Abstract: A method of controlling a plant for processing a gas by adsorption, with N adsorbers R1 to R0 and variable N phase times. The method utilizes a mobile parameter for identifying the operating state of N adsorber which is in each successive phase time of the cycle. For a given phase time, a parameterized sequence (S, S′) of control steps for the plant are defined. A control sequencer of the plant is generated by matching an adsorber (R1 to R0) with each mobile parameter of the parameterized sequence during each phase time of the cycle, causing the succession of phase times of the cycle to be followed at all the adsorbers in operation.

Abstract: The oxygen concentrator of this invention includes a pair of chambers each containing a piston which is reciprocated slowly by a computer controlled reversible fluid pressure pump between an advanced position for moving room air through a molecular sieve bed to strip nitrogen from the air and deliver oxygen enriched air to a patient, and a retracted position to back-flush the sieve bed with oxygen enriched air and exhaust the nitrogen rich air to the atmosphere. In one embodiment the pistons are moved by piston rods reciprocated in piston rod cylinders by the fluid pressure pump, and inlet air is delivered by a small air fan to the space between each piston and associated molecular sieve bed. In a second embodiment the pistons are moved by a rack and pinion drive.

Abstract: An air dryer assembly for removing moisture and oil from a compressed air system includes a desiccant material received in a shell for adsorbing moisture as compressed air passes therethrough. A coalescing element is disposed between an inlet and outlet for removing oil aerosols from the compressed air. A check valve is disposed in parallel with the coalescing element and forces the compressed air to pass through the coalescing element as air flows from the inlet to the outlet. During a purge or reverse flow, compressed air bypasses the coalescing element and removes oil collected in the cartridge through the inlet.

Abstract: An electronic air charge controller for a tractor trailer vehicle air brake system includes a micro controller, a first pressure sensor interface coupled to the micro controller, a second pressure sensor interface coupled to the micro controller, and a vehicle control protocol interface coupled to the micro controller. The micro controller, in response to a signal received from the first pressure sensor interface indicative of an air supply recharge condition, a signal received from the second pressure sensor indicative of parking brake engagement condition, and a signal from the vehicle control protocol interface indicative of an engine start condition, supplies a maximum engine speed control signal to the vehicle control protocol interface. The time required to charge the air supply system to the required normal operating level is thereby minimized. In addition, a transmission sensor interface is preferably coupled to the micro controller.

Abstract: A cargo or bulk product off-load system includes a compressor (10) that pressurizes air. The air is dried by a dryer (12, 14) and routed to a supply tank (16). From the supply tank, the air is either used to pressurize service reservoirs (24, 26) or to assist the off-load system. Air stored in the service reservoirs (24, 26) is used to pressurize purge volumes associated with the dryers (12, 14). The compressor (10) operates at a lower pressure when supplying air to assist the off-load system than when pressurizing the service reservoirs (24, 26). Controllers (30, 40) coordinate switching of airflow, and alternating purging and drying of the dryers.

Abstract: A method and system for climate control uses a desiccant in an automobile. The desiccant removes humidity or moisture from air passing through the ventilation system. The desiccant is recharged or dried by application of a vacuum. The lower pressure generated by the vacuum reduces the temperature at which water evaporates or boils off of the desiccant material.

Abstract: A pressure swing process and system for purifying a first gas, preferably argon, from a crude feed gas stream containing the first gas and second gas(es) utilizes two adsorption beds and continuously promotes the crude feed gas to the bed during the process and simultaneous equalization of pressure in the two beds in top-to-top end and bottom-to-bottom end equalizations in each bed following purging of each bed.

Abstract: A gas purification system has at least one purifier in a purifier line with a gas supply inlet at one end and a process outlet at an opposite end for connection to a process tool using the purified gas. A vent line having a vent outlet is connected to the outlet end of the purifier. A control valve in the vent line controls connection of the purifier outlet to the vent outlet, and a control valve in the purifier line controls connection of the purifier outlet to the process outlet. A flow controller in the purifier line controls flow rate through the purifier. The system is controlled to provide an increased flow rate through the purifier and to connect the purifier outlet to the vent outlet on start up of the system, and then to connect the purifier outlet to the process outlet as soon as conditioning is complete.

Abstract: A fuel vapor handling apparatus supplies a purging air to a canister by using a purge pump and purges fuel desorbed from the canister into an intake pipe. A controller intermittently operates the purge so that the canister internal temperature recovers from a reduced level caused by the latent heat of vaporization of fuel during an operating period of the purge pump. Therefore, desorption of fuel from the canister during an operating period is facilitated. Since the actual operating time of the purge pump is reduced, the life of a motor that is a power unit of the purge pump becomes longer.

Abstract: A rotating drum adsorber process and system includes a rotating drum of adsorbent medium in a shell including partitions which define an adsorption sector, a regeneration sector and a cooling sector, and which continuously rotates through the sectors. The process and system includes an arrangement for sensing the temperature difference between the temperature of the discharge exiting the leading edge of the regeneration sector and the regeneration sector average discharge temperature for automatically controlling various operating conditions of the rotating drum adsorber system. A computerized method for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas stream exiting the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of the rotating drum adsorber system is also included.

Abstract: A compression machine (compressor 4 and/or pump 5) of the plant (1) for the treatment of a fluid, typically by pressure swing adsorption, comprises at least one detector (7) for detecting clearance between a moving part (6) and a stator and delivering a measurement signal used so as to vary, depending on this measurement, the operation of the plant and especially to automatically shorten the phases during which the machine is running at an excessively high speed.

Abstract: A component gas concentrator includes an air compressor/vacuum pump, an air-tight first container containing a molecular sieve bed, the first container in fluid communication with the compressor/vacuum pump through a first gas conduit, and an air-tight second container in fluid communication with the first container through a second gas conduit. A gas flow controller such as PLC controls actuation of valves mounted to the gas conduits.

Abstract: An air dryer system for a trailer braking assembly is modified to provide a purge flow when the park brakes are actuated. An air reservoir, either the main air tank or a separate reservoir, is in operative communication with the trailer air dryer. A valve disposed at a supply end of the trailer air dryer selectively vents a purge flow to atmosphere in response to a park brake application. A restricting orifice limits the purge flow through the trailer air dryer to extend the purge time and maximize the removal of moisture from the air dryer.

Abstract: A component gas concentrator includes an air compressor, an air-tight first container containing a molecular sieve bed, the first container in fluid communication with the compressor through a first gas conduit, and an air-tight second container in fluid communication with the first container through a second gas conduit. A gas flow controller such as PLC controls actuation of valves mounted to the gas conduits.

Abstract: A PSA, especially VSA, plant for separating a gas stream, operating in a production cycle and comprising at least one adsorber, preferably two or three adsorbers, and several valves having long and heterogeneous operating times. More specifically, the average operating time (&mgr;) of the valves is such that: 0.5 s<&mgr;<2 s and the operating time (&Dgr;t) of each of the valves is such that: &mgr;−x<&Dgr;t<&mgr;+x, with 0.1 s<x<0.5 s. The invention also relates to the use of such a PSA plant for producing a gas stream rich in oxygen, in nitrogen or in hydrogen, particularly a stream comprising more than 80% oxygen, which is then sent to an oxygen-consuming plant chosen from a combustion furnace, a paper-pulp manufacturing unit and a water treatment unit.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method of and system for recovering and recirculating a deuterium-containing gas. According to the inventive method, a deuterium-containing feed gas is introduced into a chamber. An exhaust gas containing deuterium is removed from the chamber. The deuterium concentration of the exhaust gas is adjusted to a predetermined value, thereby producing a concentration-adjusted gas stream. Finally, the concentration-adjusted gas stream is introduced into the chamber as the deuterium-containing feed gas. The invention makes the use of deuterium, for example, in the mass production of semiconductor devices, commercially feasible.

Abstract: A gas separation plant includes, downstream of the line for feeding the gas separation module with a compressed gas mixture, a liquid particle separation device which includes a liquid detector, for example, of the optronic type, delivering an output signal, connected to an alarm device and to a central control unit of the plant.

Abstract: A filter device for adsorption of gaseous constituents from a gas flow includes a filter chamber with filters arranged therein, a clean-gas chamber connected to the first chamber in a fluid-conducting manner via the filters, and a collection chamber arranged beneath the filter chamber, is open toward the filter chamber and has an interior which narrows toward the bottom. An unfiltered-gas duct which leads from the outside, is arranged in the lower area of the collection chamber in such a manner that it can be adjusted in the direction toward the filters. A dust-discharge device, which leads toward the outside, is arranged in the lower area.

Abstract: A compression machine (compressor 4 and/or pump 5) of the plant (1) for the treatment of a fluid, typically by pressure swing adsorption, comprises at least one detector (7) for detecting clearance between a moving part (6) and a stator and delivering a measurement signal used so as to vary, depending on this measurement, the operation of the plant and especially to automatically shorten the phases during which the machine is running at an excessively high speed.

Abstract: A device for continuously fractionating a gas by adsorption, an in-service testing device in a processor-controlled adsorption drier system and a method for testing the operating capability of an adsorption drier system under the control of a processor, including two adsorbent beds connected to one another in a switching system, in which regeneration is performed by a flow of regeneration gas. The device has a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a bypass outlet feeding into a common functional block, which contains a line switching circuit, a first and a second shuttle valve and, optionally, other components. The in-service testing device and the device are so compact due to their respective structures that they can be integrated with one another requiring little space and having low assembly requirements. The testing method is configured to co-operate with the in-service testing device and the device, requiring only a few components for the application thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water supply and drainage type microorganic deodorizing system, by which a clogging of deodorizer can be effectively prevented in order to decrease a deodorizing capacity, wherein deodorization chambers are provided in two stages in the tower main body, offensive odor constituents are gradually adsorbed by filters of the deodorization chambers as ordered by decomposing action of microorganisms, and decomposed in order to completely deodorize. Furthermore, by providing a water sprinkling system of replenishing water in relation to the filters the performance of the filters can be restored, and furthermore, by providing a water diluting system WC which dilutes cleansing water of the filters, drainage can be prevented from being contaminated, in accordance with drainage standards.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption process and system for separating gas mixtures comprising at least one more strongly adsorbable component and at least one less strongly adsorbable component. The process includes storing gas enriched in one of the components in a first storage tank and a second storage tank. Final product gas is provided from the second storage tank while gas for purge, rinse, and/or repressurization is provided from the first storage tank.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption process and system for separating gas mixtures comprising at least one more strongly adsorbable component and at least one less strongly adsorbable component. The process includes storing gas enriched in one of the components in a first storage tank and a second storage tank which are arranged in series. Final product gas is provided from the second storage tank while gas for purge, rinse, and/or repressurization is provided from the first storage tank.

Abstract: A plant for separating a gas mixture includes several units having different functions, including a compression unit, a purification unit and a separating unit. Each unit has an attendant cabin which contains monitoring and control systems and, optionally, an analysis system and an electrical distribution system which are necessary for the operation of the respective unit only. The plant may be an apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation.

Abstract: An adsorber for purifying flue gases of a furnace includes a housing having a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet. The housing has an adsorption medium chamber. A fill socket extends from the top of the housing. A removal device extends from the bottom of the housing. The chamber includes substantially vertical, gas-permeable walls for delimiting the chamber at the inlet side and at the outlet side. The chamber also includes a vertical gas-permeable partition and a slanted non-gas-permeable wall. The wall at the inlet side is a louver wall extending upwardly to the level of the fill socket. The wall at the outlet side is a slotted screen connected with the slanted, non-gas-permeable wall to the fill socket. The flue gas outlet is located opposite the non-gas-permeable wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for remediation of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants entrained in flue gases. The flue gases, having a pre-determined moisture content, are mixed with sorbent material and forced through an induct venturi equipped with a mixing impeller. Downstream, the reaction products are removed from the gas stream and collected for use as construction material. The vented gas stream is monitored for specific pollutants and the amount of sorbent material introduced into the system can be automated in response to reading obtained. Additionally, the gas stream can pass through a bag house or cyclone wherein the bags are impregnated with materials specific to the pollutants carried in the stream.

Abstract: Equipment samples and processes for analysis PAH and other organic compounds, as well as hydrogen fluoride and sulphur oxides in air and in gas in production equipment.The equipment comprises a layered adsorption device 1 in which the adsorbents are dry. During sampling, the adsorption device 1 is connected at its upper end to a probe 8, which is brought into contact with the object to be sampled, and connected at its lower end to a gel box 10, a pump 9 and a gas clock 12, in series. After sampling, the adsorption device 1 may be connected directly to an extraction apparatus 11 for the processing of the sample.

Abstract: A filtering device well adapted for filtering moisture from a natural gas stream is formed by a tubular housing containing a bed of particulate material, such as gravel. In one embodiment, particulate material is positioned in an upper portion of the housing and a liquid reservoir is provided in a lower portion of the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is packed full of particulate material and the liquid reservoir is provided by a boot depending from the housing.

Abstract: An activated carbon has a pencil hardness of B-6B, pore size of 100-400.ANG., specific surface area of 150-500 m.sup.2 /g, pore volume of 1.3-5.0 ml/g, and if desired, CEC of 8-13 and is composed of carbon microcrystals irregularly arranged. An activated carbon can be produced by burning waste tires containing metal wires. The activated carbon can be used for removing SO.sub.2 and/or No.sub.x formed by combustion of heavy oil, or combustion of light oil. Apparatuses therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption apparatus including a compressor for pumping a flow of a gaseous mixture through an adsorption medium utilizes a capacity control system by which the operating capacity of the compressor can be preselected. The capacity control system is disposed upstream, i.e. on the suction side of, the compressor for limiting, when desired, the feed stream drawn into the compressor. A reduction in the operating capacity of the apparatus by way of the control system results in a corresponding reduction in the power consumption and noise levels of the compressor.

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air dryer which dries compressed air before the compressed air is communicated to a reservoir. The air dryer includes a desiccant which is purged by using air stored in the reservoir. A pressure reference purge control valve is installed between the air dryer and the reservoir and includes a housing which defines a pressure reference volume. A pressure which is a function of the highest pressure level communicated to the reservoir is trapped in the reference volume. The valve permits purging only until a pressure is reached which is a predetermined pressure drop below the reference pressure level, whereupon purging is terminated.

Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying high purity helium group gas which may have been contaminated with water, oxygen and/or hydrogen during its transmission to customers' sites.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorber system includes a pneumatically driven booster compressor to increase the pressure of the output product gas. A pair of inlet valves controls feed air flow to the sieve beds and the drive cylinder of the booster compressor and are cycled so that one valve opens to pressurize one sieve bed before the other valve closes to allow the other sieve bed vent to atmosphere. During the time that both valves are open, the pressure in the two sieve beds and on opposite sides of the drive cylinder equalize and a portion of the gas in the pressurized sieve bed and drive cylinder side is captured rather than being vented to ambient. System efficiency is increased by selecting whether captured gas from the last pressurized sieve bed or drive cylinder side reaches the next to be pressurized sieve bed first.

Abstract: A gas containing malodorous/harmful components is treated with an iodine- and/or inorganic iodide-supporting activated carbon honeycomb 6 disposed in a gas passageway 5 extending from a gas inlet 3 to a gas outlet 4. The gas may be treated with this iodine-and/or inorganic iodide-supporting activated honeycomb 6 and an acid-supporting activated carbon honeycomb 7. A fan 8 may be provided in a downstream position within the gas passageway. The operation of the fan may be associated with a sensor for detecting malodorous/harmful components and/or a timer which controls the operating duration of a motor. The above activated carbon honeycomb will eliminate various malodorous/harmful substances, such as ammonia and sulfur-containing compounds, with high efficiency and low flow resistance. The activated carbon honeycomb can be used for the treatment of a variety of gases and is particularly useful for the deodorization of toilets.

Abstract: A programmable control and operation system is applied in a swing pressure adsorption process. The system comprises a computer, a driving device, and a plurality of programmable control valve assemblies. The programmable control valve assembly comprises an operating valve with at least one cavity for sealing control, a valve core, a sealing ring, an operation device, a sealing control valve, and a valve position detector. The operation of the sealing control valve is dependent on the open or closed position of the valve and the process of opening and closing the valve. The sealing control valve feeds a sealing control medium at a pressure to the cavity for sealing the operating valve. The sealing control medium acts on the sealing ring to increase the pressure at the valve core to seal the operating valve. The control and operation system provide independent control of the sealing valve and operating valve to increase reliability and durability.

Abstract: A thermally developable light-sensitive material comprising a support having therein or in at least one layer thereon (a) an organic silver salt, (b) a photocatalyst, and (c) a reducing agent, and additionally (d) at least one 1,2,4-triazole compound.

Abstract: A photographic element comprising a support, a layer containing certain photographically useful fragments and a layer containing a dye mordant composition comprising a polymer having recurring units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: A comprises polymerized units of ethylenically unsaturated monomers;R is H or alkyl;R.sup.1 is H, alkyl or is a group containing at least one atomatic nucleus;Q is a linking group;Y is H or an inert group;X is a leaving group;E and F are the atoms necesary to complete a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring;N is 0 to 2;M is 1 to 3;P is 0 or 1;X is 0 to 90 weight percent; andY is 10 to 100 weight percent of the polymer.The polymeric mordants covalently bond with dyes or dye precursors and are especially useful in diffusion transfer processes.

Abstract: A heat developable photographic material comprising, in reactive association, (a) photosensitive silver halide, with (b) an image-forming combination comprising (i) a silver imidazoline-2-thione wherein the imidazoline-2-thione portion is a 1-methyl, 1-ethyl or 1-phenyl-4-imidazoline-2-thione, with (ii) an organic, silver halide developing agent and (c) a binder, can provide developed and stabilized images without the need for processing solutions or baths. An image can be developed and stabilized in this material by merely heating the material to moderately elevated temperatures after imagewise exposure. Other addenda employed in heat developable photographic silver halide materials can be employed with the heat developable photographic materials described.

Abstract: A negative image silver halide photographic emulsion comprising substantially surface latent image-type silver chlorobromide or silver chlorobromoiodide grains with an iodide content of up to about 7 mol%, wherein the mean grain size of the silver halide grains is not greater than about 0.7.mu., a binder is present in an amount of not more than about 250 g per mol of silver halide, and at least one compound represented by the following general formula (I):r.sup.1 nhnhcho (i)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material containing at least one negative image silver halide photographic emulsion layer comprising silver halide grains that have an average grain size of not more than about 0.7 .mu. and are substantially of the surface latent image type and containing a binder in an amount of not more than about 250 g per mol of silver halide, and containing a compound represented by the following general formula (I):r.sup.1 nhnhcor.sup.2 (i)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; in at least one of the hydrophilic colloid layers, and a compound represented by the following general formula (II) or (III): ##STR1## wherein Y represents a sulfur atom, a selenium atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom or a divalent residue; --NR.sup.4 --, wherein R.sup.

Abstract: A multilayer silver halide color photographic material submissive to rapid silver removal containing, in at least one layer, a salt of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of organic compounds containing sulfur such as, for example, mercaptotriazoles and the like and heterocyclic compounds containing no sulfur such as, for example, imidazole compounds and the like with at least one heavy metal ion such as, for example, ions of silver, zinc, cobalt and the like.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic emulsion containing at least one sensitizing dye represented by the following general formula (I), ##STR1## in which Z represents an atomic group necessary for forming a benzoxazole nucleus or a naphthoxazole nucleus; R.sub.1 represents an aliphatic group; R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group, an allyl group or an aryl group; R.sub.3 represents a 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethyl group, a 2-(2-acyloxyethyoxy)-ethyl group, an N-(N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl)carbamoylalkyl group, an N-(N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl)carbamoylalkyl group or an N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl group; X represents an acid anion; and n represents 0 or 1.

Abstract: A thermally developable light-sensitive material with improved storage stability and a minimized thermal fog without an increase in both light discoloration and dark discoloration which comprises a support and having therein or in at least one layer thereon at least (a) an organic carboxylic acid silver salt comprising about 50 mol% or more of silver behenate, (b) a photocatalyst and (c) a reducing agent, and with the material containing (d) at least one compound (1) represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitro group, a cyano group and a halogen atom, with the proviso that R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are not all simultaneously a hydrogen atom, and (2) having a half-neutralization point of from about 40 mV to about 140 mV above the half-neutralization point of benzoic acid in isopropanol.

Abstract: Hexahydro-4,6-diimino-1,3-pyrimidine-2-thiones having a phenyl group substituent in the 1-position have been found to be antifoggants for silver halide photographic emulsions.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic emulsion containing, in supersensitizing amounts, the combination ofat least one compound represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1 represents the atoms necessary for forming a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring; W.sub.1 represents a sulfur atom or a selenium atom; Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and R.sub.2 represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety or an aryl group;At least one carbocyanine dye represented by the following general formula (II): ##STR2## wherein Z.sub.2 represents the atoms necessary for forming a thiazole ring, a selenazole ring, an oxazole ring, an imidazole ring or a pyrroline ring; Z.sub.3 represents the atoms necessary for forming an oxazole ring or an imidazole ring; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5, which may be the same or different, each represents an alkyl group; R.sub.

Abstract: Photographic additives in particular water-insoluble photographic additives are rendered easier to incorporate into photographic layers by finely dividing them, mixing them with a finely divided water soluble substance and compressing the resulting mixture into the form of a tablet. The tablets which contain from about 1 to 50% by weight of the photographic additives are then dissolved in the coating composition and this disperses the water insoluble additive uniformly throughout the coating composition.

Abstract: A silver halide multilayer color sensitive material comprising a red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a green-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and a blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer on a support, wherein each silver halide emulsion layer contains a non-diffusible image forming coupler, the improvement which comprises at least one of the silver halide emulsion layers comprising an upper unit silver halide emulsion layer, a middle unit silver halide emulsion layer and a lower unit silver halide emulsion layer, in which the sensitivity of the three unit silver halide emulsion layers decreases in order from the upper unit silver halide emulsion layer to the lower unit silver halide emulsion layer, and at least the middle unit silver halide emulsion layer contains a development inhibitor releasing compound.

Abstract: Process for developing light-sensitive silver halide photographic materials with a developing solution in the presence of one or more of sulfur-containing amine compounds.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material having improved image quality which comprises at least one hydrophilic colloid layer containing at least one reducing compound, preferably having an oxidation potential less than about 1.

Abstract: Photographic additives in particular water insoluble photographic additives are rendered easier to incorporate into photographic layers by finely dividing them, mixing them with a finely divided water soluble substance and preparing granules of the mixture using a hydrophilic colloid as the binder. The granules which contain from about 1 to 50% by weight of the photographic additives are then dissolved in the coating composition and this disperses the water insoluble additive uniformly throughout the coating composition.