous mixture with oxygen and/or argon and argon from its gaseous mixture with oxygen.

Abstract: An HFBD purification process includes: (a) contacting a composition containing HFBD with an adsorbent to remove from the HFBD at least two impurities selected from the group consisting of water, an alcohol, hydrofluoric acid and a fluorinated olefin, wherein the adsorbent is a solid having an average pore diameter of about 5 Å and the adsorbent is contacted with the HFBD at a rate of at least 2.7 kg of the HFBD per hour; and (b) recovering from the adsorbent a purified HFBD product containing at least 99.9 vol. % HFBD, a reduced amount of the impurities and less than 0.1 vol. % hexafluoro-2-butyne. Alternatively, the process can be conducted at any contacting rate to produce 99.96 vol. % HFBD. The process can also be conducted at any contacting rate in a bed within a column having a length of at least 30 cm and an inner diameter of at least 2.5 cm.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption process for the recovery of high purity oxygen from a feed gas comprising oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. The process includes a forward flow stage which comprises (a) passing the feed gas into a first adsorption zone containing an adsorbent selective for the adsorption of nitrogen over oxygen and argon, and withdrawing therefrom a nitrogen-depleted intermediate gas; (b) passing the nitrogen-depleted intermediate gas into a second adsorption zone containing an adsorbent which is selective for the adsorption of nitrogen over argon and selective for the adsorption of argon over oxygen; (c) withdrawing an oxygen-enriched product gas from the second adsorption zone; and (d) terminating the passing of feed gas into the first adsorption zone and withdrawing an oxygen-enriched depressurization gas from the second adsorption zone in the same flow direction as (c).

Abstract: Adsorptive separation of carbon dioxide from a gaseous mixture comprising carbon dioxide and gases less polar than carbon dioxide comprising contacting the gaseous mixture with a zeolite adsorbent is effected wherein carbon dioxide present in the gaseous mixture as contacted with the zeolite has a partial pressure of 0.1 to 50 mmHg, and the zeolite adsorbent is a shaped product comprised of at least 95%, as determined in the basis of the moisture equilibrium adsorption value, of a low-silica type X zeolite having an SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 1.9 to 2.1. Preferably, the zeolite adsorbent is preferably ion-exchanged with lithium and/or sodium, and is prepared by a process including a step of contacting with a caustic solution a calcined product of a mixture of a low-silica type X zeolite and kaolin clay whereby the kaolin clay is converted to a low-silica type X zeolite.

Abstract: A zeolite may be synthesized having the framework topology of tschörtnerite (TSC) and an empirical formula of mA2/nO:Al2O3:ySiO2 where A is a cation such as lithium. It is anticipated that the synthetic TSC is usable in processes for separating mixtures of molecular species. The lithium analog should be useful for air separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel family of inorganic solids with a narrow and calibrated mesopore distribution which are agglomerated with a binder; these solids can advantageously be used as adsorbents for the industrial separation of gas-phase compounds having different boiling points.

Abstract: A molecular sieve adsorbent for the purification of gas streams containing water vapor and carbon dioxide. The adsorbent is a combination of sodium form of a low-silica faujasite, having a residual content of potassium ions less than about 8.0 percent (equiv.), a low content of crystalline and amorphous admixtures and crystal sizes generally within the range of 1-4 &mgr;m, and a binder. A process for the adsorbent preparation which comprises specific parameters of low silica faujasite synthesis, sodium-potassium ion exchange, blending and granulation.

Abstract: Purification of a hydrogen-based gas mixture containing impurities such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen and methane is effected by contacting the gaseous mixture with a zeolite adsorbent which is a shaped product comprised of at least 95%, as determined on the basis of the moisture equilibrium adsorption value, of a low-silica type X zeolite having a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 1.9 to 2.1. The zeolite adsorbent is preferably ion-exchanged with lithium and/or calcium. The zeolite adsorbent is preferably prepared by a process including a step of contacting with a caustic solution a calcined product of a mixture of a low-silica type X zeolite and kaolin clay whereby the kaolin clay is converted to a low-silica type X zeolite.

Abstract: Commonly available carbon dioxide may contain unacceptable amounts of compounds containing greater than about ten carbon atoms, sulfur-containing materials, and nitrogen-containing materials which are particularly detrimental to semiconductor and silicon wafer processing-related uses of carbon dioxide. These impurities can be effectively removed by a combination of metal oxide, silica gel, and activated carbon, thus permitting an on-site, on-demand, convenient, and economic method of purifying carbon dioxide ranging from laboratory scale operations to tank car scale operations.

Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrocarbons from an acid gas stream includes passing the acid gas stream through an adsorbent that selectively removes hydrocarbons, desorbing the hydrocarbons from the adsorbent and contacting the desorbed hydrocarbons with an acid gas removal solution to remove acid gases which have been coadsorbed with the hydrocarbons. The process is particularly useful in removing hydrocarbons from a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream that is being directed to Claus processing for conversion into elemental sulfur. Useful adsorbents include Y-type zeolites having a silica to alumina mole ratio of less than 15 and a reduced sodium content.

Abstract: A binderless X-type zeolite is used in a process for the reduction of the level of carbon dioxide and/or N2O in a gaseous mixture, the zeolite being obtained by converting the binder in a bound zeolite to zeolite such that the ratio of the adsorption capacity for carbon dioxide of the binderless zeolite to the adsorption capacity of the bound zeolite is greater than the weight ratio of the level of zeolite in the binderless zeolite to the level in the bound zeolite.

Abstract: A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles—especially in a radial bed configuration. The combination of low pressure ratio, high rate adsorbents and fast cycles has been found to result in an unexpected simultaneous reduction in bed size factor (BSF) and power consumption. These benefits have been achieved while minimizing a decline in product recovery through use of the high rate adsorbent. The net result is a significant reduction in product cost.

Abstract: A process for separating a gas component from a gas mixture is disclosed. A gas mixture is passed through an adsorption zone which contains an adsorbent which will selectively adsorb a gaseous component from the gas mixture. The adsorption zone contains a layer of monolithic adsorbent and a layer of adsorption beads. Optionally, a third monolithic layer may be employed. The adsorption zone is typically contained in an adsorption vessel.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the recognition that intrinsic sorption rates of adsorbent materials have a significant impact upon process performance. In a preferred embodiment an adsorption process uses an adsorbent zone comprising an adsorbent selected from the group consisting of A-zeolite, Y-zeolite, NaX, mixed cation X-zeolite, LiX having a SiO2/Al2O3silica/alumina ratio of less than 3.0, chabazite, mordenite, clinoptilolite, silica-alumina, alumina, silica, titanium silicates and mixtures thereof, wherein the adsorbent has a mass transfer coefficient for nitrogen of kN2≧12 s−1 and an intrinsic diffusivity for N2, when measured at 1.5 bar and 300K, of Dp≧3.5×10−6 m2/s. Other embodiments include the development of process parameters around which such materials should be used and methods of making such materials.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of nitrogen from a mixture of same with methane, utilizing two separate PSA stages, one containing a nitrogen selective adsorbent and the second containing a methane-selective adsorbent. In the process, the first PSA unit containing a nitrogen selective adsorbent forms a product methane stream and a waste stream rich in nitrogen which is passed to a second PSA unit containing a methane selective adsorbent which forms a product nitrogen stream and a waste stream rich in methane. The waste stream rich in methane can be treated to remove heavy hydrocarbons therefrom before the methane is recycled to feed.

Abstract: There is provided, in a simple, rapid and efficient manner, a high purity, low silica X-type zeolite binderless shaped product with a high content of low silica X-type zeolite and high crystallinity, very high crush resistance and attrition resistance, and excellent adsorption performance. There is further provided an efficient gas separation method utilizing the high purity, low silica X-type zeolite binderless shaped product. With the high purity, low silica X-type zeolite binderless shaped product, the peak intensity of the faujasite zeolite at the index of 220 is stronger than the peak intensity at the index of 311 according to X-ray diffraction, and from approximately 60% to approximately 90% of the exchangeable cation sites are sodium while all or a portion of the remainder are potassium; the high purity, low silica X-type zeolite binderless shaped product also has all or a portion of the exchangeable cation sites are ion-exchanged with lithium.

Abstract: Adsorbents useful in the selective adsorption of unsaturated hydrocarbons, the manufacture of the adsorbents, and processes for the separation of unsaturated hydrocarbons using the adsorbents.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxygen enriched product includes: (a) providing a gas separation apparatus having at least one bed containing a mixture of at least two different nitrogen selective adsorbents, wherein the at least one bed is free of lithium cations; (b) feeding a feed gas containing oxygen and nitrogen into the gas separation apparatus to contact the at least one bed; and (c) recovering from the gas separation apparatus the oxygen enriched product. The process is preferably performed above ambient temperature and/or in a simplified four-step cycle.

Abstract: Predominantly hydrogen gaseous flowstreams containing contaminating amounts of at least carbon monoxide and/or nitrogen impurities are purified by PSA adsorption of such impurities therefrom, via transport over a faujasite zeolite adsorbent, the Si/Al ratio of which ranges from 1 to 3, preferably from 1 to 1.5, and at least 85% of the aluminum tetrahedra comprising the crystal lattices being combined with lithium and calcium cations, the lithium/lithium+calcium ratio therein being at least 70%.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing an adsorbent containing sheet is disclosed. Deionized water is employed in a slurry during preparation of the adsorbent containing sheet. The treated adsorbent monoliths provide improved sorption capacity and N2/O2 selectivity when employed in gas separation processes.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of nitrogen from natural gas utilizes two separate pressure swing adsorption stages, the first containing a hydrocarbon-selective adsorbent and the second containing a nitrogen-selective adsorbent. In the process, the product stream from the first pressure swing adsorption unit contains a natural gas stream having a reduced hydrocarbon content and the product stream from the second pressure swing adsorption unit is a natural gas stream having a reduced nitrogen concentration. The product from the second pressure swing adsorption unit is used to desorb the hydrocarbons from the first pressure swing adsorption unit so as to add the hydrocarbons, which have heat value to the product natural gas stream. Periodically, heating the nitrogen-selective adsorbent with heated product stream from the second pressure swing adsorption unit has been found to improve the capacity of the nitrogen-selective adsorbent to adsorb nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of adsorbent materials that have been selected on the basis of their relationship between that material's intrinsic rate and equilibrium properties.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing an adsorbent containing sheet is disclosed. Alkali or alkaline metal salts or mixtures thereof are added to a slurry during preparation of the adsorbent containing sheet or washed onto a finished adsorbent monolith which was prepared from the adsorbent containing sheet. The treated adsorbent monoliths provide improved sorption capacity and N2/02 selectivity when employed in gas separation processes.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing beclomethsaone dipropionate Freon® clathrate comprising the use of an agent which selectively binds methanol to selectively remove methanol from a mixture of methanol and Freon® 11 containing beclomethasone dipropionate.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a thermal swing adsorption process for the removal of trace impurities such as oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from air prior to its separation by cryogenic distillation. The process may utilize three adsorbent layers, the first primarily removes water; the second primarily removes carbon dioxide; and the third layer is a composite adsorbent layer which removes the oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from the air stream. Another embodiment employs a two layer adsorbent system to remove the impurities. Additionally, a single layer of composite adsorbent may be used to remove water, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons from the air stream.

Abstract: An AgX-type zeolite having a silver exchange level of 20-70% and a Ar/O2 Henry's law selectivity ratio at 23° C. of 1.05 or greater has an optimum combination of selectivity for argon over oxygen at lower cost than higher silver exchange levels. This material can be used in oxygen VSA/PSA processes to produce oxygen at purities above 97%.

Abstract: The invention relates to adsorbent materials having comparatively high intrinsic adsorption rates. Methods are disclosed whereby such rates can be achieved. In preferred embodiments, the adsorbent is a LiX zeolite material.

Abstract: A process for purifying a gas stream containing at least one impurity chosen from the group formed by propane, nitrogen protoxide and ethylene, in which process: (a) the gas stream to be purified is brought into contact with at least one adsorbent including at least one X zeolite containing barium cations; (b) at least one impurity is adsorbed on the adsorbent. Preferably, the adsorbent includes particles of X zeolite exchanged to at least 70%, preferably at least 89%, with barium cations, it being possible for the adsorbent to furthermore include a bed of activated alumina particles which is located upstream of the bed of barium-exchanged X zeolite.

Abstract: A nitrogen adsorbent comprising a crystalline X zeolite having a faujasite structure with an SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of less than 3.0, wherein the crystal contains at least one trivalent element of the group consisting of Fe, B and Ga and (AlO4)5− tetrahedral units thereof associated with cations. Although the adsorbent contains a designated trivalent element in the zeolite, it maintains the number of cation sites contributing to adsorption, has an excellent separation performance of nitrogen and oxygen, and exhibits excellent heat resistance. Further, when the nitrogen adsorbent of the present invention is used in such a particular manner that it adsorbs nitrogen after being heated under a vacuum, adsorption performance is improved.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxides and low molecular weight hydrocarbons are removed from air by subjecting the air to a temperature swing adsorption process using as the adsorbent a composite zeolite product containing both zeolite A and zeolite X. The composite zeolite product is preferably prepared by forming a mixture of an agglomerate of silica and sodium zeolite X having a Si/Al atomic ratio in the range of about 0.9 to less than about 1.2 and a water-soluble sodium aluminate salt; maintaining the mixture at a temperature in the range of about 25 to about 100° C. for a period of time sufficient to convert at least 50% of the silica to sodium zeolite A; and at least partially exchanging the zeolite A-containing product with divalent cations, preferably calcium ions.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing and activating monolith adsorbents is disclosed. A regeneration gas is passed through the formed monolith adsorbent at a temperature sufficient to decompose at least part of the binding agents in the adsorbent. The present invention also provides for the use of the treated adsorbent monoliths in separating gases in cyclical separation processes such as vacuum swing adsorption processes.

Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of propylene from propane by a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process using an adsorbent comprising AlPO-14. A PSA process is used to remove propylene from a C3 hydrocarbon stream comprising propylene and propane. The PSA process of the present invention can be employed in petroleum refining and petrochemical processes to purify and separate propylene from mixtures of propylene and propane without fractionation.

Abstract: A gas supply system including a gas cabinet defining an enclosure including therein a gas dispensing manifold and one or more adsorbent-based gas storage and dispensing vessels mounted in the enclosure and joined in gas flow communication with the gas dispensing manifold. The enclosure may be maintained under low or negative pressure conditions for enhanced safety in the event of leakage of gas from the gas storage and dispensing vessel(s) in the enclosure. The gas supply system may be coupled to a gas-consuming unit in a semiconductor manufacturing facility, e.g., an ion implanter, an etch chamber, or a chemical vapor deposition reactor.

Abstract: A porous adsorbent includes pores having a pore diameter (Dm) of between 1 nm and 14 nm and an oxygen adsorptivity, measured at +20° C. and 1 bar, of at most 10 Scc/g. This adsorbent is used in a process for adsorbing at least one gaseous compound contained in a gas mixture containing several gaseous compounds of different polarity. Preferably, the gas mixture to be separated or to be purified is chosen from mixtures containing oxygen and nitrogen, particularly air, mixtures containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and hydrocarbons, especially olefins, advantageously, the process is of the PSA or VSA type.

Abstract: A method for removing trace moisture from a gas is disclosed. The method involves heating a zeolite having a high silica-to-alumina ratio to about 400° C. to remove physically adsorbed water from the zeolite, followed by heating the zeolite to a temperature in excess of 650° C., to form a superheated zeolite. The superheated zeolite is contacted with the gas, thereby adsorbing water from the gas. A dehydroxylated zeolite for removing trace moisture from a gas wherein the zeolite has a high silica-to-alumina ratio and a low level of metallic impurities is also disclosed. A method for removing metallic impurities from a gas using the low metals zeolite is also disclosed. The zeolites and methods of the invention are particularly useful for removing trace water and trace metal impurities from acid gases such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide.

Abstract: An aqueous solution with a pH of greater than 5, preferably of at least 6.5, can be used in an ion-exchange process, in particular a process for the manufacture of a zeolite. This aqueous solution comprises metal cations, such as zinc, and an agent for complexing the metal cations, such as citric acid or a salt of this acid. The proportion of free cations in solution represents from 0.1% to 99%, preferably from 1 to 30%, of the total amount of the metal in the solution. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of zeolites X or A employing such an aqueous solution and the use of the zeolites thus obtained for separating, purifying or converting one or more constituents of a gas stream, such as air, synthesis gases or hydrocarbons, in particular olefins, by employing an adsorption process, in particular a PSA, VSA or TSA.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for purifying atmospheric air prior to its separation by cryogenic distillation. The process utilizes three adsorbent layers, the first primarily removes water; the second primarily removes CO2; and the third layer is designed to remove displaced gas components such as N2O and hydrocarbons which are displaced by the second layer. It has been found that CaX type adsorbents provide the removal of N2O and hydrocarbons in the third layer.

Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrocarbons from an acid gas stream includes passing the acid gas stream through an adsorbent which selectively removes hydrocarbons, desorbing the hydrocarbons from the adsorbent and contacting the desorbed hydrocarbons with an acid gas removal solution to remove acid gases which have been coadsorbed with the hydrocarbons. The process is particularly useful in removing hydrocarbons from a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream which is being directed to Claus processing for conversion into elemental sulfur. Useful adsorbents include crystalline titanium silicate molecular sieves containing titania octahedral sites such as ETS-10 and similar materials, as well as high silica aluminosilicate zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multi-composite adsorbent mixture which will remove H2O, CO2 and nitrogen oxides and/or hydrocarbons from a feed gas stream. The improvement lies in the use of a third adsorbent which is selective for nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons or both.

Abstract: Novel compositions of molecular sieve adsorbents are provided in which at least 50% of the exchangeable cations are selected from those of Li, Ca, Ag and Cu and which have within their pore system metal oxide, metal oxide precursors or mixtures thereof. These compositions are useful for the separation of gases and, in particular, the separation of nitrogen from air to produce oxygen or oxygen-enriched gas.

Abstract: A molecular sieve adsorbent for the purification of gas streams containing water vapor and carbon dioxide. The adsorbent is a combination of sodium form of a low-silica faujasite, having a residual content of potassium ions less than about 8.0 percent (equiv.), a low content of crystalline and amorphous admixtures and crystal sizes generally within the range of 1-4 &mgr;m, and a binder.

Abstract: A PSA, especially VSA, process for separating a stream of gas, such as air, containing at least one first compound, such as nitrogen, which is preferentially adsorbed on at least one adsorbent and at least one second compound, such as oxygen, which is adsorbed less preferentially on the adsorbent than the first compound. The adsorbent comprises at least particles of a zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of less than or equal to 5 and chosen from zeolites of X or A type, the zeolite having a kinetics coefficient (ak) and an intrinsic strength (&agr;), with: ak>0.5 s−1 and 0.10<&agr;<2. The invention also relates to an adsorbent for the non-cryogenic separation of gases, especially the gases from air and from syngas.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of hydrogen from a mixture of the same with methane, utilizing two separate PSA stages, one containing a nitrogen selective crystalline zeolite, and the second containing a methane selective adsorbent.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is removed from gas streams comprised predominantly of gases that are less strongly adsorbed than is carbon dioxide by passing the gas stream through a bed of type X zeolite having a silicon to aluminum atomic ratio not greater than about 1.15 and at least 75% of the exchangeable cations of which are potassium ions, thereby adsorbing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream. The process is particularly advantageous when applied to the removal of low levels of carbon dioxide from gas streams at temperatures of about 0 to 80° C.