Abstract: A PSA mechanism has adsorption towers. Cleaning valves and off gas valves are connected to the adsorption towers. Valve positions of at least either the cleaning valves or the off gas valves are determined based on an operation suspension period of the PSA mechanism or internal conditions which vary depending on the operation suspension period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-permeable filtration media that includes an air-permeable backing and an adsorbent. The adsorbent is at least partially embedded in the air-permeable backing. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an air-permeable filtration media. The present invention also provides a method of substantially removing contaminants form air, employing the air-permeable filtration media.

Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants from an incoming dirty air stream for a fuel cell. The filter assembly also includes a noise suppression element that reduces sound waves or noise emanating from any equipment, such as a compressor. The filter assembly can include a particulate filter portion for removing physical or particulate contaminants, a chemical filter portion for removing chemical contaminants, or can have both portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the preparation of air in an aircraft comprising a compressor charged with air on the inlet side, comprising a supply air heat exchanger which is downstream of the compressor, is charged with air compressed in the compressor on the pressurized air side on the inlet side and which is in communication on the pressurized air side on the outlet side with a system or unit which is to be supplied with pressurized air, and comprising a turbine which is charged on the inlet side with pressurized air from a pressurized air supply separate from the air supply of the compressor and is in communication on the outlet side with the low pressure side inlet of the supply air heat exchanger and which is in communication with the compressor such that the compressor can be driven by means of the turbine. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the preparation of air in an aircraft.

Abstract: A thermal preconcentrator unit and a method for concentrating chemical species. The thermal preconcentrator unit includes a thermoelectric device having a temperature controlled surface and a sorbent material configured to concentrate the chemical species. The sorbent material is disposed on and in thermal contact with the temperature controlled surface. The thermoelectric device is configured to cool and heat the temperature controlled surface to promote sorption and desorption of chemical species onto and from the sorbent material. The method provides a temperature controlled surface and exposes the chemical species to a sorbent material disposed on the temperature controlled surface to concentrate the chemical species thereon.

Abstract: Filter and/or absorbent materials comprising an open cell foam having a surface, wherein the surface of the open cell foam is at least partially coated with a layer comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide; methods for making such materials comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising photocatalytic titanium dioxide in a binder; (b) immersing an open cell foam article in the mixture; (c) removing the article from the mixture and removing excess mixture from the article; and methods of treating gases or liquids by passing the gas or liquid through such a material wherein the material has been activated by UV radiation are described.

Abstract: Mixing small amounts of an inorganic halide, such as NaCl, to basic copper carbonate followed by calcination at a temperature sufficient to decompose the carbonate results in a significant improvement in resistance to reduction of the resulting copper oxide. The introduction of the halide can be also achieved during the precipitation of the carbonate precursor. These reduction resistant copper oxides can be in the form of composites with alumina and are especially useful for purification of gas or liquid streams containing hydrogen or other reducing agents.

Abstract: A solid-state composition having the general formula CuxAnLyZ, where: A is CO or an olefin and n=0 or n>0; L is an electrically neutral ligand and O<y<0; and Z is an anion bearing a charge x-. The solid-state composition can advantageously adsorb CO or an olefin in the presence of water.

Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.

Abstract: An improved gas separation PSA process, more particularly for oxygen production, utilizing adsorbents of Type X characterized by high frequency (i.e., cycle times of less than 4 s), bed length to square of mean particle diameter ratio within 200 to 600 mm?1, bed size factor of less than 50 lb/TPDO. The bed length, mean particle size, and cycle time are selected in a range such that axial dispersion becomes an important factor. In this way, low product recovery and high pressure drop (high power consumption) disadvantages often associated with the use of small particles are overcome.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing additional aerosols and in some cases additional particulate matter from a gas stream, wherein a certain portion of such aerosols and particulate matter has already been removed using a primary aerosol and particulate collection device. In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for removing additional aerosols from a gas stream that has aerosols previously removed by a primary aerosol collector, comprising passing a gas stream comprising a plurality of aerosols through a gas duct; removing a first portion of the plurality of said aerosols using a primary aerosol collector; passing the gas stream through a screen; and collecting at least a second portion of the plurality of aerosols on the screen. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A filter, an apparatus and a method for preventing and/or reducing the formation of tarnish on objects that contain a metal are provided; for example, objects containing silver, copper and/or brass. The apparatus comprises a device that circulates the air in an enclosed space through particulate and adsorbent filters to reduce the amount of tarnishing agents present in said enclosure.

Abstract: A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.

Abstract: A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separation of substances using non-crystalline, amorphous inorganic oxides having mesoporosity or combined meso- and microporosity. The amorphous inorganic oxide may have a separating agent, such as a chemical functional group, bonded or attached to the surfaces within the pores. The amorphous inorganic material is exposed to a fluid containing two or more materials to be separated. At least one material contained in the fluid is preferentially retained by the amorphous inorganic oxide either on the surface of the inorganic oxide within the pores or by interaction with a separating agent group attached to the pore surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.

Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components is disclosed. The membrane comprises a continuous phase polymer with inorganic porous particles, preferably molecular sieves, interspersed in the polymer. The polymer has a CO2/CH4 selectivity of at least 20 and the porous particles have a mesoporosity of at least 0.1 cc STP/g. The mixed matrix membrane exhibits an increase in permeability of least 30% with any decrease in selectivity being no more than 10% relative to a membrane made of the neat polymer. The porous particles may include, but are not limited to, molecular sieves such as CVX-7 and SSZ-13, and/or other molecular sieves having the required mesoporosity. A method for making the mixed matrix membrane is also described. Further, a method is disclosed for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components using the mixed matrix membrane with mesoporous particles.

Abstract: Solid phase extraction articles, well-less filtration devices, and methods of manufacturing the articles and devices are disclosed. Methods of extracting analytes from samples using the articles and devices are also disclosed. The articles, devices and methods include a solid phase extraction medium (SPE medium) that incorporates thermoplastic material, e.g., in the form of thermoplastic particles enmeshed within a fibril matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pressure vessel containing a bed of particulate material comprising substantially leveling the bed and employing a plug-flow inducer in the bed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enriching a combustible gas. The gas mixture is initially flowing in a distribution line at a set pressure. Part of the mixture is bypassed to a separate line where it is then compressed. This compressed stream is then treated in a gas separation unit and is injected back into the distribution system at about the set pressure.

Abstract: A passive air sampler or badge suitable for wearing includes a vial adaptor to facilitate transferring granular or particulate adsorbent to and from it directly into a specially designed vial sized to accommodate a standard amount for use in a desorption tube for chromatographic or other analysis of the materials desorbed.

Abstract: Vapor concentrators are used to provide a higher concentration of trace target vapor than would normally be available in the environment. This is accomplished by allowing the trace target vapor to adsorb onto a concentrating surface and subsequently releasing the trace target vapor by heating the surface. An improved desorbing method is providing by a fast pulse of photons, which only heats the near surface region, rather than the entire mass of the substrate on which the concentrating surface resides. Since all of the trace target vapor is released in a short time interval, the vapor is less diluted by carrier gas than would occur during the slower temperature ramp that results when the entire substrate mass is heated. A more highly concentrated target vapor is produced with less input of energy.

Abstract: An organic compound capable of forming a hydrogen molecular compound such as a hydrogen clathrate is brought in contact with hydrogen gas in a pressurized state. It enables relatively light-weight and stable storage of hydrogen at or near the ordinary temperature and the ambient pressure and easy takeoff of the stored hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for avoidance of attrited carbon dust is disclosed to lead to improved canister performance in emission control. Product attrition by dusting of granular and shaped activated carbons is disclosed to be reduced significantly, or essentially eliminated, by the application of a thin, continuous polymer coating on the granular or shaped activated carbon, without a reduction in adsorption velocity or capacity of the activated carbon when used in automotive emission control canisters.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for containing and dispensing a high purity fluid comprising an outer vessel capable of containing a quantity of high purity fluid in its interior; an outlet associated with the outer vessel for dispensing the high purity fluid; a valve capable of controlling high purity fluid flow out of the outer vessel through the outlet; an inner vessel at least partly situated in the outer vessel and communicating with the outlet and an inlet which communicates with the interior of the outer vessel; a purification media contained within the inner vessel for purifying the high purity fluid of undesired components; and fluid flow control device which prevents high purity fluid from flowing from the inner vessel to the interior of the outer vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for improving the useful life of sorbent beds, such as activated carbon filter beds. It is known that breakthrough in carbon filter beds first occurs at the low gas velocity regions of the filter bed, i.e., at the filter's edges. A recirculation jacket filter system diverts already filtered air from the downstream side of the filter bed toward the peripheral region of the upstream side of the filter bed so that contaminants near the filter's edges are reduced and filter life is improved.

Abstract: A method for regenerable adsorption includes providing a substrate that defines at least one layer of ultra short channel length mesh capable of conducting an electrical current therethrough, coating at least a portion of the substrate with a desired sorbent for trace contaminant control or CO2 sorption, resistively heating the substrate, and passing a flowstream through the substrate and in contact with the sorbent.

Abstract: A storage medium for gas molecules has a nanowire core and a number of organic molecules attached to the exterior surface of the nanowire. The organic molecules attached to the exterior of the nanowire are adapted to releasably hold gas molecules. Methods for making and using the invention, including the use of a silicon nanowire, are disclosed.

Abstract: A filter unit for the purification of air includes at least a first filter element, which contains granular, especially spherical, activated carbon as an adsorbent material, and at least a second filter element, which contains a combination of granular, especially spherical, activated carbon and activated carbon fibers as an adsorbent material. The filter unit is suitable especially for use in ventilation plants, ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems and the like.

Abstract: The gas storage method comprises a step of keeping a gas to be stored and an adsorbent in a vessel at a low temperature below the liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored so that the gas to be stored is adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state, a step of introducing into the vessel kept at the low temperature a gaseous or liquid medium with a freezing temperature that is higher than the above-mentioned liquefaction temperature of the gas to be stored, for freezing of the medium, so that the gas to be stored which has been adsorbed onto the adsorbent in a liquefied state is encapsulated by the medium which has been frozen, and a step of keeping the vessel at a temperature higher than the liquefaction temperature and below the freezing temperature.

Abstract: A process for removing trace amounts of moisture and/or one or more impurities from contaminated hydride, inert and non-reactive gases, thus decreasing the concentration of the impurities to parts-per-billion (ppb) or parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. The gas purifier materials of this invention include thermally activated aluminas, said aluminas including organic alumina materials, modified organic alumina materials, and modified inorganic aluminas. The thermally activated alumina materials of this invention are activated by heating the alumina material at a temperature between about 50° C.–1000° C. in an inert or non-inert atmosphere or in a vacuum and maintaining the activated material in the inert or non-inert atmosphere or in a vacuum atmosphere subsequent to said activation but prior to use.

Abstract: Filters for removing particulate and gaseous organic and inorganic materials from a fluid stream are disclosed. The filters may contain a polymer matrix and optional sequestering agents. Methods of making filters are also disclosed. Methods of using filters to remove one or more materials from a fluid stream, such as an air stream, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adsorbent article having a base body or matrix onto which is applied an adsorptive coating. The body or matrix can be a honeycomb matrix or structure having a plurality of cells defining a plurality of passages extending through the body. The adsorptive coating comprises an adsorptive media, such as activated carbon or ion exchange resin, that is bound by a polymeric adhesive or resin. The adsorbent article has a minimal pressure loss therethrough.

Abstract: A process and composition for selectively adsorbing oxygen from a gaseous mixture. The chemisorption is carried out by a porous three-dimensional transition element complex comprised of intermolecularly bound TEC units, said units further comprised of at least one multidentate ligand forming at least one five- or six-membered chelate ring on each unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination filter for filtering fluids comprising a flow channel particulate filtration media having a first face and a second face and a gas adsorbing filtration media. The flow channel particulate filtration media comprises a plurality of flow channels directed in flow direction and defined by inner surfaces. The flow channels having inlet openings through the first face and outlet openings through the second face of the flow channel particulate filtration media. The inner surfaces of said flow channels at least in part are provided with structures protruding therefrom and forming or extending into the flow channels or an electrical charge or a combination of both. The said gas adsorbing filtration media comprises a pad having a first face and a second face and width and length dimensions orthogonal with respect to each other and each individually to the flow direction and having a thickness dimension in flow direction.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed combining a fixed bed gasification section where coarse fuel is gasified and an entrained flow gasification section where fine fuel is gasified. The fixed bed section includes upper and lower sections. Coarse fuel is devolatilized in the upper fixed bed section and subjected to elevated temperatures sufficient to crack and destroy tars and oils in the effluent gases. The entrained flow gasification section is disposed in a lower plenum adjacent the lower fixed bed section. A plurality of injection ports are configured to introduce oxygen, steam, or air into different sections of the gasifier to control temperature and operating conditions. Activated carbon may be formed in the upper fixed bed section and in the entrained flow section. The activated carbon may be used as a sorbent to remove pollutants from the effluent gases. The gasifier may be used with various coarse and fine fuel feedstocks.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide recovery apparatus and process for supercritical extraction includes providing a process stream from a supercritical extraction procedure in which the process stream includes pressurized carbon dioxide, extraction process waste and optionally at least one co-solvent; reducing the pressure of the process stream below critical pressure; venting low pressure carbon dioxide vapor to exhaust; cooling the process stream to form a two phase mixture; separating the two phase mixture into a process liquid, containing co-solvent if present, and a process vapor phase stream; collecting the process liquid; filtering the process vapor phase stream to remove particulates and optionally residual co-solvent; passing the filtered process vapor stream through an adsorber to remove trace impurities to form a purified carbon dioxide vapor stream; and, drying the purified carbon dioxide vapor stream to remove residual water vapor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of storing gas including methane and hydrogen, in particular to the fuel cell technology. In particulars it relates to a method of using a metallo-organic framework material comprising pores and at least one metal ion and at least one at least bidentate organic compound.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a closed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the closed state, and allows the sucked air to pass through the air passage in the open state. The air purifier may include a main body to suck and discharge air, with a bypass passage formed in the main body so that the bypass passage is opened or closed by a door, and a first filter installed in the main body. The sucked air passes through the first filter prior to being discharged when the door is closed, and passes through the bypass passage prior to being discharged when the door is opened.

Abstract: A fluid purifying apparatus that includes a manifold that includes a first branch and a second branch, a first check valve coupled to the first branch of the manifold, and a purifier unit that includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second branch of the manifold. Also, a fluid purifying apparatus that includes a vessel that includes a first interior compartment for containing a purifier material and a second interior compartment for containment of a fluid containing impurities, wherein the first interior compartment is separated from the second interior compartment by a fluid permeable support, and a rupturable seal.

Abstract: An adsorbent includes core particles containing an adsorbing material; a porous coating layer including a polymer material that coats the core particles; and an underlying layer containing a metal compound and disposed between the core particles and the porous coating layer. The porous coating layer is formed by spraying and applying a suspension or a solution containing the polymer material over the adsorbing material, or by immersing the adsorbing material into the suspension or the solution.

Abstract: Filter devices and methods for collection of carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, produced in gas phase reactors are provided. The filter devices provide for in situ cleaning of filters to release captured product for collection. Product can be released and removed from the reactor without disrupting continuous synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. The filter devices facilitate increased reactor operation and larger scale production of carbon nanomaterials. The filters are cleaned by application of a motive force and/or a gas flow to the filter. In a specific embodiment filters are cleaned by a reverse flow of gas pulses to the filter provided. The invention also provides reactor systems for gas phase synthesis of carbon nanomaterials that can be operated continuously employing the filter device of this invention. Preferred reactor systems are those which synthesize carbon nanomaterials by combustion.

Abstract: A residual gas removing device for a gas supply apparatus in a semiconductor fabricating facility, includes a low stress valve disposed between a mass flow controller and a chamber. The low stress valve alternately supplies or cuts off a gas from the mass flow controller to the chamber. A WF6 gas removing apparatus is in flow communication with a gas inlet line of the low stress valve to remove a residual WF6 gas in the gas inlet line, before proceeding with a subsequent deposition step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating toxic and/or hazardous gas species in a diluent gas stream line deriving from a by-pass line of a semiconductor process tool, comprising contacting the diluent gas stream with a dry resin sorbent material having an affinity for the toxic and/or hazardous gas species to effect the removal of at least a portion of the toxic and/or hazardous gas species by a chemisorbent or physisorbent reaction between the sorbent bed and the toxic gas component effectively reduces the concentration of the toxic gas component in the process diluent stream to below TLV.

Abstract: Components are separated from liquid or gaseous media with the aid of a nanocomposite comprising nanoparticles in a matrix, wherein the liquid or gaseous medium is brought into contact with the nanocomposite in such a way that at least part of the components to be separated off is bound to the nanocomposite and the resulting laden nanocomposite is separated from the liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for absorbing vapours and gasses by controlling overpressure in storage tanks during filling, transport and storing of fluids in liquid form. The process includes leading of gas down to the bottom of the tank, where a major part of the gas is absorbed in the tank's own liquid in an absorption device or optionally the liquid is supplied from an external source.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for separating fluid components. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and methods utilize microchannel devices with small distances for heat and mass transfer to achieve rapid cycle times and surprisingly large volumes of fluid components separated in short times using relatively compact hardware.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating toxic and/or hazardous gas species in a diluent gas stream line deriving from a by-pass line of a semiconductor process tool, comprising contacting the diluent gas stream with a dry resin sorbent material having an affinity for the toxic and/or hazardous gas species to effect the removal of at least a portion of the toxic and/or hazardous gas species by a chemisorbent or physisorbent reaction between the sorbent bed and the toxic gas component effectively reduces the concentration of the toxic gas component in the process diluent stream to below TLV.

Abstract: A method for separating undesired particles from a gaseous medium in which the particles are dispersed. The particles and gaseous medium are passed through a fluid-pervious filtration media which has been infused with an absorbtion composition comprising a homogeneous thermal reaction product of an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes, and alkynes, and a methacrylate or acrylate polymer component. The particles are thereby immobilized at the media. The purified gaseous medium having passed through the filtration media is collected and flowed to a utilization or discharge point.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide are reduced to sub-ppb levels in gases such as nitrogen, helium and argon, by gas purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material. Ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon materials is capable of removing impurities from a gas stream down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide to the purified gas stream. The carbon material is superactivated by heating the carbon to temperatures between 300-800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream. The ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material is handled and stored in an environment that minimizes contamination from moisture and other oxygenated species in order to maintain its ppb and sub-ppb impurity removal and low emission properties.