Abstract: Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.

Abstract: An air supply unit for a pneumatic system is provided herein. The unit includes a compressor inlet for receiving compressed air in a supply mode. The unit further includes a consumption outlet for connecting at least one consumption circuit. The unit further includes an air processing unit connected to the compressor inlet for drying and filtering the compressed air and delivering dried compressed air at its outlet. The unit further includes a supply line extending from the outlet to the consumption outlet. The unit further includes a purge tank connected to the supply line. The purge tank is connected to the supply line through a throttle for pressure reduction of the purge air. In order to realize a short filling time, the purge tank is further connected to the supply line by a filling valve. The filling valve is open in the supply mode and blocking in the purge mode.

Abstract: Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a vehicle includes an engine, a fuel tank connected to the engine and a reversible purge pump connected between the fuel tank and the engine. Fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is supplied to the engine. The purge pump is operable in a first direction to supply the fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the engine and a second direction to supply air to the fuel tank. A purge control valve is connected between the reversible purge pump and the engine to control a flow of the fuel vapor to the engine.

Abstract: A device may determine whether there is a communicated point with open air between a pump and a control valve or on an opposite side to the control valve of the pump, by at least two of pressures: between the pump and the control valve in case the control valve is in a cutoff state, the switching valve is in a communication state, and the pump sends in forward direction, on an opposite side to the control valve of to the pump in case the control valve is in a communication state, the switching valve is in the cutoff state, and the pump sends in reverse direction; and between the pump and the control valve or on the opposite side to the control valve of the pump in case the valves are in the cutoff states and the pump is stopped after one of these cases.

Abstract: A system and method to recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. Fans, valves, and manifolds are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. The airflow within the chamber and/or each tray is altered depending upon the settings of configurable airflow manifolds. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first compartment (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage compartment (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way actuated valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage compartment (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way actuated valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way actuated valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4).

Abstract: Apparatus for transforming the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space, including: a housing; an air inlet and at least one air outlet formed in the housing; a passageway extending through the housing and connecting the air inlet to the at least one air outlet; a circulation fan disposed in the passageway so as to draw the air of the higher air exchange rate space into the air inlet, through the passageway, and return that air to the higher air exchange rate space through the at least one air outlet; and a filter disposed in the passageway for purging noxious substances from the air passing through the passageway, whereby to transform the air exchange load of a higher air exchange rate space into the air exchange load of a lower air exchange rate space.

Abstract: A system and method for regenerative air purification technology use in residential or commercial HVAC systems that includes a set of gas sensors and processor, a set of filters including the pre-particles filter; HEAP particles filters and the adsorption gas filters with TiO2 (or TiO2 mixed activated carbon material) coated on the outer surface, a set of auto valves, a set of UV Lamps on the boundaries of device compartment, a set of heater located in the central of a cylinder type of adsorption filter. The air is ventilated through the pre-particle filter, “HEPA” filter or a high efficiency filter with nano-material fibers (HENF) and combined activated carbon adsorption filter via a well designed manifold tube, in which the particles will be captured on the pre-particle filter and “HEPA” or “HENF” filter materials and VOCs are trapped by the adsorption filter.

Abstract: An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.

Abstract: Provided is an air drying system that includes a desiccant container including desiccant material for removing moisture from a pressurized air stream directed through the container in a first direction, a heater coupled to the container for selectively providing heated air to the container in a second direction opposite the first direction, and an air source coupled to the container for selectively providing cooled air to the container in the first direction. By introducing the cooled air in the opposite direction as the heated air, the duration of the cooling can be extended to allow for further removal of adsorbed moisture from the desiccant, thereby lowering the dew point. The extended duration of cooling also allows for additional removal of heat from the desiccant container to minimize heat spikes when the desiccant container is switched to the adsorbing cycle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the introduction of an additive to a contaminated gas stream. An additive introduction system uses a compressor and carbon dioxide separator to provide a treated carrier gas for introduction of an alkaline additive to a contaminated gas stream.

Abstract: A regeneration controller for an air dryer on a vehicle includes a location identifier that determines a current location, a regeneration profile identifier that selects a regeneration profile based on the current location, and a regeneration initiator that initiates regenerations of the air dryer based on the regeneration profile.

Abstract: A final scrubber in the inert carrier gas flow path of an elemental analyzer includes a manifold with valves for selectively bypassing a quick disconnect final scrubber housing that includes a filter tube and sealed gas fittings. The housing includes alignment members and a latch for positioning and locking the housing onto and in sealed engagement with the instrument's manifold. A switch detects the presence of the housing, and a control circuit controls valves to direct the inert gas flow though the filter tube or bypass the filter tube when the housing is removed. With this system, the final scrubber can be removed and replaced quickly without the use of tools while the carrier gas continues to flow though the furnace without interruption. Also, the valves can be closed to allow for segmented leak detection of the instruments gas flow path.

Abstract: Active carbon filters and systems that are operative to detect active carbon filter degradations are provided. The active carbon filter can include a carbon filter comprising activated carbon and defining a filter surface; a first piezoelectric wafer active sensor on the filter surface that is electrically isolated from the carbon filter; and a second piezoelectric wafer active sensor on the filter surface that is electrically connected to the filter surface; and an impedance monitoring device electrically connected to the first piezoelectric wafer active sensor and the second piezoelectric wafer active sensor. Methods are also disclosed for determining if any degradation has occurred in an active carbon filter.

Abstract: A fuel vapor removal method for an aircraft includes removing an ullage mixture from ullage of a fuel tank of an aircraft, exposing the ullage mixture to adsorption media on the aircraft to reduce its fuel-air ratio, and returning the reduced fuel-air ratio ullage mixture to the fuel tank. A fuel vapor removal system onboard an aircraft includes a fuel tank, having ullage containing an ullage mixture, a pumping device, configured to pump the ullage mixture in a closed loop from the fuel tank ullage and back, an adsorption system, interposed in the closed loop, and a controller, including a microprocessor and system memory. The adsorption system includes an adsorber having adsorption media capable of adsorbing fuel vapor from the ullage mixture, and the controller is programmed to activate the pumping device, to pump the ullage mixture from the ullage, through the adsorption system, and return a reduced fuel-air ratio ullage mixture back to the ullage.

Abstract: A system for increasing the power of cars by increasing the oxygen content in the intake manifold supply using a zeolite filtration system. This system does not rely on the conventional method of injecting pure oxygen from a tank or using hydrolysis from water. This actually converts the air to a higher oxygen content as it flows to the intake manifold in a car. The practical idea of this is to increase the power of the engine without increasing displacement or to have the engine downsized with less displacement while still having the same power. It also has the application in cars or trucks to almost completely diminish NOx emissions. This is especially useful in tractor trailers because then you can forgo expensive aftertreatment systems to reduce NOx, which sometimes cost more than the engine itself, greatly reducing the cost of a tractor trailer and also doing the things mentioned above.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that allow for the monitoring and analysis of production process data for a multi-step asynchronous cyclic production process (e.g. pressure swing adsorption) in a steady state plant (such as a steam methane reforming plant). Data collected from cooperating sensors is processed applying a moving window discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The transformed data can be further analyzed in the broader steady-state plant environment to accurately detect any process anomalies and avoid false alarms.

Abstract: A dehydrator for dehydrating air supplied to a power related or mechanical device includes a first container configured to hold a desiccant, a first heater arranged with the first container configured to heat the desiccant in the first container, a second container configured to hold a desiccant, and a second heater arranged with the second container configured to heat the desiccant in the second container. The dehydrator further includes a conduit configured to selectively connect one of the first container and the second container to the power related or mechanical device and a controller configured to selectively operate one of the first heater and the second heater.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption purification unit (PSA unit) comprising: N adsorbers comprising N inlets and N outlets with N?2; at least one rotary distributor connected via N connections to the N inlets or to the N outlets of the N adsorbers; and characterised in that each of these N connections comprises a means for regulating a flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.

Abstract: A cyclic adsorption process is provided having pressurization and depressurization steps and driven by one or more centrifugal machines operating under acceleration and deceleration conditions wherein the deceleration rate of the machine is controlled to minimize power consumption and maximize the efficiency of the process. The operating speed of the centrifugal machine during deceleration is matched to the measured pressure ratio conditions so that the centrifugal machine arrives at its minimum operating speed near the point required to begin acceleration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dehumidifier comprising a regenerable sorption matrix disposed within a drum or wheel in which microwave radiation directed by a waveguide antenna is used to regenerate the sorption matrix within a desorption segment using a programmable controller to coordinate the advancement of the rotation of the sorbent through desorption segment. A method of dehumidifying a process fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure correspond to, for example, a system for scrubbing a mixture of gases and/or contaminants from indoor air from an enclosed space to remove at least one gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants. The system may include one or more adsorbent materials configured to be cycled between adsorption and regeneration of at least one of gas and/or contaminant from the mixture of gases and/or contaminants via a temperature swing adsorption cycle (for example), regeneration means configured to regenerate one or more adsorbent materials. The regeneration means may be configured at a regeneration temperature to regenerate the one or more adsorbent materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering media having a photocatalytic action which has a thickness of at least 2 mm, which is homogeneous and which is devoid of orifice apparent to the naked eye, comprising a felt of inorganic fibers, the fibers of which are coated with a coating comprising a catalyst having a photocatalytic action, said felt exhibiting a weight per unit area of between 30 and 80 g/m2, said coating representing 5 to 80% of the weight of said media, said media exhibiting a gas pressure drop of less than 150 Pa at 1 m/s in unpleated condition. This media is intended to be incorporated in a purifier of gas, such as air, furthermore comprising a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation. The media exhibits an excellent purification efficiency and a very low pressure drop.

Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a stationary unit and a portable unit. The portable unit includes a compressor, molecular sieves, controllable valves and an enriched gas storage chamber. The stationary unit includes a compressor having a greater capacity than a capacity of the portable compressor.

Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. A heat source adds heat to the chamber before and/or during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. Fans, valves, and manifolds are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. The airflow within the chamber and/or each tray is altered depending upon the settings of configurable airflow manifolds. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a product gas are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one separation bed to separate adsorbable components from a gas source, a valving means to selectively direct gas from the gas source to the at least one separation bed, at least one sensing device associated with the at least one separation bed to sense the progress of an adsorption zone within the separation bed, and a controller. The controller includes logic to read the output of the at least one sensing device and control the gas separation process based on the progress of the adsorption zone.

Abstract: A gas concentrating system is provided. The system includes, for example, a gas separation system having at least one separation space, at least one sensor connected to the separation space and providing at least one output signal indicative of the progress of gas separation, at least one pump system associated with gas separation system; and a controller. The controller includes, for example, logic reading the sensor output signal and logic controlling at least one parameter of the pump system based on the sensor output signal. The parameter of the pump system can be any parameter affecting the characteristics or operation of the pump system. Examples are disclosed but are not intended to be limiting.

Abstract: A carbon canister as utilized relative to underground fuel storage tank vapor recovery, including for the capture and purging of hydrocarbon vapors as air is introduced into and released from an underground storage tank, and wherein, in one form intended primarily for use in Stage II Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister includes a valve activated by weight of saturated carbon and wherein, in another form intended primarily for use in Stage I Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister is a free breathing carbon canister with a surge protection device.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operability of fuel vapor intermediate stores (4), in particular of activated carbon filters, in tank-venting systems with at least one tank (3) and at least one fuel vapor intermediate store (4). In this case an actual change degree of filling of the fuel vapor intermediate store (4) is determined as a consequence of absorption or desorption processes of gaseous hydrocarbons in the fuel vapor intermediate store (4). The actual change in degree of filling is compared with a desired change in degree of filling and, from the comparison, a conclusion about the operability of the fuel vapor intermediate store (4) is drawn.

Abstract: An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first vessel (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage vessel (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way solenoid valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage vessel (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way solenoid valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way solenoid valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4).

Abstract: A composite desiccant material is formed by a porous, absorbent substrate of PVA foam or non-woven fibrous sheet is soaked in a solution of a hygroscopic desiccant such as CaCl2. The desiccant is held in pores or fibrous entraining areas sized ranging from 50 microns to 1000 microns. Thin sheets are arranged in a stack in a multi-chamber system, while in an absorption state, uses this stack in a main chamber to absorb H20 from atmospheric gas flowing through that chamber. In a regeneration state atmospheric flow is stopped and low-grade energy releases the H20 from the desiccant into that chamber. Fans circulate moist air through the main chamber and into an adjacent chamber for H20 transfer through or past a partially permeable barrier into a cooling/condensing area. Both H20 and dry gas may be produced.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an inerting system for an aircraft featuring at least one air separation module with at least one air inlet, a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The air separation module is designed for splitting an input air flow into a first air flow and a second air flow, wherein the first air flow is enriched with oxygen in comparison with the input air flow and discharged at the first air outlet and the second air flow is enriched with nitrogen in comparison with the input air flow and discharged at the second air outlet. In comparison with known inerting systems, the inerting system according to the invention is characterized in that the air inlet can be connected to an air extraction point in an air processing system and the inerting system is designed for routing the first air flow into a cabin to be air-conditioned.

Abstract: An air dehydrator system for supplying a source of dehydrated air includes an offsite data management system; at least one data network; and an air dehydrator located remote from the offsite data management system. The dehydrator includes a housing containing at least one drying canister; a pressurized air source; and a control circuit coupled with the pressurized air source. The control circuit is also in communication via the at least one data network with the offsite data management system. The control circuit controls operation of the pressurized air source dependent upon control by the offsite data management system.

Abstract: Systems are provided for gasification operations. The systems may use carbonous gas as part of plant operations. The systems may include a gasifier and a solid fuel feeder. The solid fuel feeder is capable of feeding solid fuel in a carbonous carrier gas to the gasifier during a startup period and also during a steady state period of the gasifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for circulating air in an enclosed environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an inlet to receive air from outside of the enclosed environment and an air handling unit coupled to the inlet and also configured to receive circulated air from the enclosed environment. The air handling unit can be configured to affect a temperature of at least one of the received outside air and the received circulated air. Based on the received outside air and the received circulated air, the air handling unit can be further configured to generate air for supplying to the enclosed environment.

Abstract: A method for indirectly monitoring and controlling an electrically resistive adsorption system. Adsorption of a predetermined adsorbate is conducted while indirectly monitoring electrical resistance of a unified adsorbent element. Breakthrough is predicted based upon the indirectly monitored electrical resistance and a previously measured mass loading relationship between the resistance of the unified adsorbent element and the loading of the unified resistance element with the predetermined adsorbate. Adsorption, regeneration and cooling cycles are controlled by a controller without any direct measurement of temperature or resistance of the element and characterizations of mass loading and temperature. Systems of the invention can have no sensors that contact the element, are in an adsorption vessel, and/or are downstream adsorption vessel.

Abstract: Information used for creating an adsorption isostere of a substance to be measured in a measuring system (container) is obtained by repeating alternately a first control step of changing temperature or pressure of the measuring system by a fixed amount by adjusting a gas amount supplied to/discharged from the measuring system, and a second control step of changing pressure or temperature of the measuring system by adjusting the gas amount supplied to/discharged from the measuring system until a gas adsorption amount of the substance to be measured becomes the same as before execution of the first control step.

Abstract: A self-cleaning sorbent injection lance includes a lance arm, a lance outlet connected to a sorbent arm, a sorbent inlet connected to the lance arm, an air control valve connected to the lance arm, and a electrical valve control connected to the air control valve. The sorbent inlet provides sorbent material passing through the lance arm. The electrical valve control opens the air control valve when receiving an electrical signal, so that compressed air is supplied to the injection lance for cleaning sorbent material clogged in the lance arm and lance outlet without taking the self-cleaning sorbent injection lance off-line.

Abstract: A filtration system has a blowdown conduit and a filter unit. The blowdown conduit is adapted to be operably connected with a gas compressor station. The filter unit includes a filter housing, an inlet port, a pollution filter positioned within the filter housing to remove the pollutants from the vented gasses entering through the inlet port, and an exit port enabling the vented gasses to exit the filter housing once the pollutants have been removed by the pollution filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.

Abstract: A flammable gas concentration system is described, which includes a concentrating apparatus for acquiring at least a portion of the product gas, concentrating the flammable gas included in the acquired product gas, and generating a high-concentration gas; and a mixer for acquiring the raw gas and the high-concentration gas generated by the concentrating apparatus, mixing the acquired high-concentration gas and the raw gas, and generating the product gas.

Abstract: Systems are provided for gasification operations. The systems may use carbonous gas as part of plant operations. The systems may include a first compressor configured to compress a carbonous gas and a controller. The controller is configured to control the first compressor to transition from compressing a first carbonous gas to compressing a second carbonous gas during startup of a gasification system.

Abstract: An absorption fluid reservoir having a fluid inlet for receiving gases during a charging event and a gas analysis unit for detecting unwanted impurities in the gases prior to being received in the reservoir and a control unit for eliminating the gases having the impurities.